<P> Paul, Silas, and Timothy were traveling through the region of Philippi when they encounter "a reputable businesswoman and possibly a widow...(who) was a righteous Gentile or' God - fearer' attracted to Judaism". "(S) he was one of a large group (considered)... sympathizers with Judaism, believers in the one God, but who had not yet become' proselytes' or taken the final step to conversion to Judaism". </P> <P> Because these encounters and events take place "in what is now Europe," Lydia is considered "the first' European' Christian convert". </P> <P> "Thyatira in the province of Lydia (located in what is now western Turkey) was famous for the red (variety of purple) dye". Lydia of Thyatira is most known as a "seller" or merchant of purple cloth, which is the likely reason for the Catholic Church naming her "patroness of dyers ." It is unclear as to if Lydia simply dealt in the trade of purple dye or whether her business included textiles as well, though all known icons of the saint depict her with some form of purple cloth . Most portray this holy woman wearing a purple shawl or veil, which allows many historians and theologians to believe that she was a merchant of specifically purple cloth . </P> <P> There is some speculation regarding Lydia's social status . Theologians disagree as to whether Lydia was a free woman or servant . "There is no direct evidence that Lydia had once been a slave, but the fact that her name is her place of origin rather than a personal name suggests this as at least a possibility". Ascough cites other examples of noble women named Lydia from the first or second centuries, so it is unlikely that she was actually a slave or servant . </P>

What is a seller of purple in the bible