A Classic Conversion

Lydia is often held up as an example of a noble, hard-working, lady. We perhaps think that she was so virtuous that all God had to do was give her a nudge. A little thought will do away with such romantic notions. Above all else, the account describes how a sinful woman was delivered by the mercy of God. We see someone with a faint interest in God being brought into his kingdom. It begins with an inward work of God, a gift given to some and withheld from others. This heart change caused her to listen to the gospel and believe. Following this was obedience: baptism, witness, and the showing of hospitality. We ought not to hold Lydia up as a great lady but instead hold up God as a great saviour.