The Forgotten Example

Acts 16:14-15
    In the middle of Acts 16 there are just two verses that to an untrained person seem quite unimportant, but that would be far from the truth. It talks of a woman named Lydia, and these two verses can teach us many lessons. 1) Lydia was a business woman. A seller a purple fabrics means she made expensive clothes, because purple the color warn by royalty because of its rarity and difficulty to make. 2) She believed in God. The text tells us that it was the Sabbath, so Paul went down to the river side because it supposed it would be a place of prayer. When arriving he sat down and spoke to the women assembled. 3) She had a tender heart that was accepting of hearing the Gospel. The text says “The Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.” We know the Lord does not make anyone obey him (John 4:23-24) but she was obviously affected by the Gospel message and the sacrifice given. 4) She had great influence. The text mentioned that she and her household were baptized. We must never downplay the importance of a Godly mother and the example she can set for all of those she cares for. 5) Baptism was an essential part of being “judged to be faithful.” She told Paul, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” He did stay, meaning she was faithful, and that baptism is an essential part of being faithful. It’s amazing how two “little” verses have great teaching moments. I love you all!
In His service,
Steven Hugley