January 3 - She Constrained Us.

Acts 16:15
“And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”
 
She.
She was baptized immediately.
 
A public confession of the inward transformation that had taken place within her.
 
She provided housing for Paul and Silas when they were in Philippi.
Acts 16:15
“…she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”
 
Paul planted a church in Philippi.
It is likely that the church began in Lydia’s house.
 
He and Silas were imprisoned while they were there.
The Philippian Jailor was converted as a result of their stay.
Acts 16:18-40
 
They returned to the house of Lydia after they were released.
Acts 16:40
“And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.”
 
Paul wrote a letter, that we know as the Book of Philippians, while he was in prison in Rome.
 
As you read through Philippians, read with Lydia in mind.
 
She had a great impact on the church being started and sustained there, so it is likely that when Paul refers to the people, he is directly referring to her character and diligence to support the work of the ministry in Philippi.
 
Philippians 4:3
“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.”
 
She was a Missions Supporter.
 
As a seller of purple, she was a successful businesswoman who was likely very wealthy. This enabled her to give to the missionaries she often hosted in her home.
 
Philippians 4:15-19
“Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
 
She was a Soul Winner.
 
She must have told all that were in her household what the Lord had done for her. Her household was also baptized.
 
A mark of a true conversion is the desire to tell others.
 
Lydia also serves as an example of the effects that the Gospel can have on our lives if we choose to let the Lord lead us.