Monday 11 May 2026
Acts 16:11-15. The Lord takes delight in his people – Ps 149:1-6, 9. John 15:26 – 16:4.
Early church leadership
Today’s reading from Acts tells us of the conversion of Lydia, a wealthy Gentile woman living in the Roman colony of Phillipi. She dealt in purple cloth and was probably a woman of independent means. Her heart was opened by God to receive Paul’s message and she and her household were baptised. She showed hospitality of the heart in inviting Paul and his entourage (Luke, Silas, Timothy) to stay with her. In a pagan place and as a woman, she showed bravery in opening her home to the missionaries of the early church. Her home became a place of meeting and prayer for the fledgling Christian group who were aware that their lives were at risk as they preached.
Lydia is regarded as an early church leader and patron of a house church whose faith empowered others to be received into the community. She was an influencer in her extended household and beyond, whose place of gathering and worship was a sanctuary for early believers.
Email this Print This Page
