Acts 16:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐβαπτίσθη
she was baptized
G907
ἐβαπτίσθη
she was baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
3 of 25
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκόν
house
G3624
οἶκόν
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
6 of 25
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
παρεκάλεσεν
she besought
G3870
παρεκάλεσεν
she besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
8 of 25
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
λέγουσα
us saying
G3004
λέγουσα
us saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
to the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
to the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 25
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκόν
house
G3624
οἶκόν
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
20 of 25
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
μείνατε
and abide
G3306
μείνατε
and abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
22 of 25
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.Acts 11:14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.Acts 16:33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.Genesis 19:3And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.Luke 24:29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.1 Peter 5:12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.Philemon 1:17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.3 John 1:5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;3 John 1:8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Historical Context
Lydia was a 'seller of purple' from Thyatira, indicating substantial wealth (purple dye was expensive). Her conversion brought resources and leadership to the fledgling Philippian church, showing how God strategically converts those positioned to advance His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's initiative in opening hearts affect how you pray for and witness to others?
- What does Lydia's immediate baptism and hospitality teach about authentic conversion's visible fruits?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lydia's conversion demonstrates God's sovereign grace - 'whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.' Divine initiative precedes human response; God opens hearts to enable faith. Lydia's immediate response - baptism and hospitality - shows genuine conversion produces both public identification and practical generosity.