Lydia: The first Christian convert in Europe

The biblical figure Lydia, a businesswoman from Thyatira, is highlighted as the first recorded Christian convert in Europe. A dealer in luxury purple cloth, she established her trade in Philippi.

According to the account in Acts 16, Lydia was a Gentile who practiced worship by a river. Following her conversion, she utilized her home and resources to support the early Christian community, hosting Paul and Silas after their release from prison. Her residence served as the first church in Philippi.