Topical Bible: Barnabas: Goes to Derbe

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Barnabas, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is best known for his missionary journeys alongside the Apostle Paul. His journey to Derbe is a significant event in the spread of the Gospel during the first century. Derbe, a city in the region of Lycaonia, played a crucial role in the missionary activities of Barnabas and Paul as they sought to establish and strengthen the early Christian communities.

Biblical Account

The account of Barnabas going to Derbe is found in the Book of Acts. After facing persecution in Iconium and Lystra, Barnabas and Paul continued their missionary journey to Derbe. Acts 14:20-21 states, "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. They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples."

This passage highlights the resilience and dedication of Barnabas and Paul in their mission. Despite the challenges and opposition they faced, they remained committed to spreading the message of Christ. Their efforts in Derbe were fruitful, as they were able to make many disciples, indicating the successful establishment of a Christian community in the city.

Role and Significance

Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," was instrumental in the early church's mission to the Gentiles. His partnership with Paul was marked by a shared vision to reach beyond the Jewish communities and bring the Gospel to the Gentile world. The journey to Derbe exemplifies this mission, as it was part of their broader strategy to evangelize the regions of Asia Minor.

The visit to Derbe also underscores the importance of perseverance in ministry. Barnabas and Paul faced significant opposition, including physical harm, yet they continued their work undeterred. Their experience in Derbe serves as an example of faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity.

Theological Implications

The mission to Derbe reflects the early church's commitment to the Great Commission, as instructed by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20. Barnabas and Paul's journey illustrates the fulfillment of this command, as they went to "make disciples of all nations." Their work in Derbe is a testament to the power of the Gospel to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.

Furthermore, Barnabas's role in Derbe highlights the importance of collaboration in ministry. His partnership with Paul demonstrates the effectiveness of working together in the mission field, combining their gifts and strengths to further the Kingdom of God.

Legacy

Barnabas's journey to Derbe is a significant chapter in the history of the early church. It represents the expansion of Christianity into new territories and the establishment of a diverse and growing body of believers. The success in Derbe contributed to the spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, laying the foundation for future missionary endeavors.

In summary, Barnabas's mission to Derbe is a powerful example of dedication, perseverance, and the transformative impact of the Gospel. His work alongside Paul in this city remains an inspiring narrative of faith and commitment in the early Christian church.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 14:20
However,, 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... From Derbe the missionaries retraced their steps except that ... with them and in
consequence separated from Barnabas. ... He, therefore, goes fully into the work at ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

Acts xiv. 14, 15
... work which they had fulfilled." And yet moreover the Spirit had said, "Separate
Me Barnabas and Saul ... And observe, first he goes forth to Derbe, and then ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi acts xiv 14.htm

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
... of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of ... Paul and Barnabas had known all
along that they were ... with which, in place after place, Paul goes through the ...
/.../jewish rejecters and gentile receivers.htm

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
... Barnabas.] The difference of opinion about St. ... baptized, and then to the scene of
his first contact with actual heathendom at Derbe and Lystra ... Paul goes to Rome ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iii the extension of.htm

The Propagation of Christianity.
... at Joppa, Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, Berea, Iconium, Derbe, Antioch in ... account,
so far as it goes, is for ... Herod's death; the sending of Barnabas to Antioch ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ix the propagation of.htm

Acts xv. 35
... would be exceedingly awed, and would condemn himself, and seeing Barnabas so taking ...
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra." (v.41.) Mark the wisdom ... he goes further. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiv acts xv 35.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
... the inhabitants of the cities of Antioch, Derbe, etc., would ... Paul goes on to show
that the promise made ... were most friendly to Paul and Barnabas, agreeing that ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xii the epistle of.htm

Introduction. By the American Reviser.
... It goes to show, what has always been noticed by ... a year, the Church at Antioch sent
Barnabas and Saul ... of which they visited "Lystra and Derbe," when probably ...
/.../introduction by the american reviser.htm

Acts XVI
... 6-8. The neighboring cities of Derbe and Lystra, where ... the limit of his former tour
with Barnabas into this ... midst of life and health, when all goes well with us ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm