Businesspeople in the Bible: Boaz and Lydia

At Partners Worldwide, we know that business is a holy calling. Just as some people are called to ministry, some people are called to business! Entrepreneurs have the unique opportunity to use their gifts to create jobs, provide for their families, and demonstrate their faith in the marketplace. 

The Bible is filled with examples of righteous men and women who used business to serve God and their communities. Take Abraham—a wealthy herder—who becomes the father of many nations. Or Paul, who supported his ministry through tentmaking.  

Let’s take a deeper look at two Biblical entrepreneurs, Boaz and Lydia. 

Boaz 

The Old Testament book of Ruth introduces us to the businessman, Boaz. The story begins during a time of famine, as two widows—Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth—return to Naomi’s homeland in Judah after hearing that food had become available there. 

It was the season of harvest in Bethlehem, and the law mandated that the poor were allowed to follow behind the reapers and gather what they dropped or left behind. So, Ruth went out to follow the workers in the field of Boaz (a relative of Naomi’s late husband), an entrepreneur in the field of agriculture.  

As a businessman, Boaz is depicted as organized, involved, and attentive. His work is managed by an overseer in his absence, yet despite the hierarchy, Boaz greets the harvesters and notices Ruth among his many workers. 

Boaz is also shown to be kind and generous to Ruth, a foreigner. As the story continues, Boaz provides Ruth with food and water, ensures her safety, and asks that the Lord bless her. In the end, he marries Ruth and purchases Naomi’s property, providing the two with security and ensuring the name of Naomi’s late husband lives on.  

Boaz proved that work should not be separated from faith, but that they are one and the same. For his faith and generosity, he played an important role in the lineage of King David and, through him, Christ. 

Lydia 

Acts 16:13-15 introduces us to Lydia, “a dealer in purple cloth.” Purple was a luxury dye in this age, obtained from rare shellfish and mollusks; as a dealer in purple cloth, Lydia was a woman of means. 

Described as “a worshiper of God,” most theologians understand this to mean Lydia was a former polytheist who had not fully converted to Judaism. So, she would have been free to trade on the Sabbath and boost her profits. But she didn’t. Instead, Lydia chose to seek God and pray with other worshipers.  

Then along came Paul. 

Moved by Paul’s message, Lydia became the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. Later, Paul and Silas returned to her house after their release from prison, demonstrating just how essential this woman was to God’s plan.  

Though her appearance in the Bible may be short, it’s an illuminating story about a successful businesswoman who was used by God for good.