Bible Strands
Acts 16:14
Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a group of women gathered at a riverside prayer place outside Philippi on the Sabbath; Lydia is identified among the listeners.
The words — πορφυροπώλις (porphuropōlis) is a single compound noun meaning "seller of purple," naming a specific trade in one word rather than describing it in a phrase.
The thread — The "opening" language recurs in Luke 24:45 (He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures) and Isaiah 50:5 (the Lord has opened My ears), and the prayer for a "spirit of wisdom and revelation" in Ephesians 1:17.
Why it lands — The verse credits the response to the Lord's action on Lydia's heart, not to her own discernment, and the next verse shows what that opened heart produced: immediate baptism and a practical invitation to Paul's company.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
Cross-references
- Luke 24:45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
- Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.
- Isaiah 50:5 The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.
- John 6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.
- Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
- 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.
- Romans 9:16 So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
- Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.