Acts 16:14
What is written? (ESV)
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
What does it say?
Lydia from Thyatira and a seller of purple goods and worshipped God. God opened the heart of Lydia in order for her to truly listen to Paul’s words.
What is its immediate context?
Paul and his traveling companions are in Philippi and have sought out worshippers of God in order to teach them about Jesus. Lydia is one among a group of women they found at a known place of prayer (so presumably she was praying to God). She responded to their message and was baptized.
How Acts 16:14 is applied across Bible answers
Is there an inward call of God?
God opened Lydia's heart to "pay attention" to Paul's message (the gospel). Subsequently, she believed and obeyed (was baptized). Scripture only says that God opened her heart to "pay attention".
What saves you eternally?
God was active in her salvation. Importantly, it doesn't say that He acted on her in some way (impelled her) or entered her heart. It simply says He "opened her heart" - she still had to listen, comprehend, and respond.
