Who was the first European convert in the book of Acts?
Lydia was the first European convert in the book of Acts. Paul encountered her in Philippi during his missionary journey into Greece, after the Holy Spirit directed him there. Acts chapter 16 records her conversion before Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned in that Gentile city.
Les explains that in Acts chapter 16 Paul had begun his missionary journey throughout western Turkey. The Holy Spirit then directed him over into Greece, and one of the first cities he approached was Philippi. There he met Lydia, and Les identifies her as the first European convert. After Lydia's conversion, Paul was arrested, beaten along with Silas, and cast into the lower dungeon, probably in stocks. The setting is emphasized as Gentile ground, a Gentile prison, and a Gentile jailer.