Hospitality as Holy Ground: Lydia's Open Door

In Acts 16, we meet a woman whose name is remembered, not just because of her faith—but because of her open door.

Lydia, a seller of purple cloth from Thyatira, becomes the first recorded convert in Europe. Her story unfolds at a riverside in Philippi, where Paul and his companions go looking for a place of prayer—and experience a divine meeting.

Setting the Scene: When Plans Change, So Does the World

Paul didn’t originally plan to go to Macedonia. In fact, Acts 16 tells us he tried to go elsewhere, but “the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” Instead, Paul receives a vision: a man from Macedonia pleading for help. Immediately, Paul and his companions (now including Luke) sail to Philippi, a leading city in the region.

There’s no synagogue in Philippi—unusual for a Roman city. So, on the Sabbath, Paul and his friends go to the river, hoping to find people gathered for prayer. There, they meet a group of women. And one of them is Lydia.

Lydia: A Woman of Influence and Invitation

We’re told Lydia was a worshiper of God—likely a Gentile drawn to the Jewish faith. She was also a successful businesswoman, dealing in purple cloth, a luxury item in the ancient world. Yet the most important thing we learn about her is this: “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” (Acts 16:14)

Lydia receives the gospel, is baptized, and her entire household follows. But her response doesn’t end there. She urges Paul and his companions: “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevails upon them.

She insists that her home become a place of refuge, community, and spiritual growth.

Hospitality: More Than a Gift—A Gospel Practice

Lydia’s open home marks the beginning of what would become the Philippian church—the very community Paul would later encourage with words of joy and endurance in his letter to the Philippians.

Her story invites us to rethink hospitality.

As author Rosaria Butterfield puts it: “The gospel comes with a house key.” In her writing, she addresses some of the most common myths that keep us from embracing hospitality as a way of life:

• Myth #1: Only people with the “gift” of hospitality should do it.
  Truth: Hospitality is a calling for all believers. It’s a channel for many spiritual gifts—mercy, service, evangelism—to be expressed.

• Myth #2: Hospitality is “women’s work.”
  Truth: Scripture calls all believers, including male church leaders, to practice hospitality. It’s kingdom work.

• Myth #3: You need a big house or perfect life to host.
  Truth: Hospitality is about love, not square footage. Some of the most impactful hosts have the fewest resources.

• Myth #4: We should avoid extending hospitality to sinners.
  Truth: We were all strangers to grace once. Hospitality is for the outsider, the wandering, the curious. It’s not about approval—it’s about welcome.

• Myth #5: Hospitality = Entertainment.
  Truth: Hospitality is not performance. It’s not Pinterest-perfect. It’s messy and holy and real. It’s opening the door, setting a place at the table, and saying, “You belong.”

What Lydia Teaches Us

Lydia didn’t just welcome missionaries into her home—she welcomed the mission of God. Her faith, expressed through hospitality, helped launch the early church in Philippi. She became a confirmation of God’s will for Paul’s journey and a cornerstone of gospel expansion in Europe.

Hospitality, when practiced with open hands and a willing heart, becomes a sacred space where strangers become neighbors—and neighbors become family in Christ.

Reflection Questions

Whether you feel like hospitality comes naturally or not, consider the following:

• Think of a person in your life who practices hospitality well. How has their open home or open heart impacted your faith?

• In your current season of life, where might God be inviting you to be hospitable? Is it through meals, conversations, shared spaces, or simply noticing someone who feels unseen?

• What keeps you from opening your door or your life to others? Fear of judgment? Busyness? Messy rooms or messy hearts?

• What is one tangible way you can practice hospitality this week? Invite someone over, share a meal, write a note, make space.

Final Word: Hospitality Is a Kingdom Practice

Lydia reminds us that the kingdom of God often begins in the home—with a table, an open door, and a heart ready to say, “Come in.”

And in a world that can feel isolating, impersonal, and rushed—hospitality may be one of the most radical, loving things we can offer.

Because the gospel still comes with a house key.