Definition: And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 16:14. It's a really important and slightly unusual passage about how Paul reached out to a woman named Lydia. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Paul was traveling through Thrace (a region in Turkey) when he encountered a woman named Lydia. She was a seller of purple – that's a fancy fabric dyed purple, often used for religious ceremonies – and she lived in the city of Thyatira, which was known for its worship of God. What Happened Next: Paul spoke to her. And surprisingly, her heart opened – it became receptive to what he said. This is key! It means that something inside her changed, allowing her to listen and understand him. So, What Does It Mean? Essentially, Paul’s words touched her deeply and made her willing to listen to him. He wasn't trying to force her to believe anything; he was simply offering a message of hope and truth. Why is this significant? This event is often seen as the beginning of Paul’s ministry in Asia. It demonstrates that God can work through ordinary people, even seemingly unassuming individuals, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. It shows that faith isn't just about grand gestures; it can also be a quiet, personal transformation. In short: Paul was able to reach into her heart and make her willing to listen to him, which led to significant change in her life and ultimately, to his ministry. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like to know: More about the city of Thyatira? What "purple" might symbolize in this context (religious significance)?