Once Paul and his companions get the green light from the Holy Spirit to enter Macedonia, they proceed to the city of Philippi. Paul’s usual strategy in a new city begins with proclaiming the good news in a Jewish synagogue. The fact that he goes outside the city gates to the river on the sabbath strongly suggests that Philippi does not have a synagogue within the city.

When Paul and his companions arrive at the meeting place, they come upon a group of women gathered for prayer. They sit down on the river bank and share the good news.

One of the women, Lydia, is singled out. She is described as being a Gentile who worships God and who is also a dealer of purple cloth. This business woman listens eagerly to Paul, and “the Lord enabled her to embrace Paul’s message” (ceb).

Lydia’s positive response to the gospel seems dependent upon God’s action. Various translations emphasize God’s proactive stance: “The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly;” “The Lord enabled Lydia to embrace Paul’s message” (ceb); “As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying” (nlt); “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” (niv).

It seems that accepting the good news is a two-part process. God opens the door, but we must choose to walk through it. Notice what happens next—once Lydia’s heart has been opened, she acts. She is baptized and then opens her home to Paul and his companions.