Derbe
Derbe was an ancient city in the region of Lycaonia in southern Asia Minor, part of the Roman Empire during the first century. The apostle Paul visited it with Barnabas near the end of his first missionary journey, after being stoned and left for dead in nearby Lystra; there they preached the gospel and made many disciples before retracing their route to strengthen the new believers. This account appears in Acts 14, illustrating the rapid expansion of early Christianity despite opposition. Derbe later gains added significance as the home of Gaius, a companion of Paul mentioned in Acts 20:4, reflecting its lasting contribution to the apostolic mission.
Details
- Region
- Asia Minor
- Modern Location
- Near Kerti Huyuk, south-central Turkey
Key Passages
Paul Preaches in Derbe
Acts 14:20-21
After being stoned in Lystra, Paul moves to Derbe and wins many disciples - demonstrating that persecution cannot stop the gospel's advance.
20owbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Paul Returns to Derbe
Acts 16:1
Paul revisits Derbe to strengthen the believers - showing that church planting requires ongoing nurture, not just initial proclamation.
1hen came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: