“Conversions in Acts” — What did they do to become Christians?
Part 7.
Hello - Jameson here. Before we get into the article I wanted to let you know I will be sharing articles written by guest writers until the end of the year. I’m just giving myself a little bit of a break until the new year.
I look forward to sharing these articles with you!
Over the past several weeks, we have noticed six specific conversion accounts in the Book of Acts:
The 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38, 41).
Those in the city of Samaria (Acts 8:1-12).
“Simon the Sorcerer” (Acts 8:13).
The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9).
The conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10).
We now come to Acts 16 where we learn of two specific conversion accounts. In this article, we will examine the first: Lydia (Acts 16:11-15).
The Macedonian Call
Paul, Silas, and Timothy went out preaching the Word (Acts 16:1-5). After being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to enter certain regions, a vision appeared to Paul in the night. It was a man of Macedonia who cried out, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” The men of God then concluding that the Lord had “called them to preach the Gospel to them” (Acts 16:10).
They made their way into Philippi, which to every Bible student is a very recognizable place and name. It was the “foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony” (Acts 16:12). On the Sabbath Day, the men went out to the riverside where prayer was customarily made. There they met and spoke with the women who were meeting there.
The conversion of Lydia
A certain woman named Lydia heard them as they preached the Gospel. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira (another location very familiar to Bible students). The text says that she “worshipped God” and that the Lord “opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 16:14).
After hearing the Word of God proclaimed, Lydia, just like the 3,000 on Pentecost Day (Acts 2), those in the city of Samaria (Acts 8), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9), and Cornelius (Acts 10) had the proper response by obeying the Gospel.
“And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us” (Acts 16:15).
This conversion is unique and powerful. Notice that Paul, Silas, and Timothy went where the people were. By heeding the “Macedonian Call,” they were able to “send the light” of the Gospel and make a great impact on that city. The church at Philippi would be one of the strongest congregations of the Lord’s church in the first century.
Paul would take the time to write to these brethren in the beloved “Epistle to the Philippians.” As far as Thyatira, Jesus would speak to the church encouraging them to hold fast to the truth and overcome (Rev. 2:18-29).
Lydia was a great candidate for the Gospel as she was already focused on spiritual things as the text indicates. She, like Cornelius, was sincere, genuine, and humble but lost and needed the Gospel. She responded properly by hearing the message, opening her mind and heart to the message, and obeying the message. Dear friends, that is what it’s all about!
Thinking about the Lord opening the heart of Lydia
There has been a lot of controversy through the years on the phrase “The Lord opened her heart” to suggest some kind of miraculous intervention.
Did the Lord directly, miraculously “open her heart,” or was it by some other means?
The Holy Spirit instructs and convicts through the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). Notice that Lydia first heard the things spoken by Paul and the others. Her heart was opened just as the hearts of the 3,000 on Pentecost were pricked: By the hearing of the Gospel (Acts 2:37).
The Bible says that, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Her heart was opened by hearing the Gospel and then she put her faith into action by being baptized into Christ.
Next time, Lord willing, we will examine the next conversion which happens to be in the same chapter.
I encourage you to read the account (Acts 16:25-34) in preparation for our study and write down any questions or thoughts you may have.
I hope and pray that this article and that this series is helping all who read to have a clearer understanding of what the Lord requires.
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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