“Those who are young or young at heart may truly educate their souls while they appear to be singing.” – St. Basil of Caesarea
In the 1980’s, my Sunday school education was rooted in songs. I carried a Bible to church, but it was Father Abraham, Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man, The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock, I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, and so many other songs that truly fed and watered my budding biblical literacy.
Not long ago, I heard a sermon that mentioned Lydia, the “seller of purple” from Acts 16 as the first European Christian convert. Even as a life-long churchgoer, that was news to me, and the first nudge in my spirit that Lydia needed her own children’s song.
Lydia of Thyatira was clearly a remarkable woman. She ran a successful business selling a luxury good while also running her own household. Though she was not a Jew, she worshipped the one true God. She attended prayer and observed the Sabbath and responded immediately to Paul’s teaching. Furthermore, after her baptism, she was extraordinarily confident in her faith, challenging Paul and Silas and Luke to accept her hospitality.
13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate by the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there. 14 A God-fearing woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying. 15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:13-15 (CSB)
Even this small glimpse into Lydia’s character reveals a rare combination of boldness and humility. She reminds me of Christian women I have worked with who quietly and fearlessly excel while lifting others up along the way. In this way, Lydia is an extremely accessible biblical role model. Perhaps we can’t all be Paul or David or Mary, but we can all be like Lydia – fearing God and eager to serve with whatever gifts we have to offer.
A song from my childhood taught me about the hope of Zacchaeus. Today, I pray that families can use this song to celebrate the faith of Lydia, and how the gifts of hospitality and generosity can work powerfully for the Kingdom and the glory of God.
Listen to “Lydia, Seller of Purple” here or on your favorite music streaming platforms.
Randall Goodgame is a Christian singer and songwriter best known for his critically acclaimed children’s music and TV series Slugs & Bugs. He is also the author of Jesus and the Very Big Surprise and the ECPA nominated hymnal Scripture Hymnal. Learn more at Slugsandbugs.com.
