11Setting sail therefore from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the following day to Neapolis, [16:12] and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that district of Macedonia, a colony of Rome. We were staying in this city for some days. [16:13] On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate beside the river, where we supposed there was a designated place of prayer. We sat down and were speaking to the women who had gathered there. [16:14] A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple goods from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God — with reverent awe and devotion — was listening. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was spoken by Paul. [16:15] When she had been baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay there." And she prevailed upon us.
ACT 16:11-15
Lydiaʼs Conversion in Philippi
In the world it was spoken into
Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of Macedonia, was a strategic urban center with a mix of Roman, Greek, and Jewish influences. As a colony, it was a hub for Roman veterans and settlers, granting its inhabitants Roman citizenship and privileges. The mention of a 'place of prayer' by the river suggests a gathering spot for Jews and God-fearers, as synagogues required ten Jewish men to establish, and Philippi may not have had enough. Lydia, a seller of purple cloth from Thyatira, was likely a prosperous merchant, as purple dye was expensive and associated with elite status. Her designation as 'worshiping God' identifies her as a God-fearer, a Gentile who adhered to Jewish practices without full conversion. The Sabbath gathering indicates a community of women, possibly including both Jews and God-fearers, who met for prayer and instruction. Lydia’s openness to Paul’s message reflects her existing reverence for the God of Israel, making her a prime example of Gentile inclusion in the early Christian mission.
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How other translations render this
ACT 16:11
- KJV
- Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
- BSB
- We sailed from Troas straight to Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis.
- Koinōnos
- Setting sail therefore from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the following day to Neapolis,
ACT 16:12
- KJV
- And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
- BSB
- From there we went to the Roman colony of Philippi, the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
- Koinōnos
- and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that district of Macedonia, a colony of Rome. We were staying in this city for some days.
ACT 16:13
- KJV
- And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
- BSB
- On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river, where it was customary to find a place of prayer. After sitting down, we spoke to the women who had gathered there.
- Koinōnos
- On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate beside the river, where we supposed there was a designated place of prayer. We sat down and were speaking to the women who had gathered there.
ACT 16:14
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- 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 Paulʼs message.
- Koinōnos
- A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple goods from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God — with reverent awe and devotion — was listening. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was spoken by Paul.
ACT 16:15
- KJV
- And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
- BSB
- And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
- Koinōnos
- When she had been baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay there." And she prevailed upon us.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ACT 16:12
- [the] leading [city]:The word translated 'leading' here indicates that this city was the first or most important in its district, often implying a position of prominence or authority.
- [the] city,:The term used here for 'city' specifically refers to a Roman colony, a settlement of Roman citizens in conquered territory, which carried special legal and political privileges.
ACT 16:13
- prayer:While 'prayer' is accurate, the word used here could also refer to a specific 'place of prayer,' like a synagogue or a designated outdoor area for worship, especially among Jews.
ACT 16:14
- worshiping:The word translated 'worshiping' carries a sense of reverent awe and devotion, often implying a deep respect or fear towards a deity.