Lydia didn’t do half measures, she was extravagant. How so, you ask? Consider Acts 16:15 NIV
[15] When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Souled-Out Faith
When concocted by God to receive Paul’s leadership, Lydia got baptised. There’s nothing strange about that, that’s what people who accept Jesus Christ as Lord do. But she had her entire household join her. At the time when Lydia did that, we’ve only heard of Cornelius (see Acts 10). It is possible they agreed for the sake of their economic security; but it is our hope that their conviction grew like the Sycharian folks who met Jesus for themselves (see John 4:30 and 39).
Do you remember hearing of cosmopolitan cities, where various classes were involved in the household of faith? This would have been the genesis of such. And while we’re not entirely certain, the fact of her open hospitality to the apostles suggests that she may have stayed a house church! Such extravagance. For initially, she’d have had to feed that bunch. And perhaps the neighbours who gathered also.
We hear of the church at Thyatira in Revelation. It is possible that that church originated with, or was later supported by Lydia. By the time of John’s vision in chapter 2:18-29 that church had succumbed to pressures of the day – tolerance of false teachings and falling prey to sexual sin. While this does not point to Lydia’s character in any way, this is a warning for us.
For even as we celebrate Lydia as a souled-out servant, we recognize that there were other factors at pay around her. Let’s not get caught up in our or another person’s spirituality or righteousness to the extent that we fail to live wholly and soully for Christ. He is the Light, the Way and our Truth. No one else. Our service must point to Him, not us. Our acts of generosity must be about Him, not our promotion. Our witness of Jesus must draw others to our faith, in particular, those in our intimate circles. They may see us and determine to know God for themselves.
Lord, may we be wholly souled out to You.
—
May all we seek be found in Christ
