Bible fact · Direct biblical statement
Lydia sold purple cloth
Lydia, a seller of purple cloth from Thyatira, became the first named believer in Europe in Acts and hosted Paul's team. Acts 16:13–15
Discover why
By the river at Philippi Paul spoke to women gathered for prayer. "A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened." Acts 16:13–14
She and her household were baptized, and she persuaded Paul's company to stay at her house. Acts 16:15Acts 16:40
What the Bible does not say
"First in Europe" is an inference from the order of events in Acts; Acts does not use that phrase.
Read the passage
Acts 16:13–15 WEB
13On the Sabbath day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord opened her heart to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul. 15When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.