Acts of the Apostles, chapter 16

[12] And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in this city some days conferring together. [13] And upon the sabbath day, we went forth without the gate by a river side, where it seemed that there was prayer; and sitting down, we spoke to the women that were assembled. [14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, did hear: whose heart the Lord opened to attend to those things which were said by Paul. [15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying: If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
...
...
[40] And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia; and having seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.


1. The women were pious and praying; this is very normal for women. Not that men shouldn't be pious or pray, but piety comes easier to women. It is fitting and even expected that a woman should be pious (among other virtues), just as we expect men to be brave, mindful of duty, principled, rational, etc.

2. Lydia was obviously of good will, but she also was a strong woman. She wasn't afraid of Christ's enemies, even as she decided to open an independent chapel in her home and closely associate with her fellow Christians (which was an illegal religion in the Roman Empire at that time!) She was fervent, "constraining" or strongly urging St. Paul that he make use of her home and her hospitality. She might have even been of Choleric temperament, or part Choleric -- like many of us here on CathInfo! But note the tone of respect in her words. She deferred to his Episcopal rank and authority.

3. It didn't say that Lydia went toe-to-toe with men, arguing on Internet fora, placing her opinions above her priests and/or bishops. She was strong, but in a fitting and perfectly feminine way (like Our Lady). It said she was praying, she was docile to God, the truth, and the Church, she completely converted when she was exposed to the Faith, and she generously set up an independent chapel in her house to further the cause of the Church. She didn't worry about what the Roman Empire authorities would think, or what might happen to her.