The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…

Now if the cause be demanded why the Lord opened one woman's heart alone, we must return unto that principle, that so many believe as are ordained to life. For the fear of God which went before the plain and manifest knowledge of Christ in Lydia, was also a fruit of free election. The describers of situations of places, say that Thyatira is a city of Lydia, situate upon the side of the river called Hermus, and that it was sometimes called Pelopia, but some there be who attribute it to Phrygia, some to Mysia.

Now if the cause bee demaunded why the Lord opened one womans heart alone, we must returne vnto that principle, that so many beleeue as are ordeined to life. For the fear of God which went before the plain and manifest knowledge of Christ in Lydia, was also a frute of free election. The describers of situations of places, say that Thyatira is a citie of Lydia, situate vpon the side of the riuer called Hermus, and that it was sometimes called Pelopia, but some there be who attribute it to Phrygia, some to Mysia.

15 When she was baptized. Hereby it appeareth how effectually God wrought in Lydia even in a short moment. For it is not to be doubted but that she received and embraced the faith of Christ sincerely, and gave him her name, before Paul would admit her unto baptism, this was a token of mere readiness: also her holy zeal and godliness do therein show themselves, in that she doth also consecrate her family to God. And surely all the godly ought to have this desire, to have those who are under them to be partakers of the same faith. For he is unworthy to be numbered among the children of God, and to be a ruler over others, whosoever is desirous to reign and rule in his own house over his wife, children, servants, and maids, and will cause them to give no place to Christ. Therefore let every one of the faithful study to govern and order his house so, that it may be an image of the church. I grant that Lydia had not in her hand the hearts of all those which were of her household, that she might turn unto Christ whomsoever she would: but the Lord did bless her godly desire, so, that she had all her household obedient. The godly (as we have already said) must endeavour with might and main to drive from their houses all manner superstition. Secondly, that they have not profane families: but that they keep them under the fear of the Lord. So Abraham the father of the faithful, was commanded to circumcise all his servants with him: and he is commended for the care he had to govern his house, and to instruct his family. Furthermore if this duty be required at the hands of the householder, much more of a prince, that he suffer not so much as in him lieth, the name of God to be profaned in his realm.