Learn more about Derbe

Introduction to Derbe

Derbe was a city located in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), prominently mentioned in the New Testament during the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. Although not as frequently cited as cities like Antioch or Ephesus, Derbe played a crucial role in the spread of early Christianity and the Apostle Paul's ministry. It is best known for being one of the cities Paul visited, preached in, and established believers during his journeys.

Derbe Pronunciation

“Derbe” is pronounced as DUR-bee, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Derbe in the New Testament

Derbe appears in several passages of the New Testament, primarily in the Book of Acts, and is closely associated with Paul's missionary efforts:

• Acts 14:6-7: Paul and Barnabas fled to Derbe and Lystra to avoid persecution in Iconium. They preached the gospel and won many converts in these cities.
• Acts 14:20-21: After Paul was stoned and left for dead in Lystra, he and Barnabas went to Derbe the next day, where they preached the gospel and made many disciples.
• Acts 16:1: During Paul's second missionary journey, he returned to Derbe. It is during this visit that he met Timothy, a young disciple who would become one of Paul's closest companions.

Derbe is never mentioned in the Old Testament, as it rose to prominence in the Roman period. Its significance is tied to the expansion of the gospel into the Gentile world.

Geographical and Historical Context

Derbe was located in the southeastern part of the Roman province of Galatia, near the border of Lycaonia and Isauria. Although its exact location has been debated, most scholars now associate it with the site of modern-day Kerti Hüyük near Karaman in Turkey.

In the Roman era, Derbe held the status of a polis (city-state), and some inscriptions refer to it as a frontier city of the Roman Empire. This may have given it a strategic value in Paul’s missionary strategy, as it served as a natural end point or launching pad for journeys across the rugged interior of Asia Minor.

Related Themes and Meanings to Derbe

• Missionary Expansion: Derbe illustrates the geographical breadth of Paul’s mission. From Jerusalem to the fringes of the Roman Empire, the gospel was proclaimed even in lesser-known cities like Derbe.
• Persecution and Perseverance: The events surrounding Paul’s visit to Derbe (especially following his stoning in Lystra) highlight the dangers the early apostles faced and their resilience in spreading the gospel.
• Discipleship and Mentoring: Derbe is where Timothy’s story begins, showcasing the importance of raising up young leaders in the early church.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Derbe

• Unlike other cities Paul visited (e.g., Lystra or Iconium), there is no recorded opposition or persecution in Derbe. This may suggest it was more receptive to the gospel or less influenced by hostile Jewish populations.
• Derbe was likely the easternmost point Paul reached during his first missionary journey (Acts 13–14).
• Timothy, a pivotal New Testament figure, was from the region near Derbe and Lystra. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois are also mentioned in Scripture for their strong faith (2 Timothy 1:5).
• The name “Derbe” does not appear elsewhere in Scripture beyond the Book of Acts, emphasizing its role specifically in the narrative of missionary journeys rather than theological discourse.

Conclusion

Though Derbe may appear as a minor city in the New Testament record, its importance cannot be understated. It marks a point of triumph and perseverance in Paul’s ministry and serves as a reminder of the expansive reach of the early Christian message. As one of the stops on Paul's first and second missionary journeys, Derbe contributed to the growth and stability of the early Gentile church and the formation of future leaders like Timothy.