Lystra

Lystra was an ancient city located in the region of Lycaonia, in what is now modern-day Turkey. It holds significant importance in the New Testament as one of the cities visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. Lystra is first mentioned in the Book of Acts, where it is noted for its role in the spread of early Christianity.

In Acts 14:6-7 , Paul and Barnabas fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe, and the surrounding region, where they continued to preach the gospel. Lystra is particularly notable for the miraculous healing of a man who had been lame from birth. Acts 14:8-10 recounts, "In Lystra sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed. In a loud voice Paul called out, 'Stand up on your feet!' And the man jumped up and began to walk."

The reaction of the people of Lystra to this miracle was one of awe and confusion. They mistook Paul and Barnabas for gods, calling Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes," as described in Acts 14:11-12 . The local priest of Zeus even brought bulls and wreaths to offer sacrifices to them. However, Paul and Barnabas vehemently rejected this adulation, insisting that they were mere men and urging the people to turn to the living God (Acts 14:14-15).

Despite their efforts to redirect the people's worship, Paul and Barnabas faced opposition. Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and persuaded the crowds to turn against them. Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city, presumed dead, but he miraculously survived and continued his mission (Acts 14:19-20).

Lystra is also significant as the hometown of Timothy, a young disciple who would become a close companion and mentee of Paul. In Acts 16:1-3 , Paul returned to Lystra and invited Timothy to join him on his journeys, recognizing his strong faith and good reputation among the believers.

Derbe

Derbe, like Lystra, was a city in the region of Lycaonia. It is mentioned in the New Testament as another location visited by Paul during his missionary work. Derbe is noted for its role in the early spread of the gospel and the establishment of Christian communities.

In Acts 14:20-21 , after Paul was stoned in Lystra, he and Barnabas traveled to Derbe, where they preached the gospel and made many disciples. The text states, "The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples."

Derbe is also mentioned in Acts 16:1 as part of Paul's second missionary journey. It was during this journey that Paul revisited the cities where he had previously preached, strengthening the churches and encouraging the believers.

The cities of Lystra and Derbe, along with Iconium and Antioch, formed a significant part of Paul's missionary efforts in the region of Galatia. These cities were instrumental in the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish communities and into the Gentile world. The experiences of Paul and his companions in Lystra and Derbe highlight the challenges and triumphs of the early church as it sought to fulfill the Great Commission.