Lystra

AI summary: Lystra contains one of the sharpest swings in Acts between acclaim and rejection. Paul heals a lame man there and is immediately misunderstood as a divine visitor, revealing the local religious world into which the gospel came. Soon afterwards the same setting turns violent and Paul is stoned, yet the mission is not abandoned, and the city becomes linked with enduring discipleship through Timothy. The cross references present Lystra as a mission town where miracle, misunderstanding, suffering, and perseverance all appear together.¹

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. ³