Location
Overview
Derbe was the easternmost city Paul reached on his first missionary journey, beyond Lystra, where the mission met with peaceful success.
Many disciples
After Lystra, "they... fled... unto Derbe... And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch" (Acts 14:20–21).
The turning point
From Derbe the apostles turned back, retracing their steps to strengthen the new churches, "confirming the souls of the disciples... that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
The home of Gaius
Derbe was the home of Gaius, one of the companions who later travelled with Paul (Acts 20:4).
Events Here
Paul makes many disciples at Derbe
Scripture References
4 versesActs4 verses
Acts 14:6
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
Acts 14:20
Howbeit, 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.
Acts 16:1
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
Acts 20:4
And 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.
Archaeology & History
Derbe has been located by inscription to the area of Kerti Höyük in south-central Turkey. As the farthest point of the first journey, it marks where Paul and Barnabas turned homeward, deliberately revisiting each young church to appoint elders and encourage the believers.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Derbe
Where is Derbe today?
Today, Derbe corresponds to Kerti Höyük area, Turkey (probable).
What happened at Derbe in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Derbe include paul makes many disciples at derbe.
Where is Derbe first mentioned in the Bible?
Derbe is first mentioned in Acts 14:6.
How often is Derbe mentioned in the Bible?
Derbe is mentioned in 4 verses across 1 book: Acts.
What happened at Derbe?
Paul and Barnabas preached and made many disciples there with little opposition; it was the turning point of the first journey, from which they retraced their route to strengthen the churches.
Where was Derbe?
In Lycaonia in south-central Asia Minor (Turkey), located by inscription near Kerti Höyük.