LYDIA of Thyatira is a prominent first-century figure in the New Testament, celebrated as the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. During Paul's second missionary journey, she is depicted as a wealthy, independent businesswoman and a pivotal early supporter of the church. She was a dealer in purple cloth. Purple dye was rare, expensive and tied to royalty and the ultra-wealthy, meaning Lydia was likely a successful and well-connected merchant. Paul and his companions met Lydia and other women gathered for prayer by a river outside Philippi on the Sabbath. As Paul preached, God opened Lydia’s heart to heed the message. She and everyone in her household were baptized immediately. Insisting that her faith be put into action, she urged Paul and his team to stay at her spacious home, which subsequently served as a gathering place and operational base for the new church in Philippi.