Acts 16:11–15 (ESV)
So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 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. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Luke’s tone has changed. Starting in verse 10, he’s now using the word “we.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Luke has joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy and is traveling with them.
So we now get more details—bits that Luke probably wouldn’t have gotten second-hand, but as an eyewitness, he picks up on. When they sit down with the women who were praying by the river, Luke describes what he sees—and he sees something important.
Paul’s doing all the talking, but Luke notices something happening to Lydia. He sees that, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” This is one of the five points of Calvinism in action. Without divine intervention, Lydia wouldn’t have even paid attention to what was said by Paul.
This is what we call Total Inability (or Total Depravity). Our totally sinful nature makes us totally incapable of coming to Christ on our own. Only through the supernatural intervention of the Holy Spirit can anyone become a Christian.
Here we see a fascinating example of how this can work. It doesn’t take hidebound resistance to the gospel to keep someone from Christ; a little distraction is all it takes.
The best preaching in the world doesn’t matter to someone who isn’t paying attention.
Notice that Luke doesn’t say anything about what Paul’s message was. His preaching was undoubtedly good, but the point here is that God opened Lydia’s heart. Remember this when you consider what works and what doesn’t.
Prayer is our number one weapon in winning people to Christ. Sure, a well-crafted message is good, but if no one is listening, it’s not going to matter.
We need to listen too. Pray for our own hearts. Just as people sometimes don’t pay attention to the gospel, so we don’t always pay attention to the messages we hear. Yes, God opened our hearts and we found Christ, but how well can you recall last Sunday’s sermon?
Ask God to give us better focus. We’re too busy.
