lectionary.com

Easter · Sixth Sunday of Easter · Year C

Acts 16:9-15

Lydia's Conversion

May 21, 2028

Die Taufe der Lydia (The Baptism of Lydia), Marie Ellenrieder
Die Taufe der Lydia (The Baptism of Lydia), Marie Ellenrieder, 1861Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin
By one of the first women admitted to the Munich academy, who became court painter in Baden. Lydia kneels at a riverbank among the women of her household.A certain woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, was listening to us, and the Lord opened her heart. She is the first named European convert.Marie EllenriederOne of the first women admitted to the Munich academy, who became court painter in Baden and specialised in religious subjects.Alte Nationalgalerie, BerlinOn Museum Island, holding nineteenth-century art, and the single best place to see Caspar David Friedrich.Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelJohn 16:23-33Jn 16:23-33Alt. GospelJohn 5:1-9Jn 5:1-9
EpistleRev. 21:9-14, 21-27Rev 21:9-14, 21-27
Old TestamentActs 16:9-15
PsalterPs. 67Ps 67

Overview & Insights

"The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul." (Acts 16:14)

In a night vision a man from Macedonia begs Paul for help, so Paul's company sails for Philippi. On the sabbath they find a group of women praying by the river, and Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth who worships God, has her heart opened by the Lord, is baptized with her household, and urges Paul's company to stay in her home.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: Acts 16:9-15

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 16:9-15 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary reading of Lydia's business acumen and hospitality toward the traveling missionaries.

Acts 16:9-15 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed preaching commentary reflecting on who the church is reluctant to approach today, as with Lydia.

Acts 16 Commentary: Paul's Vision of the Macedonian Man Enduring Word · David Guzik

Evangelical verse by verse study of the call to Macedonia and Lydia's conversion by the river.

Acts 16 Commentary Precept Austin

Deep inductive digest on the Spirit's guidance to Philippi and the opening of Lydia's heart.

Acts 16:9 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators gathered on the vision of the man of Macedonia and the crossing into Europe.

Background & Word Study

Acts 16:9 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text with parsing for the vision, the place of prayer, and Lydia's opened heart.

Book of Acts Overview, Chapters 13-28 BibleProject

Animated overview video placing this passage within its book's structure.

The Church Fathers

Catena on Acts 16 Catena

Patristic comment chained verse by verse on the Macedonian vision and Lydia's baptism.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on John 16:23-33
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.