Acts 16 14

Acts 16:14 kjv

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Acts 16:14 nkjv

Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

Acts 16:14 niv

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.

Acts 16:14 esv

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

Acts 16:14 nlt

One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.

Acts 16 verses

Acts 16 14 Meaning

The verse describes Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, who was devout and heard Paul’s preaching. God opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying, leading her and her household to be baptized. This signifies a pivotal moment in the spread of the gospel to Europe, initiated by a Gentile woman who was receptive to the message.

Acts 16 14 Context

This verse is found within the narrative of Paul's second missionary journey. After a vision of a Macedonian man calling him to Philippi, Paul and his companions crossed the Aegean Sea into Europe for the first time. They arrived in Philippi, a Roman colony. On the Sabbath day, they went outside the city gates to a riverside, where they expected to find Jewish men gathered for prayer. This verse introduces Lydia, a prosperous businesswoman from Thyatira, known for dealing in expensive purple dye. Her faith and subsequent conversion mark a significant milestone as the gospel's first fruit in Europe and the establishment of the church in Philippi. The act of opening her heart signifies divine enablement for faith, highlighting the human responsibility to hear and respond.

Acts 16 14 Word Analysis

• Lydia (Λυδία - Ludia): Proper noun. Refers to a woman from Lydia, a region in western Asia Minor. In this context, it is likely a demonym, identifying her origin. She is presented as a significant figure in early Christianity in Europe.
• purple (πορφυρᾶ - porphura): Refers to a costly dye, highly valued in the ancient world, extracted from certain sea snails. Purple was often associated with royalty and wealth due to its expense and vibrant color. Lydia's trade in this commodity indicates her prosperity and likely a respectable social standing.
• seller (ἐμπολις - empolis): Merchant, trader. This term emphasizes her active role in business and commerce.
• of purple (πορφυρίτις - porphuritidō): A feminine adjective derived from 'purple,' describing the cloth or goods she dealt with.
• a worshipper of God (θεοσεβής - theosebēs): A Greek term indicating a Gentile who, while not a proselyte fully converted to Judaism, nevertheless revered the God of Israel and adhered to some Jewish practices, like observing the Sabbath. This shows a preparedness for the Gospel.
• who heard (ἀκούοντος - akouontos): Present participle. Indicates she was actively listening. The receptivity described is crucial.
• The Lord (Κύριος - Kurios): In the context of Acts, particularly when referring to divine action, it most often refers to God the Father, but it can also refer to Jesus Christ, especially when describing His empowering or opening of the heart in response to the gospel message.
• opened (διήνοιξεν - diēnoixen): Aorist indicative of διάνοίγω (dianoigo). This means to open wide, to unfold, or to cause understanding. It's a divine act, suggesting an internal spiritual illumination and enablement.
• her heart (τὴν καρδίαν - tēn kardian): The heart was understood in Hebrew and Hellenistic thought as the center of a person's inner life—the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. Here, it refers to her innermost being being receptive.
• to respond (εἰς τὸ ἀντακούειν - eis to antakouein): Literally "to hear in return," or "to assent." It signifies not just hearing, but also understanding and responding positively to what was being said by Paul. It implies obedience and active engagement with the message.
• Paul’s message (τοῖς ὑπὸ τοῦ Παύλου λαλούμενοις - tois hypo tou Paulou lalousimenoisi): "the things spoken by Paul." Emphasizes that the response was to the specific proclamation of the gospel by Paul.
• And when (Ὡς δὲ - Hōs de): "But when" or "And as." A connective particle indicating a temporal or logical sequence.
• she was baptized (ἐβαπτίσθη - ebaptisthē): Passive voice, aorist indicative. Indicates she underwent the rite of baptism.
• and her household (καὶ ὁ οἶκος αὐτῆς - kai ho oikos autēs): "and her house/household." This included her family members, servants, and any dependents living with her. Baptism of the household often implied the conversion of the head of the household.

Groups of words analysis:

• "seller of purple": Identifies Lydia's profession and likely socioeconomic status.
• "worshipper of God": Defines her religious orientation as a God-fearing Gentile, receptive to Jewish teaching.
• "The Lord opened her heart": Highlights the divine initiative in salvation. It’s not solely human effort but God’s enabling grace.
• "to respond to Paul's message": Describes the human response to divine initiative, encompassing belief, understanding, and commitment.
• "she was baptized and her household": Documents the outward expression of her faith and its impact on her immediate family.

Acts 16 14 Bonus Section

Lydia is recognized as the first recorded convert in Europe. The term "worshipper of God" (θεοσεβής - theosebēs) is significant in understanding the mission to the Gentiles. These individuals represented a bridge between paganism and Judaism, often found in synagogues and already inclined toward the monotheism of Israel. Their receptivity to the gospel message was crucial in the early expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish borders. The baptism of her household underscores the importance of family units in early Christian practice and the belief that conversion often had widespread effects within a household. The steadfastness and support Lydia later provided to Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:40) demonstrate the genuine and impactful nature of her faith.

Acts 16 14 Commentary

Lydia’s story illustrates the inclusive nature of God’s grace. She was a Gentile woman from Asia Minor, a prospering businesswoman. Her receptivity was prepared by God; "the Lord opened her heart." This signifies that salvation is initiated by God, opening spiritual understanding and willingness. Her open heart led to a response of faith, evident in her acceptance of Paul's preaching and her subsequent baptism, along with her entire household. This event is significant as it marks the gospel’s arrival in Europe, establishing a foundational church. Lydia then hosted Paul and his companions, becoming a vital supporter of their ministry.