The visit to Lystra and Derbe is a significant event in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. This visit is part of Paul's first missionary journey, which he undertook with Barnabas, and it highlights the challenges and triumphs of early Christian evangelism.

Context and Background

Lystra and Derbe were cities in the region of Lycaonia, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. These cities were part of the Roman province of Galatia. The cultural and religious landscape of the area was predominantly pagan, with a strong influence of Greco-Roman polytheism. The inhabitants of these cities were largely Gentiles, and the Jewish presence was minimal compared to other regions visited by Paul.

The Journey to Lystra and Derbe

Paul and Barnabas traveled to Lystra and Derbe after facing persecution in Iconium. Acts 14:6-7 states, "But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region, where they continued to preach the gospel." This passage highlights the resilience and commitment of Paul and Barnabas to their mission, despite the threats they faced.

Events in Lystra

In Lystra, Paul performed a miraculous healing, which is a pivotal moment in the narrative. 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 miraculous healing led the people of Lystra to mistakenly identify Paul and Barnabas as gods. Acts 14:11-13 describes the reaction: "When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: 'The gods have come down to us in human form!' Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds."

Paul and Barnabas vehemently rejected this adulation, emphasizing their humanity and the message of the one true God. Acts 14:14-15 records their response: "But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 'Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.'"

Persecution and Departure

Despite their efforts to redirect the people's worship to God, Paul and Barnabas faced opposition. Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and incited the crowd against them. Acts 14:19 states, "Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead."

However, Paul survived this brutal attack. Acts 14:20 notes, "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."

Ministry in Derbe

In Derbe, Paul and Barnabas continued their ministry with success. Acts 14:21 succinctly states, "They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples." This indicates that their efforts in Derbe were fruitful, resulting in the establishment of a Christian community.

Return Journey

After their time in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps, revisiting Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen the disciples and appoint elders in the churches. Acts 14:22-23 describes their mission: "strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. 'We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed."

The visit to Lystra and Derbe exemplifies the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries and the power of the gospel to transform lives, even amidst persecution and misunderstanding.