The Women By The River

The Women by the River

Q: What seller of purple cloth became a believer?

• a. Mary
• b. Phoebe
• c. Lydia

Paul and Silas traveled to the city of Philippi. On the Sabbath they went outside the city gate to the river because they thought they might find a group gathered for prayer. When they arrived they found a group of women. One of the women was Lydia, an influential merchant who sold purple cloth. Lydia was probably wealthy, because the cloth was valuable and was often worn as a sign of nobility. Lydia believed in God, but she didn’t know about Jesus. After Paul told the group about Jesus’ death and resurrection, Lydia became a Christian.

Lydia went back to her home and shared the news with her family. She invited Paul, Silas, and the others with them to stay with her. Lydia also offered her home as a place for other Christians to gather.

When Lydia became a believer, she didn’t stop being a merchant, but she started using her money and her home to serve God. God doesn’t expect every believer to be a full-time missionary or pastor, but he wants them to be like Lydia in sharing the gospel where they are and in using what they have for God.

For You

God wants you to be a witness for him in your classroom, homeschool group, art club, soccer team, karate class, or wherever you are. He needs Christians to take the light to places nearby as well as places far away. Be a light to those around you today no matter where you are.

Answer: c

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 16:14

(The Whole Story: Acts 16:11-15)