### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Lydía**, represented by `{{G3070}}`, refers to a specific Christian woman from Asia Minor. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Though her appearances are brief, she is presented as a key figure in the establishment of the church in her city, noted for her piety and hospitality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Lydía** is introduced as a "seller of purple" from the city of Thyatira who "worshipped God" [[Acts 16:14]]. Her story is a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry. The scripture notes that the Lord "opened" her heart, which led her to attend to Paul's message. Following this, her home becomes a gathering place for believers. After Paul and Silas are released from prison, they enter the house of **Lydía** to meet and comfort the brethren before departing [[Acts 16:40]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of Lydia's conversion and role in the early church:
* `{{G4576}}` **sébomai** (to revere, i.e. adore): This term describes Lydia's spiritual posture before hearing Paul's message. She is identified as a woman who "worshipped" God, indicating a pre-existing devotion [[Acts 16:14]].
* `{{G1272}}` **dianoígō** (to open thoroughly... or figuratively): This verb points to the divine action that enabled her conversion. The text explicitly states it was the Lord who "opened" her heart [[Acts 16:14]].
* `{{G4337}}` **proséchō** (to hold the mind towards, i.e. pay attention to): This word captures Lydia's human response to God's work in her heart. She actively "attended" to the message spoken by Paul [[Acts 16:14]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (a brother): The presence of the "brethren" in Lydia's home demonstrates the immediate formation of a new faith community, for whom she provides a gathering place [[Acts 16:40]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of **Lydía** is centered on her role as a foundational convert in a new region.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Response:** Her story is a clear illustration of divine initiative in salvation, as the Lord first "opened" her heart, which was followed by her choice to "attend" to the gospel [[Acts 16:14]].
* **The Gospel's Reach:** Lydia was a business owner from Thyatira, demonstrating that the Christian message reached people of various social and economic standings in the Roman world.
* **Hospitality as Ministry:** Her immediate offer of her home as a place for the apostles and the "brethren" establishes a pattern of Christian hospitality and the importance of the household as a center for the early church [[Acts 16:40]].
* **From Worshipper to Believer:** The account shows a transition from being a devout person who "worshipped God" to becoming a specific follower of Christ and a pillar of the local church community [[Acts 16:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3070}}` **Lydía** is more than just a name; it represents a pivotal conversion in the book of Acts. Her account provides a concise but powerful model of salvation, where a devout individual's heart is divinely opened to the gospel, leading to immediate faith, baptism, and the establishment of her home as a foundational hub for the new Christian community.
TRV