Lydia's Conversion

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Acts 16:13

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down…

1. Philippi is famous as the spot where the world's future trembled in the balance when Octavius met Brutus and Cassius in terrible conflict. The two republican generals here ended their stormy career and universal empire crouched at the feet of Caesar. As long as time endures, Philippi will be remembered as one of the greatest names in history. But when time shall have passed away Philippi will still have a name as the place where the first herald of the Cross cried, "Europe for Jesus," and won his first victory in our quarter of the world. More fraught with blessings to the human race was that conquest of a woman's heart, than all the laurels which Octavius had reaped upon the bloody field.

2. The introduction of Christianity into Europe is a very humble affair. It was an open-air service by the riverside. Happy augury of the results of open-air preaching in after times! Let us look at Lydia's conversion —

I. IN ITSELF.

1. It was brought about by providential circumstances.

(1) She was a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, famous for its dyeing trade, which had flourished there ever since the days of Homer, and situated in that part of the country into which Paul was forbidden to preach; therefore, had Lydia been at home, she could not have heard the truth. But providence brings her to Philippi at the right time. Here is the first link of the chain.

(2) But how is Paul to be brought there? He must be shut out of Bithynia, and he must be silenced in his journey through Mysia, etc. In this case God rules and overrules all things to bring that woman and that apostle to the same spot, and everything in God's providence is working together for the salvation of the elect.

2. There was not only providence, but there was also grace preparing the soul. The woman knew many truths which were excellent stepping stones to a knowledge of Jesus. She was a proselyte of the gate, and therefore well acquainted with the oracles of God. As in the case of the Ethiopian eunuch, the Scriptures she had read had prepared her mind: the ground had been ploughed ready for the good seed; it was not a hard rock as in the jailer's ease.

3. Her conversion took place in the use of the means. On the Sabbath she went to the gathering of her people. Although God calls men when they are not hearing the Word, yet usually we must expect that being in the way, God will meet with them. It is somewhat extraordinary that the first convert in Europe was converted at a very small prayer meeting. Wherever we are, let us not forget the assembling Of ourselves together as the manner of some is. Do not say "only a prayer meeting!" God loves to put honour upon prayer.

4. It was assuredly a work of grace.

(1) She did not open her own heart, Her prayers did not do it; Paul did not do it. God alone can put the key into the door and open it, and get admittance for Himself. He is the heart's master as He is the heart's maker, and conversion in every case is the Lord's work alone.

(2) Yet — for one truth must always march arm in arm with another — although the Lord opened the heart, Paul's words were the instrument of her conversion. The heart may be opened, and willing to receive, but then if truth enter not, what would be the use of an open door?

5. It was distinctly perceptible by the signs which followed. As soon as she had believed in Jesus she put on, together with her household, the profession of her faith in Christ Jesus.

II. BY WAY OF CONTRAST.

1. In the case of the jailer, we see nothing like a previous preparation for the reception of the Word; he was coarse, rough, brutal. The earthquake comes, etc. In Lydia's case there was much which went to prepare the way for the grace of God.

2. She was in the way where the grace of God was likely to meet with her. But the jailer is not in a place where the gospel is at all likely to come. His occupation was not that which would foster any religious ideas. But in a moment, at God's voice, the current of his thoughts changes its direction, and flows where it had never gone before.

3. In Lydia's case there was no earthquake; it was a "still, small voice." The jailer sprang in, and cams trembling; but we find nothing about Lydia's being overwhelmed with the terrors of conscience; she was gently led by the finger of the eternal Father. Grace came to her as the shower which first begins as a mist, and then thickens into a heavy dew, and then becomes a gentle sprinkling, and afterwards empties the clouds upon the soil. To the jailer it was like an April storm beginning with big drops, and dashing into a torrent in a few moments: to the jailer it was as though the sun should rise in an instant, and turn the thickest night into full blaze of noon. Do not expect all to be converted in the same way. Our God is the God of variety.

III. THE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO. In both cases —

1. Providence co-worked with grace. Providence brings Lydia to Philippi, and shakes the prison.

2. There was a distinct work of God.

3. The Word of God is essential for the jailer as to Lydia, "They spake the word of the Lord," etc.

4. The same signs followed. The same love to the brethren, consecration of the substance, obedience to the Divine command, "Arise, and be baptized."

IV. AS A MODEL OF MULTITUDES OF CONVERSIONS. "We have a summary of the work of the Holy Spirit here.

1. The Lord removed prejudice.

2. Her desires were awakened

3. Her understanding was enlightened.

4. Her affections were excited.

5. And then came faith; she believed the whole of the record.

6. Faith being given, all the graces followed.

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