The story of Lydia

Let us continue from where we left off last Saturday. We were reading the second missionary journey of Paul. In Troas, Luke joined the party. There Paul had a vision in which a Macedonian beckoned him to preach in Macedonia. So, Paul's company turned their direction to Macedonia. Today, they arrived at Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia.
Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,
and from there to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia, and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days (Acts 16:11-12).
Luke did not mention any synagogue in Philippi. I don't think Paul had changed his modus operandi. He would have begun his preaching to the Jews in the synagogues on Sabbath first. Only when his message was rejected would he turn to the Gentiles. In Philippi, Luke did not mention synagogues or Paul being rejected by organized Jews. I guess the Jewish presence was very minimal unless proven otherwise.
and on the sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together (Acts 16:13).
Luke said "supposed". Therefore, there was probably not even a building, a prayer house. There were a group of women. Among them was Lydia. This is how Luke describes Lydia.
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul (Acts 16:14).
Lydia was a merchant, a worshipper of God. We don't know how she knew of God. For sure, she must have travelled to many different places on business and somehow, she worshipped God. Her heart had already inclined to God even though her knowledge was incomplete.
I am sure God has planted among men a desire to know Him through many events and encounters. As evangelists, we have this responsibility to sow and to reap. If we fail to reap, I am sure others will finish our tasks. If we success, we shouldn't think that this is our merits. The attitude of Luke is absolutely right. "The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul." The success was due to the work of the Lord, not our efforts. Therefore, when we have the opportunity to preach the good news of the Lord, we should pray for our listeners and may the Lord have mercy of their souls. If they believe, praise to the Lord. If they don't, we continue to pray for their eventual conversion in the future. Let us see clearly our position in the grand plan of salvation.
And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us (Acts 16:15).
Lydia was generous and grateful to Jesus. To demonstrate her faithfulness, she insisted on treating and serving Paul and his company.
I am sure that many Christians are grateful and sincere. They know very well how much they owe Jesus. Of course, many others entertain ulterior motives in becoming Christians. Probably becoming ones will advance their career, will connect them with a network of generous Christians, will bring them other benefits. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) were only a dramatic case. Of course, we will never fully know other people's motives. Neither should we pass judgment on them too quickly. God, and only God, knows our hearts through and through.

My Lord, my sins are before me continually. May I learn to be humble and grateful. Do not allow me to stray too far away from You. Amen.