Lydia

I recently read Paula Gooder’s “Lydia”, a fascinating and creative look at the possible context of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, focussing on the person of Lydia. Paula imagines what might have been the life and experiences of Lydia and how that might have fitted the life of the Philippian church. Though certainly identified as imagined, there is careful history and theology behind the account. It might well have been like this. The book is separated into two sections. In the first part she gives her account of what Lydia’s story might have been while, in the second, she offers a lot of history and theology with helpful notes on various people, situations and things of the time that are mentioned in the story. I found it a great read, especially enjoying the first part, and found it to offer valuable insights into the life and times of the apostle Paul. Notably, the focus on Lydia offers a useful reminder of the valued role of women in the early church.