THE CONVERSION OF LYDIA
By Timothy Glover
After Paul had been invited to come into Macedonia, he , Silas, Timothy, and Luke sailed from Troas to Neapolis, the seaport for Philippi ten miles away. Apparently, there were no synagogues in Philippi but learning of Jewish women meeting at the river for worship, the traveling men stopped to join them. Among the women was Lydia, a seller of purple from Thyatira in Asia Minor. Here was a business woman who took the time to observe the Sabbath according to the law of Moses. This is especially remarkable seeing that no synagogue existed in this city. Still, they retired to the bank of a river to worship God.
The Bible tells us the facts in her case in Acts 16:15-16. First, Lydia’s heart was opened by the Lord. Second, she heard Paul’s preaching. Third, she was baptized with her household.
Does the phrase “her house-hold” provide proof for infant baptism? Verse 13 states that Paul spoke unto the women that resorted there. Could the women be identified as the household? Households do not necessarily include children. The word “household” is the Greek “oikos” and appears to have reference to her familia, servants, and others who were employed by her in her business. That Lydia had to have infants assumes that she was married, that she was the mother of children, and that some at least were infants. This is reading a great deal between the lines.
In addition to this passage, there are three other household baptisms. The other three may be used as a commentary on household baptisms. First, the case of Cornelius’ house-hold clearly rejects the interpretation of infants because those who were baptized had previously spoken in tongues and believed (Acts 10:46; 15:9). In the case of the Philippian an jailor, those who were baptized believed and rejoiced in the Lord (Acts 16:34). Finally, in the case of Stephanas, those baptized “devoted themselves to the ministry to the saints” (1 Cor. 1:16, 16:15). There could be no infants baptized in these cases unless we can show that an infant can believe, speak in tongues, rejoice, and be devoted to the work.
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