Topical Encyclopedia DerbeDerbe was an ancient city located in the region of Lycaonia, in what is now modern-day Turkey. It is mentioned in the New Testament as a place visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. Derbe was a significant city in the early Christian church and played a role in the spread of the Gospel in Asia Minor. The city is first mentioned in the Book of Acts during Paul's first missionary journey. After facing persecution in Iconium and Lystra, Paul and Barnabas fled to Derbe, where they continued to preach the Gospel. 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." Derbe is also noted in Paul's second missionary journey. In Acts 16:1 , it is recorded, "Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek." This visit highlights the strategic importance of Derbe as a hub for evangelism and discipleship in the early church. Gaius Born In Derbe Gaius is a lesser-known figure in the New Testament, but he is mentioned as being from Derbe. In Acts 20:4 , Gaius is listed among the companions of Paul: "He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia." Gaius of Derbe is one of several individuals named Gaius in the New Testament, and it is important to distinguish him from others with the same name. His inclusion in Paul's company suggests that he was a trusted and valued member of the early Christian community. Gaius's presence in the narrative underscores the diverse and interconnected nature of the early church, as believers from various regions and backgrounds came together to support the mission of spreading the Gospel. The mention of Gaius from Derbe serves as a testament to the impact of Paul's ministry in the region and the establishment of a strong Christian presence in Derbe. The city, along with its notable figures like Gaius, played a crucial role in the expansion of Christianity during the apostolic era. Nave's Topical Index Acts 20:4And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. Nave's Topical Index Library The First Successors of the Apostles. The Epistles of St. John Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Resources What is the significance of Lystra in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Timothy in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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