One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.
Acts 16:14 NIV
Lydia was the first person baptized in Europe. She was from Asia Minor, the current location of Turkey. Most certainly she had heard messages as prior mission trips had visited that area. It was this time, while she was listening, that the Lord opened her heart to the message.
Think of the Spirit's work in opening other's hearts. Consider Saul's conversion, Acts 9, the Lord blinded him in the process of his conversion. Consider Cornelius' call, Acts 10, when an angel spoke to him, instructing him to send for Peter.
As we read Acts, keep in mind that much of the work is done by ordinary people doing extraordinary works by following the Spirit's guidance. In Acts, there is a new relationship between the Spirit and humanity. Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was active and came upon people, like King Saul, and allowed extraordinary acts to occur. The individual was not sealed with the spirit. Now, after Pentecost, individuals are sealed with the Spirit and can be continually guided by the Spirit on a moment by moment basis. One of the main tasks of the Spirit is to guide, empower, encourage us toward Christ.
How do you listen to people, to the Spirit?
Pray to have the strength and courage to be guided by and to respond to the Spirit.
In Christ,
David P
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