Lystra was an ancient city located in the region of Lycaonia, in what is now modern-day Turkey. It holds significant importance in the New Testament as one of the cities visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. Lystra is first mentioned in the Book of Acts, where it is noted for its role in the spread of early Christianity.

In Acts 14:6-7, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and continued to preach the gospel there. Lystra is particularly notable for the miraculous healing of a man who had been lame from birth. Acts 14:8-10 records, "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 reaction of the people of Lystra was one of amazement, leading them to mistakenly identify Paul and Barnabas as gods, calling Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes" (Acts 14:11-12). Despite their attempts to correct this misunderstanding, the apostles faced opposition, and Paul was later stoned and left for dead by a crowd incited by Jews from Antioch and Iconium (Acts 14:19).

Lystra is also significant as the hometown of Timothy, a young disciple who would become a close companion and co-worker of Paul. In Acts 16:1-3, Paul returns to Lystra and invites Timothy to join him on his missionary journeys, recognizing his faith and potential for ministry.

Iconium

Iconium was another city in the region of Lycaonia, situated on a major trade route in the Roman province of Galatia. It is mentioned several times in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts, as a key location in Paul's missionary efforts.

Paul and Barnabas visited Iconium during their first missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 13:51-52 and Acts 14:1-7. In Iconium, they entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. Acts 14:1 states, "At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed."

However, their success also stirred opposition. Acts 14:2-5 describes how unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers, leading to a plot to mistreat and stone them. Despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas continued to preach boldly, performing signs and wonders by the power of the Lord.

Iconium is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:10-11, where Paul refers to the persecutions and sufferings he endured there, along with those in Antioch and Lystra. This reference highlights the challenges faced by early Christians in spreading the gospel and the perseverance required to overcome them.

Antioch (Pisidian Antioch)

Pisidian Antioch, often referred to simply as Antioch in the context of Paul's journeys, was a city located in the region of Phrygia, near the border of Pisidia. It was an important Roman colony and a strategic center for the spread of Christianity in Asia Minor.

Paul and Barnabas visited Pisidian Antioch during their first missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 13. Upon their arrival, they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and were invited to speak. Paul delivered a powerful sermon, recounting the history of Israel and proclaiming Jesus as the promised Savior. Acts 13:38-39 records part of Paul's message: "Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses."

The message was initially well-received, and many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles followed Paul and Barnabas. However, Acts 13:45-50 describes how jealousy arose among some of the Jewish leaders, leading to opposition and persecution. Despite being expelled from the region, Paul and Barnabas left behind a community of believers who continued to spread the gospel.

Pisidian Antioch is also significant as a place where the message of salvation was explicitly extended to the Gentiles, marking a pivotal moment in the early church's mission to reach all nations. This city serves as a testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the boldness of the apostles in proclaiming it, even in the face of adversity.