Derbe
Derbe was a city in the Roman province of Galatia in Asia Minor, and in the ethnic region of Lycaonia. It is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles at 14:6, 14:20 and 16:1.
Location
In 1956, on the basis of an inscription, Michael Ballance fixed the site of Derbe at a mound known as Kerti Hüyük, some 22 kilometres (14 mi) north-northeast of Karaman (ancient Laranda) in Turkey.[1] Although subject to controversy, this is considered the most likely site.[2][3]
History
Antipater of Derbe, a friend of Cicero,[4] was ruler of Derbe, but was killed by Amyntas of Galatia, who added Derbe to his possessions.[5][6]
In Roman times it struck its own coins, of which a few are extant.[7]
The apostles Paul and Barnabas came to Derbe after escaping a disturbance and attempted stoning in Iconium, about 60 miles away,[8] and successfully evangelized there.[9] Paul and Barnabas returned there after being stoned again in Lystra.[10] On these experiences, Paul commented, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."[11] He and Silas later visited Derbe again.[12]
The Bishopric of Derbe became a suffragan see of Iconium. It is not mentioned by later Notitiae Episcopatuum. Just four bishops are known, from 381 to 672.[13]
Derbe is included in the Catholic Church's list of titular sees.[14]
References
- ^ [1]; Geoffrey William Bromiley, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: A-D (1994), p. 924-5.
- ^ Bastian Van Elderen, Some Archaeological Observations on Paul’s First Missionary Journey, 157-159.
- ^ Steve Singleton, Derbe Satellite View.
- ^ Cicero, Ad Familiares, xiii. 73
- ^ Strabo, XII,i, 4; vi, 3
- ^ Dio Cassius, XLIX, xxxii)
- ^ William Ramsay, Cities of St. Paul, 385-404.
- ^ Bastian Van Elderen, Some Archaeological Observations on Paul’s First Missionary Journey, 157-159.
- ^ Acts 14:6–21
- ^ Acts 14:20
- ^ Acts 14:22
- ^ Acts 16:1
- ^ "Derbe". Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
- ^ Annuario Pontificio 2013 (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2013, ISBN 978-88-209-9070-1), p. 880