¹⁴A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. ¹⁵And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

One of those with whom Paul shared the gospel message by the riverside was a prosperous businesswoman, who traded in high-end cloth material. She was a worshiper of God, which by now we are beginning to understand is Luke’s way of referring to a Gentile who had adopted the beliefs of the Jews. Whether she was a full proselyte who formally embraced all of Judaism or was simply one who attached herself to Jewish customs, we don’t know for sure. However, God saw the condition of her heart, and her openness to the truth became evident at the preaching of the gospel.

More specifically, we read that “the Lord opened her heart to respond.” The mysterious working of God in the human heart is stated simply, but it raises theological questions. What role did human choice take in this conversion of the woman, such that she desired to be baptized? We note that she was a “worshiper of God,” presumably a result of her own volition. Further, she was “listening,” which again speaks of her choice. Only about the response to the gospel does the text say “the Lord opened her heart.” Some teach that God’s work was simply a response to her faith. Others teach that her responsiveness to the gospel was a result of God opening her heart. Which came first; which caused the other to happen?

Unfortunately for our curious minds, this debate will remain until the Lord returns. God’s sovereignty and human responsibility continue to mystify the greatest of Christian minds. But for Lydia, the effect was not up for theological debate. No, she instinctively responded with the desire to be baptized and to bring her entire household along in faith. Does this mean everyone in her household became believers also? We may presume this to be the case, as with the example of the jailer later in this chapter who with his entire household believed and therefore was baptized.

A further response of her conversion was her heart of hospitality, to invite Paul and his company into her home, which they did. The evidence of genuine conversion was undeniable. She wanted to serve those who preached the gospel to her, sharing her life with others of like faith. Hers was not a faith of convenience or ulterior motives; her faith reflected a genuine change of the heart.

Lord, as You opened Lydia’s heart, please open the hearts of my family.