Acts 16:14 - "One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshipper of God."

It may seem surprising to think of a saleswoman in connection with the Bible, even though we are certainly familiar with them as a part of the economic life of today. But we have the impression that women in biblical times were completely unenterprising, and were restricted to their homes. This is, of course, largely true, but there are exceptions.

Today we have a great deal of respect for the woman who has managed to make a place for herself in the business world, whether it be as a lowly sales clerk, or as the head of a department, or even as the head of a company. But if you will read Proverbs 31, you might be surprised to learn that the merchandising skills of women were highly regarded. The author praises her real-estate ventures, her manufacture and sale of linen garments, and such activities.

But still, we must admit, the opportunities for a woman to establish herself in business were slim indeed. So it is even more praise-worthy that we find a woman of such exceptional business sense as Lydia apparently was. If we read the book of Acts properly, we might assume that both Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold real estate; Aquila and his wife Priscilla were both tent-makers and presumably sold their products.

But it is something to think about, isn’t it? An ancient form of Women’s Lib? Perhaps. But more likely just another manifestation of ability making its presence known.