Want to teach your kids about a successful woman in the Bible who wasn't just someone's wife or mother? Meet Lydia—Europe's first Christian convert, a businesswoman who sold expensive purple cloth, and a generous host who opened her home to missionaries.
Who Was Lydia?
Lydia shows up in Acts 16, and she's fascinating:
- She was a business owner - selling purple cloth (a luxury item in ancient times)
- She was wealthy - purple dye was extremely expensive
- She was independent - running her own business, probably a widow or unmarried
- She was a God-worshiper - even before meeting Paul, she sought God
- She was generous - immediately opened her home to Paul and his team
- She was the first European Christian - her faith opened the door for Christianity in Europe!
Why This Story Is Often Missed
Lydia gets only a few verses in Acts, but she's incredibly important:
- First convert in Philippi (and all of Europe!)
- Her home became the first house church in Europe
- She supported Paul's missionary work financially and practically
- She's a great example for both boys AND girls
Unlike many "women of the Bible" lessons that focus only on mothers and wives, Lydia shows kids that women in Scripture were also entrepreneurs, leaders, and independent thinkers.
What's in This Worksheet Pack
- Story comic strip - Visual retelling of Acts 16:11-15, 40
- "My Skills & Talents" activity - Help kids identify what they're good at (like Lydia with business)
- Hospitality challenge - Practical ways kids can welcome others
- Purple dye history lesson - Fun facts about ancient purple cloth
- Map activity - Trace Paul's journey to Philippi
- Discussion questions for parents/teachers
What Kids Learn from Lydia
For All Kids:
- Hospitality matters - Opening your home and heart to others
- Quick obedience - Lydia was baptized immediately after believing
- Use your skills for God - She used her wealth and business to support missionaries
- Women can lead - Church likely met in her home; she was a leader
Especially for Girls:
Girls need to see women in Scripture who were more than "good wives." Lydia shows them:
- Women can be smart in business
- Women can be financially independent
- Women can host, lead, and teach
- Following Jesus doesn't mean you can't also be successful in the world
Especially for Boys:
Boys need to learn to respect and work alongside capable women. Lydia teaches:
- Paul respected and partnered with Lydia
- Women's contributions to God's work are valuable
- Hospitality isn't just "women's work"—it's biblical service
Fun Historical Facts
- Purple dye came from thousands of tiny sea snails
- It took 10,000 snails to make 1 gram of dye!
- Only royalty and the super-rich could afford purple clothing
- Lydia's city, Thyatira, was famous for purple dye production
Teaching Tips
- Start with the map - Show kids where Philippi was, how far Paul traveled
- Talk about purple - Let them imagine how expensive it was
- Discuss hospitality - How can your family welcome others?
- Identify skills - What is each child good at? How can they use it for God?
- Role-play - Act out Paul meeting Lydia by the river
Download Lydia's Worksheet Pack
6 pages of activities, history, and application for ages 7-12
📥 Get Free PDFFree for personal & classroom use · No signup required
Connect to Your Modern Life
Help kids see Lydia in today's world:
- She was an entrepreneur - Like kids who start lemonade stands or mow lawns
- She was hospitable - Like families who host exchange students or missionaries
- She used wealth wisely - Supporting God's work instead of just spending on herself
- She acted quickly - When she heard truth, she believed and obeyed
Discussion Starters (Included in Worksheet)
- Why do you think Luke (who wrote Acts) included Lydia's story?
- What made Lydia's heart "open" to Paul's message?
- How did Lydia use her business success for God?
- What skills or resources do YOU have that could serve others?
- When have you welcomed someone new? How did it feel?