Where did he ever get that idea? One of the great women of the NT was Lydia, a believer who opened her door to Paul. The book of Acts tells us she was a "seller of purple" - most likely dye and thread used for clothes.
That Lydia was a “seller of purple” means more than just being the local TJ Maxx. Purple was the color reserved to royalty and people of high status. Lydia was the clothier to the rich and famous. She had money, standing and influential connections in society, which was quite rare for a woman in the days of the Apostles. She was very much an asset in spreading God’s word through the Apostle Paul.