The account of Paul and Barnabas fleeing to Lystra and Derbe is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 14. This event is part of Paul’s first missionary journey, which he undertook with Barnabas. The journey is significant in the early spread of Christianity and the establishment of the Church among the Gentiles.

Context and Background

Paul and Barnabas had been preaching in Iconium, where they experienced both success and opposition. Acts 14:1-2 states, "At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." Despite the opposition, they continued to preach boldly, performing signs and wonders by the power of the Lord.

The Plot Against Paul and Barnabas

The growing tension in Iconium eventually led to a plot against the apostles. Acts 14:5-6 describes the situation: "But the people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles. When the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding region." The decision to flee was a strategic move to preserve their lives and continue their mission elsewhere.

Ministry in Lystra

Upon arriving in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas continued their ministry. A notable event occurred when Paul healed 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."

This miraculous healing led the people of Lystra to mistakenly believe that Paul and Barnabas were gods in human form, calling them Zeus and Hermes. The apostles vehemently rejected this adulation, insisting that they were mere men bringing the good news of the living God. Acts 14:15 records their response: "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them."

Persecution and Departure to Derbe

Despite their efforts to correct the misunderstanding, opposition soon followed. Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and persuaded the crowds to turn against Paul. Acts 14:19 states, "Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead." However, Paul miraculously survived and, after recovering, continued his journey with Barnabas to Derbe.

Ministry in Derbe

In Derbe, Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and made many disciples. Acts 14:21 notes, "They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples." Their work in Derbe was fruitful, and it marked the end of their missionary journey before they began their return trip, retracing their steps to strengthen the churches they had established.

Significance

The events in Lystra and Derbe highlight the challenges and triumphs of early Christian missions. Paul and Barnabas demonstrated resilience and faithfulness in the face of persecution, continuing to spread the gospel despite opposition. Their experiences underscore the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of perseverance in ministry.