Λύστρα

Lystra

Definition

Λύστρα (Lystra) refers to a city in the region of Lycaonia, within the Roman province of Galatia. It is most notable as a location where the apostle Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel during their first missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 14. In this city, Paul healed a lame man, leading the populace to mistakenly identify the apostles as the gods Hermes and Zeus (Acts 14:8-13). Later, Paul was stoned and left for dead outside Lystra but recovered (Acts 14:19-20). The city is also significant as the hometown of Timothy, Paul's companion and co-worker, whom Paul met on his second journey (Acts 16:1-2). Paul later references enduring persecutions and sufferings in Lystra among the trials he faced (2 Timothy 3:11).

Biblical Usage

The word Λύστρα is used exclusively in the New Testament as a proper noun to identify this specific city. All six occurrences are found in the book of Acts and 2 Timothy, detailing events from Paul's missionary work. In Acts, it appears in narratives of evangelism, miracle, persecution, and discipleship (Acts 14:6, 14:8, 14:21, 16:1, 16:2). The single reference in 2 Timothy 3:11 is a personal reminiscence by Paul of the sufferings he endured there, linking the location to his apostolic hardships.

Etymology

The name Λύστρα is of Greek origin, but its specific etymology is uncertain. It is the proper name of the city itself, not derived from a common Greek root with a broader semantic range. As a toponym, its meaning is tied solely to the geographical location.

Semantic Range

Lystra is theologically significant as a vivid example of Gentile mission field dynamics. The events there illustrate the clash between the gospel and pagan polytheism (Acts 14:11-15), the reality of apostolic suffering and perseverance (Acts 14:19-20; 2 Timothy 3:11), and the raising up of indigenous leadership, as seen in Timothy, who became a key figure in the early church. Understanding this location enriches reading by highlighting the cultural challenges of early evangelism and God's faithfulness in persecution.

Lystra was a Roman colony in a predominantly Lycaonian-speaking region, though Greek was also used. Its cultural setting was pagan, with a strong devotion to the Greek pantheon, as evidenced by the immediate identification of Paul and Barnabas with Zeus and Hermes. This reaction contrasts with Jewish settings and shows the gospel entering a purely Gentile, idolatrous context. The city's status as a colony also meant it had Roman veterans and legal structures, providing a different backdrop than purely Greek or Jewish cities.

Derbe (derbe, G1191) — A neighboring Lycaonian city often mentioned alongside Lystra in Paul's missionary travels (Acts 14:6, 20). Iconium (ikonion, G2430) — Another city in the same region of Lycaonia, part of the missionary circuit with Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:1, 14:21).

Word Details

Scripture References