The Testimony of Faithful Witnesses: Lydia, Generous Hostess (Acts 16:11-15, 40)

Whenever we come to the Bible, we often read looking for instruction and encouragement for the day. But the Bible isn’t meant only to guide us day-by-day. The Scriptures are a historical record. They reveal what God has done and is doing in the world—and introduce us to the people who played a particular role in His plans for the world.

If you’re a longtime reader of the Bible, you’re more than likely familiar with many of these people. Some are examples of faithfulness. Others are cautionary tales against faithlessness. But all were examples of people who furthered God’s plan to give “God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” [John 3:16, CEV]

During this series, we’re discussing the following witnesses to God’s authority and love:

• June 7: Deborah, the Dutiful Judge (Judges 4:4-10, 14, 21-22)
• June 14: Hannah, the Faithful Supplicant (1 Samuel 1:9-20, 25)
• June 28: Amos, Courageous Prophet (Amos 1:1; 2:11-12; 3:7-8; 7:10-15)
• July 5: The Believing Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13)
• July 12: Simon Peter, Restored Disciple (Mark 8:27-29; Luke 22:31-34; John 18:25-27, 21:15-17)
• July 19: Zacchaeus, Repentant Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-11)
• July 26: Mary, Loyal Mother (Luke 2:15-19; John 2:1-5; 19:25-27)
• August 9: Stephen, Unwavering Martyr (Acts 6:7-10; 7:54-60)
• August 16: Saul of Tarsus, Unlikely Disciple (Acts 22:3-15)
• August 23: Timothy, Leader with a Legacy (2 Timothy 1:1-6; 3:14-16)
• August 30: Lydia, Generous Hostess (Acts 16:11-15, 40)

In the tenth session, we discussed Lydia and how showed hospitality to Paul. (Acts 16:11-15, 40). The discussion and passages are below:

Acts 16:11-15, 40 [New International Version]

From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.