Lystra

Lystra, a city in Lycaonia where Paul and Barnabas preached and Paul healed a lame man (Act 14:6-21).

Lystra was a city in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe when they faced persecution in Iconium (Act.14.6). In Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been lame from birth, which caused the people to believe that Paul and Barnabas were gods (Act.14.8-18). However, Jews from Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra and stirred up the crowd against them, leading to Paul being stoned and left for dead outside the city (Act.14.19-20). Paul later returned to Lystra to strengthen the disciples (Act.14.21). Timothy, a young disciple who accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys, was from Lystra (Act.16.1-2).

A town of Lycaonia, in Asia Minor, in a wild district and among a rude population. Here Paul preached the gospel after he had been driven by persecution from Iconium (Acts 14:2-7). Here also he healed a lame man (8), and thus so impressed the ignorant and superstitious people that they took him for Mercury, because he was the “chief speaker,” and his companion Barnabas for Jupiter, probably in consequence of his stately, venerable appearance; and were proceeding to offer sacrifices to them (13), when Paul earnestly addressed them and turned their attention to the true source of all blessings. But soon after, through the influence of the Jews from Antioch in Pisidia and Iconium, they stoned Paul and left him for dead (14:19). On recovering, Paul left for Derbe; but soon returned again, through Lystra, encouraging the disciples there to steadfastness. He in all likelihood visited this city again on his third missionary tour (Acts 18:23). Timothy, who was probably born here (2 Tim. 3:10, 11), was no doubt one of those who were on this occasion witnesses of Paul’s persecution and his courage in Lystra.