Beginning in Acts 15:39, we find Paul about to embark on his Second Missionary Journey. Together with Silas, Paul sets out to visit the new Christian churches and encourage them in their faith.

Upon arriving in Lystra, Paul adds Timothy to their ranks. This union with Timothy would come to grow and deepen throughout Paul's lifetime. In the latter years when Paul faced death in Rome it was Timothy who was called to be with him in his time of need.

Eventually, Paul sensed Gods call to Macedonia, a province north of Achaia. It is now a part of Greece and Yugoslavia. The missionaries took sail from Troas and after several days came to Philippi, which was the "foremost city of that part of Macedonia." (Acts 16:12)

Since it was the Sabbath, Paul, Silas and Timothy went out of the city to the riverside where there was a gathering place for prayer. It was the custom of the believers of that area to meet outside the city gates on the edge of the Gangities River since there was no synagogue in Philippi.

Upon arriving at the riverbank Paul and his companions encountered a group of women who had gathered for prayer. It was here that Paul met Lydia.

Lydia is the first woman named in Scripture who is described as a retailer. Her name originally might have been the designation of her home. She came from Thyratira, a city in the western part of Lydia in Asia Minor.

The marketplace in Lydia's time was a forerunner to the marketplace of today's world. Every available commodity was bought or bartered there. The fact that Lydia is described as a "seller of purple" (Acts 16:14) indicates that she was a wealthy and respected merchant.

The Tyrian women were highly skilled in producing beautiful dyes of brilliant colors. Especially prominent were the crimsons and purples. Royalty had a special liking for clothes made from these deep colors and the temple of the goddess Diana used strong colors such as purple and red for the elaborate hangings within its walls.

Because of these blue chip clients, Lydia was presumably a highly successful merchant. If she were in business today she would have a corporate headquarters and a television program or magazine touting her success.

That morning at Philippi, Lydia heard Paul speak of his faith and how she along with others needed to accept the Savior about whom he spoke. Unlike many of the others, Lydia accepted the life-changing words and became a believer. After she accepted the Lord, Lydia and her entire household were baptized.

Lydia was so excited about her new faith that she persuaded Paul and his team to come to her house and stay for a time. There at Lydia's house, Paul, Silas and Timothy prayed and shared their message with all that would hear.

During this time, the missionaries daily trips into the city took on a new mission and zeal. While Paul ministered along the streets of Philippi, a certain slave girl, whom the Bible refers to as "possessed with a spirit of divination", followed Paul as he spoke. Upon hearing the saving words that came from Paul's mouth the slave girl began crying out, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. This constant crying out annoyed Paul and he angrily turned and commanded the spirit to flee from the girl. And the spirit left the girl.

The slave girl's owners were greatly disturbed over this incident for it left their property useless. The slave girl had been valuable in the telling of fortunes, but now that the spirit had departed the demonic activity was gone. The owners seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. (Acts 16:19)

Paul and Silas were rebuked for practicing unlawful acts because as Romans their religious acts were not allowed. The crowds became rowdy and the judges tore off the missionaries clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. After the beating they were placed in jail. It was Lydia who visited them and attended to their needs while they were in jail.

Later in the New Testament Paul speaks fondly of those women who helped him share the gospel. In Phil. 4:3 he admonishes the church to "help these women who have labored with me in the gospel".

Lydia was a successful woman in a man's world. We know that she was respected in her trade. Her home must have been spacious in order to house three extra men. She was always accommodating by using her home for guests.

Her success indicates that she was hard working, bold and intelligent -- common traits of a woman of this standing.

We know little about her personal life. However, Lydia was not that different from todays women. She was searching for a relationship with the one true God. Upon hearing the truth, Lydia made a public confession of her faith. There at the water's edge she heard, she believed and she confessed. She was not hesitant in sharing her faith as witnessed by her entire household coming to a saving knowledge of the Lord.

Upon receiving this new life Lydia immediately began to think about others. She shared her concern over the well being of Paul, Silas and Timothy. She took them immediately into her house where she provided shelter, clothing and food.

For Lydia, everything changed. Lydia had a new managing partner - the Lord Jesus Christ. She wanted to spread the Good News. The meeting place for the Philippi believers moved to Lydia's house. No more meeting at the riverbank; now there was a place of refuge and warmth for all who believed. Lydia was the first European won to Christ and her house became the first home to share the gospel on the continent.

Gods marketplace calling for women of faith is not just to that one skillful seller of purple. The message was not for just one businesswoman. It is alive today just as much as it was on the dusty streets of Philippi.

As women working in a world of non-believers we are allowed the privilege to succeed at our jobs. We are in fact encouraged and challenged by what Lydia did as a prototype for todays businesswoman.

Daily we come into contact with those who are crying out to be saved. As the demon controlled slave girl we have only to introduce them to Jesus. It is not an uncomfortable thing we do but a natural response of a life changed by the saving touch of our Lord Jesus.

There are many things I can glean from learning and studying the life of Lydia. First she was a noted woman. Our jobs need not all be CEO's of companies but we should all be "known" as one who is an excellent employee.

Lydia was described by the Scriptures as being a seller of purple. Our jobs should be one of acceptability. There is not anything wrong with any level of employment if that job entails that which is honest and just. To accept any thing less is to not honor yourself. Wages are not the determining factor.

Lydia had an excellent reputation, which spoke of her hard work, honesty and intelligence. Oh, that all of us would have those comments echo on our job performance sheets. There is no greater reputation than that of being honest.

Lydia was the exception in the day in which she lived. In a totally male-dominated world, she rose to a height not many women ever experienced. She was, in every way, a "somebody".

We are fortunate today that women are a vital part of the market place. We have opportunities unparalleled in all of history. May God grant us the wisdom to use the skills, talents and influence we have to further His Kingdom. To do anything less would be a waste.

Questions to Ponder:

• Lydia was an exception in her culture. How can you stand out in today's marketplace?

• What relationship is there between what Lydia did for a living and her standing in the community?

• How did Lydia find Christ?

• Is there a limit to what and how we can use our influence in the community?