Acts 16:15

She was baptized. Probably in the very river beside which the “prayer place” was situated. See on Matt. 3:6; Acts 8:38. There is no need to suppose that the baptism took place on that Sabbath. In fact, the phrase “was listening” (see on v. 14) allows time for instruction, and permits the baptism to be placed some time after the first meeting between the woman and the missionary group. The fact that “her household” was baptized is no proof of the practice of infant baptism by the apostles. Lydia’s “household” may have consisted of slaves and other employees (cf. on chs. 10:2; 16:32, 33). These may also have been proselytes (see on ch. 10:2). For these, Judaism had been a “schoolmaster,” leading them to Christ (see Gal. 3:24). Euodias and Syntyche, and other women of Philippi who “laboured” with Paul “in the gospel” (see on Phil. 4:2, 3), may have been among the “women” of v. 13. The group formed the first Christian church in Europe founded by Paul. By its loving hospitality and steadfast adherence to the faith it won a special place in Paul’s affections.

Besought. Gr. parakaleo, “to entreat” (see on v. 9). The tense, in Greek, suggests that she continued her entreaty until Paul yielded.

If ye have judged. The Greek construction anticipates an affirmative answer. The preachers had acknowledged the quality of her faith and had baptized her. If she was fit for that blessed rite, was she not then fit to be their hostess?

Abide there. Like the two disciples who followed Jesus (John 1:37-39), Lydia was anxious to retain the teachers whose lessons she found so helpful to her recently opened heart. The four missionaries probably had been supporting themselves by labor — Paul as a tentmaker (see on Acts 18:3; 1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:8; etc.), Luke perhaps as a physician. Now Lydia urged them to become her guests.

Constrained. Gr. parabiazomai, “to compel by force,” “to constrain by entreaty.”

The “us” suggests that Luke’s home was not at Philippi, as some have thought.