Description: Lydia formed an essential part of Pauls social network. Her heart was opened to Pauls message, she responded with faith by being baptized, and she offered her home in hospitality to Paul and his companions. Beyond this not much is known of her, but in this book Richard S. Ascough describes the styles of possible dwellings in which Lydia could have lived, the business opportunities that would have been available to her, and the religious cults that held sway in Philippi at the time. Readers will find that the importance of Lydias story is that she hears the message of God through Paul and responds with faith.
Review Quotes: Ascough's reconstruction of the person and role of Lydia is always possible, and indeed, plausible.Religious Studies Review