Biblical Context:
Derbe, a city in the region of Lycaonia, is mentioned in the New Testament as a significant location in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. It is here that Paul, along with his companion Barnabas, continued their mission of spreading the Gospel and strengthening the early Christian communities. The account of their ministry in Derbe is primarily found in the Book of Acts.

Scriptural Reference:
Acts 14:20-21 provides the primary account of Paul and Barnabas's activities in Derbe: "But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch."

Preaching the Gospel:
In Derbe, Paul and Barnabas focused on preaching the Gospel, a central task in their missionary endeavors. The act of preaching in the early church was not merely about delivering a message but was a proclamation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This proclamation was intended to call individuals to repentance and faith, leading to the establishment of a community of believers. The success of their mission in Derbe is indicated by the phrase "made many disciples," suggesting a significant response to their message.

Strengthening Disciples:
The strengthening of disciples was a crucial aspect of Paul and Barnabas's ministry. This involved teaching, encouragement, and the establishment of a firm foundation in the faith for new believers. The return journey to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, as mentioned in Acts 14:22 , highlights their commitment to this task: "strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith." This strengthening was necessary to prepare the disciples to withstand persecution and to grow in their spiritual maturity.

Theological Significance:
The work in Derbe underscores the importance of both evangelism and discipleship in the early church. Evangelism, through the preaching of the Gospel, brought individuals into the faith, while discipleship ensured that these new believers were nurtured and equipped to live out their faith in a hostile environment. This dual focus reflects the Great Commission as articulated by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, where the call is to "make disciples of all nations" and to teach them to observe all that He commanded.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Derbe was a city on the eastern edge of the Roman province of Galatia, strategically located on the trade routes of the region. This location provided Paul and Barnabas with access to a diverse audience, including both Jews and Gentiles. The cultural and religious diversity of the area presented both challenges and opportunities for the spread of the Gospel. The ability of Paul and Barnabas to adapt their message to different audiences without compromising the core of the Gospel was a testament to their commitment and skill as missionaries.

Impact on the Early Church:
The ministry in Derbe contributed to the expansion of the early church and the establishment of a network of Christian communities across Asia Minor. The disciples made in Derbe would have played a role in the further dissemination of the Gospel, as they carried the message to their own families and communities. The strengthening of these disciples ensured the continuity and resilience of the church in the face of external pressures and internal challenges.

Conclusion:
The account of preaching and strengthening disciples in Derbe serves as an enduring example of the missionary zeal and pastoral care that characterized the early church. Through their efforts, Paul and Barnabas laid a foundation for the growth and stability of the Christian faith in a pivotal region of the ancient world.