“Persuaded” derives from parabiazomai, meaning to “urge strongly” or even “to force.” Scot McKnight says, “The emphasis here is on compelling rhetoric. She was, after all, a business dealer.” Lydia challenges Paul to substantiate his theology in an embodied, practical way. If she is truly “in the Lord,” then Paul can stay in the house where she is the “head” (cf. 1 Cor. 11:11-12). It doesn’t matter that she is a Gentile or a woman