Lexical Summary Derbé: Derbe Original Word: Δέρβη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Derbe. Of foreign origin; Derbe, a place in Asia Minor -- Derbe. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition Derbe, a city of Lycaonia NASB Translation Derbe (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1191: ΔέρβηΔέρβη, Δερβης, ἡ, Derbe, a city of Lycaonia, on the confines of Isauria (on its supposed site see Lewin, St. Paul, i. 151f; B. D. under the word; cf. Conyb. and Hows. St. Paul Index under the word): Acts 14:6, 20; Acts 16:1. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Derbe was a city of Lycaonia in south-central Asia Minor, lying east-southeast of Lystra and near the ancient frontier of Cappadocia. Situated on the royal road running from Iconium toward Cilicia, it served as the last prominent urban center before the Taurus mountain passes. Classical writers (e.g., Strabo, Stephanus of Byzantium) speak of its status as a polis, and coin finds attest to a degree of municipal self-government under Roman oversight. No large acropolis has yet been excavated, but most scholars place the site near modern Kerti Höyük, close to the Göksu (Calydnus) River. The landscape is a fertile plain rimmed by low hills—ideal terrain for agricultural settlement and a natural waypoint for itinerant travelers such as the apostle Paul. Biblical Narrative The name appears three times in Acts (14:6, 14:20, 16:1), each tied to Paul’s missionary activity: • Acts 14:6—Paul and Barnabas, having been threatened in Iconium, “fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe.” These references place Derbe firmly within the narrative of the Gospel’s advance into Galatia. First Missionary Journey Derbe represents the easternmost reach of Paul’s inaugural expedition. Whereas Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra each witnessed violent resistance, Luke records no persecution in Derbe, emphasizing instead evangelistic fruitfulness: “They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples” (Acts 14:21). The absence of conflict may have provided space for deeper instruction and consolidation, explaining why a sizeable body of believers existed when Paul returned. Second Missionary Journey and the Calling of Timothy Acts 16:1 situates Derbe at the threshold of Paul’s second circuit. Timothy is mentioned immediately after Derbe, indicating that the Derbe-Lystra region had produced disciples with commendable reputations: “The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him” (Acts 16:2). Timothy’s later prominence suggests that seeds planted during the first visit had already borne mature fruit, highlighting Derbe’s role in nurturing leadership for the wider church. Emerging Church and Key Converts Acts 20:4 lists “Gaius of Derbe” among Paul’s companions, attesting to a thriving fellowship that gave workers to the missionary enterprise. Although the name Δερβαῖος rather than Δέρβη appears here, the link is unmistakable. Gaius’s inclusion in a delegation charged with conveying relief to Jerusalem demonstrates the spiritual and financial solidarity of Derbe’s believers with the broader body of Christ. Theological and Ministry Themes 1. Perseverance after Suffering: Paul’s immediate journey from near-death in Lystra to fruitful ministry in Derbe embodies the truth later articulated in 2 Timothy 3:11—that persecutions can never thwart divine purpose. Historical and Archaeological Insights Inscriptions naming Derbe have been found near the modern village of Kerti, and coins bearing the legend ΔΕΡΒΗΝΩΝ confirm civic identity during the Imperial period. A bishop of Derbe attended the Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451), indicating an unbroken Christian presence for four centuries after Paul. While large-scale digs remain limited, pottery sherds and architectural fragments align with a prosperous first-century town on a trade corridor. Lessons for Contemporary Faith • God often advances His mission through unexpected detours; apparent setbacks (Iconium, Lystra) can open doors (Derbe). Derbe, though mentioned only briefly, stands as a testament to the unstoppable spread of the Word and the lasting impact of faithful ministry in even the most out-of-the-way locales. Forms and Transliterations Δερβην Δέρβην Derben Derbēn Dérben DérbēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 14:6 N-AFSGRK: Λύστραν καὶ Δέρβην καὶ τὴν NAS: Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; KJV: Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, INT: Lystra and Derbe and the Acts 14:20 N-AFS Acts 16:1 N-AFS |
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