King James Version

What Does Acts 16:15 Mean?

Acts 16:15 in the King James Version says “And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Acts 16:15 · KJV


Context

13

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. sabbath: Gr. sabbath day

14

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.

15

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

16

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: of divination: or, of Python

17

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lydia's conversion demonstrates God's sovereign grace - 'whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.' Divine initiative precedes human response; God opens hearts to enable faith. Lydia's immediate response - baptism and hospitality - shows genuine conversion produces both public identification and practical generosity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lydia was a 'seller of purple' from Thyatira, indicating substantial wealth (purple dye was expensive). Her conversion brought resources and leadership to the fledgling Philippian church, showing how God strategically converts those positioned to advance His kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's initiative in opening hearts affect how you pray for and witness to others?
  2. What does Lydia's immediate baptism and hospitality teach about authentic conversion's visible fruits?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ὡς1 of 25

when

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐβαπτίσθη3 of 25

she was baptized

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

καὶ4 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

5 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἶκόν6 of 25

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

αὐτῆς7 of 25

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

παρεκάλεσεν8 of 25

she besought

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

λέγουσα9 of 25

us saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εἰ10 of 25

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

κεκρίκατέ11 of 25

ye have judged

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

με12 of 25

me

G3165

me

πιστὴν13 of 25

faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

τῷ14 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίῳ15 of 25

to the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

εἶναι16 of 25

to be

G1511

to exist

εἰσελθόντες17 of 25

come

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς18 of 25

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν19 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἶκόν20 of 25

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

μου21 of 25

my

G3450

of me

μείνατε22 of 25

and abide

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

καὶ23 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρεβιάσατο24 of 25

she constrained

G3849

to force contrary to (nature), i.e., compel (by entreaty)

ἡμᾶς25 of 25

us

G2248

us


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 16:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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