Lydia's Conversion at Philippi

After sailing from Troas to Samothrace and Neapolis, Paul and his companions arrived at Philippi, which was a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony (Acts 16:11-12). They remained in this city for some days. On the Sabbath, the group went outside the city gate to a riverside, where they supposed there was a place of prayer. They sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there (Acts 16:13).

Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God from the city of Thyatira. The text describes her as a seller of purple goods. As she listened, the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul (Acts 16:14). The specific words Paul spoke to the women are not recorded; the text does not say what the content of his address was beyond the implication of the gospel message.

Following this encounter, Lydia and her household were baptized. After the baptism, she urged Paul and his companions to stay at her house, stating that if they judged her to be faithful to the Lord, they should come and remain there (Acts 16:15). Silas was among the group present during these events, as he had traveled with Paul from Troas. The text does not say how many other members of the household were baptized or their specific identities. Lydia prevailed upon the men, and they stayed at her home (Acts 16:15).