Lystra in the Bible
City where Paul was first worshipped as a god and then stoned — and where Timothy grew up.
Lystra was a Roman colony in the province of Galatia. It witnessed dramatic swings of public opinion: the crowd first tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods after a healing miracle, then stoned Paul and left him for dead. Lystra was also the hometown of Timothy, Paul's most trusted protégé.
Modern Location
Near modern Hatunsaray, Konya Province, Turkey
Key Biblical Events
- 1Paul heals a lame man (Acts 14:8-10)
- 2Crowd tries to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods (Acts 14:11-13)
- 3Paul stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19)
- 4Timothy joins Paul from Lystra (Acts 16:1-3)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men."
"And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead."
"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."
Spiritual Significance
Lystra vividly demonstrates the volatility of popular opinion and the cost of following Christ. Yet from this turbulent place came Timothy, showing that God raises up faithful servants even in the most hostile environments.
Why Lystra Matters
Lystra holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands in the regions where the early church spread the gospel across the Roman world. With 4 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Paul, Barnabas, Timothy linked to its story — Lystra is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Lystra gains its primary significance in the New Testament era, where 3 key scriptures illuminate its role in the unfolding story of Christ and the early church. Lystra vividly demonstrates the volatility of popular opinion and the cost of following Christ. Yet from this turbulent place came Timothy, showing that God raises up faithful servants even in the most hostile environments.
For today's believer, studying Lystra is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Lystra, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Paul encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Paul really stoned at Lystra?
Yes. Acts 14:19 records that Jews from Antioch and Iconium stirred up the crowd, and Paul was stoned and dragged outside the city, presumed dead. He recovered and continued his journey the next day.
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