Who had to open Lydia's heart before she could understand the gospel?
The Lord opened Lydia’s heart through the Holy Spirit. Before she could comprehend Paul’s message, her understanding had to be opened by the Spirit’s work. This same necessity applies to every person who comes to a saving knowledge of the gospel; the Holy Spirit is omnipresent and approaches every soul.
Les explains that Paul was the proclaimer, simply speaking for the Gospel. Yet before this Jewish lady in Philippi could comprehend it, the Lord had to open her heart, doing so in the person of the Holy Spirit. Les emphasizes that this has never changed: every person who comes to a saving knowledge of the Gospel must have their understanding opened by a work of the Holy Spirit, which is there for everyone. No one can claim the Holy Spirit never approached them, because He is omnipresent, He is everywhere, and He does not miss a soul. Les connects this to John 1:9, where the true light lighteth every man that cometh into the world through the omnipresent work of the Holy Spirit. He also notes Romans 1: no one at the Great White Throne will ever say, “I never had a chance.”
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
More Questions
What did Lydia do when the Lord opened her heart?
When the Lord opened Lydia's heart, she responded by listening to Paul's message and attending to the things he spoke.
What caused Lydia to heed Paul's message?
The Lord opened Lydia's heart, and she attended to the things which were spoken by Paul.