MPV Commentary

At Philippi, Lydia Is Gained and with Her Household

12-13. We were in that city for several days, waiting until the Sabbath arrived. As was their custom, they began by reaching out to the Jews and those who had converted to Judaism.

13. On the first Sabbath after our arrival, we went outside the city gate to a riverside area where people typically gathered for prayer. This location suggests there was no synagogue in Philippi, as the number of Jewish residents was small. The gathering consisted mainly of women, not all of whom were Jewish. The proximity to streams made it an ideal spot due to the ceremonial washings involved.

We sat down and spoke with these women, sharing the message of Christ in a humble and simple manner. Despite this modest approach, we gathered the first European converts to Christianity, and they were predominantly women. Their contributions would be frequently acknowledged in the future.

14-15. Lydia was a common name among Greeks and Romans. She was a merchant who sold purple dye from Thyatira, a city on the border of Lydia and Phrygia. The Lydians, particularly those from Thyatira, were renowned for their expertise in dyeing, which they inherited from the Tyrians. This woman's business establishment at Philippi was substantial enough to accommodate our missionary team.

Lydia was a proselyte who worshipped God, indicating her conversion to Judaism. However, it was the Lord Jesus who opened her heart to understand the message we shared. Her attention to the truth demonstrated that the inclination towards faith originates from divine grace rather than human will.

15. Lydia's response to our message was immediate; she and her entire household were baptized without delay. This event marked the first European baptism in connection with Paul's ministry, highlighting its significance. The mention of a Christian household also introduced a new concept, although it is unclear whether children were included in this baptism. The question of infant baptism must be determined through other historical evidence.

Lydia asked us to recognize her faith by baptizing her and her household. Her modesty is evident in this request, which implies that she had already demonstrated her commitment to the Lord Jesus through baptism.

16-18. As we continued on our way to prayer, a young female servant who was possessed by an evil spirit began to follow us. This spirit was believed to be inspired by the Pythian Apollo or of a similar nature. The reality of this demonic possession is undeniable, as it is in other accounts from the Gospel.

The girl repeatedly declared that we were servants of the Most High God, which was a glorious testimony to Christ's power. However, this declaration was not without its challenges, as Paul was grieved by the suffering of the poor victim and the malignant intentions behind her words.

19. When Lydia's masters realized their business was being affected, they seized Paul and Silas, dragging them into the marketplace to present their case before the magistrates. This action confirms the supernatural nature of our healing, as it would have been irrational for them to behave in this manner if there were no truth to our claims.

20. The magistrates, who were likely influenced by anti-Semitic sentiments, accused us of causing trouble in the city. Similar charges had been made against us before (Acts 17:6 and 24:5).