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I. HER STATE AND CHARACTER BEFORE CONVERSION.

1. A proselyte who maintained in the idolatrous city of her adoption a devout attachment to the worship of God. There can be no doubt of the reality of her devotion, for not only did she observe the Sabbath, but, having no other opportunity for attending the ordinances of public worship, she "went out of the city," etc. While engaged in prayer the blessing came — a striking proof of its efficacy. God does indeed sometimes surprise a prayerless sinner, as in the case of the jailer, but there is no promise except to prayer, and that promise is unlimited and sure. "Ask and ye shall receive," etc.

2. While pious according to her light, her heart was nevertheless closed against the truth as it is in Jesus.

(1) Such is the natural state of every man.

(a)  The understanding is shut against the light of the gospel.

(b)  The conscience is seared as with a hot iron.

(c)  The heart is hardened.

(2) There are many obstacles to the entrance of truth. There is the bar of —

(a)  Ignorance. Many hear the Word but understand it not.

(b)  Unbelief, which rejects the testimony of God.

(c)  Enmity, for "the carnal mind is enmity against God."

(d)  Presumption or pride. "The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God."

(e)  Discouragement and despair. "Thou saidst, There is no hope; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go."

(f)  Unwillingness. "Ye will not come to Me that ye might have life."

(g)  Worldly-mindedness. "The cares of the world...choke the Word."

(h)  Sloth.

(i)  Vicious passions and depraved habits.

3. But how could the heart of such a woman be closed? The answer is that Lydia's case is not a solitary one. Devout and honourable women opposed Paul, and Paul himself and Nicodemus were at first proof against the gospel.

II. THE MEANS BY WHICH HER CONVERSION WAS EFFECTED.

1. There was a direct Divine operation in her heart, which consisted in opening —

(1)  The understanding to discern the light of God's truth.

(2)  The conscience, to feel its convincing power.

(3)  The affections to receive its sanctifying influence.

2. Means were employed. "The Lord opened her heart to attend," etc. It is by the truth that the great change is wrought; and hence we are "born of the Spirit," but also "not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, even by the Word of God."

III. LESSONS. Note —

1. The care with which God provided for the instruction of sincere Jewish inquirers.

2. The efficacy of prayer as a means of spiritual advancement.

3. The necessity of a spiritual change in many sincere religious professors.

4. The relative functions of the Word and Spirit, and the duty of combining the use of means with dependence on the Divine blessing.

5. The different feelings of those whose heart the Lord opens towards His ministers, and those of the ungodly multitude.

(J. Buchanan, D. D.)

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KJV: And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

WEB: On the Sabbath day we went forth outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who had come together.