Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 16:14

"And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul." — Acts 16:14 (ASV)

A seller of purple. Purple was a most valuable color, obtained usually from shellfish. It was chiefly worn by princes, and by the rich; and the traffic in it might be very profitable.

The city of Thyatira. This was a city of Lydia, in Asia Minor, now called Ak-hisar. The art of dyeing was particularly cultivated, as appears from an inscription found there. (See Kuinoel.)

Which worshipped God. A religious woman; a proselyte. (See Barnes on Acts 13:16.)

Whose heart the Lord opened. (See Barnes on Luke 24:45.)