The Lystrans were the inhabitants of Lystra, a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) that played a significant role in Paul’s missionary journeys. Unlike the Derbeans, who readily accepted the Gospel, the Lystrans displayed both enthusiasm and hostility, revealing the challenges of evangelizing pagan societies.
Lystra is famous for Paul’s miraculous healing of a lame man (Acts 14:8-10), which led to the Lystrans mistakenly worshiping Paul and Barnabas as gods. However, their superstitious zeal quickly turned into violent opposition, and Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19-20). Despite this, Lystra later became home to Timothy, one of Paul’s closest companions in ministry.
Understanding who the Lystrans were, their cultural background, and their role in biblical history provides key insights into the struggles and triumphs of early Christian missions.
Words: 1179 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Historical Background and Origins
Lystra was an ancient city in the region of Lycaonia, historically part of Galatia during Roman rule. Important aspects of its history include:
- Founded as a Hellenistic Settlement – Lystra was heavily influenced by Greek culture, but retained native Lycaonian traditions.
- Became a Roman Colony (25 BC) – Under Emperor Augustus, Lystra was designated a Roman colony, meaning its citizens had certain privileges under Roman law.
- A Small But Strategic City – Though not as large as Ephesus or Antioch, Lystra was important due to its location along key trade routes.
By Paul’s time, the Lystrans were a mix of Greeks, Romans, and native Lycaonians, with pagan religious traditions shaping their worldview.
Geography and Political Influence
Lystra was located in south-central Asia Minor, benefiting from:
- A Rural and Agricultural Setting – Unlike major metropolitan cities, Lystra was more isolated, with a strong agricultural economy.
- Roman Military Presence – As a Roman colony, Lystra had some military influence, though it lacked the wealth of larger cities.
- A Crossroads for Travelers – Located near Derbe and Iconium, Lystra was a stop for traders and missionaries, making it a strategic place for spreading the Gospel.
Lystra’s rural character and pagan traditions made it both an opportunity and a challenge for early Christian evangelism.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
The Lystrans practiced a blend of Greek, Roman, and native Lycaonian religious traditions, including:
- Greek Polytheism – The Lystrans worshiped Zeus (Jupiter) and Hermes (Mercury), as seen in Acts 14:12 when they mistook Paul and Barnabas for these gods.
- Local Superstitions – Many Lystrans followed folk beliefs, omens, and myths, influencing their reaction to Paul’s miracle.
- Roman Emperor Worship – As a Roman colony, some Lystrans participated in the imperial cult, honoring the emperor as a divine figure.
Their superstitious nature explains why they quickly shifted from worshiping Paul to attacking him once persuaded by outsiders.
The Lystrans in the Bible
Lystra is mentioned multiple times in Paul’s missionary journeys, revealing the unpredictability of early evangelism:
1. Paul Heals a Lame Man in Lystra (Acts 14:8-10)
- Paul encountered a crippled man who had never walked and, seeing his faith, commanded him to stand up and walk.
- The miracle astonished the Lystrans, but instead of recognizing the power of Christ, they interpreted it through their pagan worldview.
2. The Lystrans Worship Paul and Barnabas as Gods (Acts 14:11-13)
- The Lystrans mistook Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus, believing the gods had come in human form.
- They brought oxen to sacrifice to them, and the local priest of Zeus led the effort to offer worship.
3. Paul and Barnabas Reject Their Worship and Preach the True God (Acts 14:14-18)
- Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes (a sign of distress) and urged the Lystrans to turn from idols to the living God.
- Paul emphasized that God is the Creator and sustainer of all things, calling them to repentance.
4. The Lystrans Turn Against Paul and Stone Him (Acts 14:19-20)
- Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and persuaded the Lystrans to turn against Paul.
- The same people who had tried to worship Paul as a god now stoned him and dragged him outside the city, believing he was dead.
- Miraculously, Paul survived and continued his mission, showing his determination to preach the Gospel despite suffering.
5. Paul Returns to Strengthen the Lystran Church (Acts 14:21-22)
- Despite being stoned, Paul returned to Lystra later, proving his commitment to the new believers.
- This visit led to the formation of a strong Christian community, setting the stage for future leaders.
Interactions with Jesus and His Disciples
Although Jesus never visited Lystra, His teachings were directly relevant to the events that occurred there:
1. Jesus Warned That the World Would Reject His Followers (John 15:18-20)
- Paul’s violent treatment in Lystra fulfilled Jesus’ words that His followers would suffer for the Gospel.
2. Jesus’ Miracles Were Often Misinterpreted (Luke 11:15, John 6:14-15)
- Just as the Lystrans misunderstood Paul’s miracle, many in Jesus’ time misinterpreted His power as magic or sorcery.
Lystra’s reaction to Paul echoes how Jesus Himself was often misunderstood.
Significance in Church History and Prophecy
Lystra remained important in early Christian history, especially because:
- It Was Home to Timothy (Acts 16:1-3) – Timothy, Paul’s most trusted disciple, was from Lystra, showing that despite initial hostility, faith took root there.
- It Became a Key Christian Center in Galatia – Paul’s letters to the Galatians were likely read by believers in Lystra.
- It Demonstrates the Challenges of Evangelism – Lystra’s reaction shows the spiritual battle involved in spreading the Gospel.
Even though Paul was nearly killed there, Lystra later produced one of Christianity’s greatest leaders (Timothy).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
- People can be spiritually confused but still open to the Gospel – The Lystrans misinterpreted Paul’s miracle, but many later embraced Christ.
- Evangelism often involves suffering – Paul’s stoning in Lystra reminds us that the Gospel can bring both acceptance and persecution.
- True faith is tested over time – Though the Lystrans initially resisted, their city later became a stronghold of Christian leadership.
- We must preach Christ clearly – Paul corrected the Lystrans’ misunderstanding by pointing them to the living God, showing the importance of clear Gospel teaching.
The church today must be willing to endure hardships, correct misunderstandings, and remain faithful to the mission of Christ.
Conclusion: God’s Sovereignty Over the Lystrans
The Lystrans, though initially superstitious and hostile to the Gospel, later became a strong Christian community and the home of Timothy. Their story highlights the challenges and victories of early Christian missions, proving that even the most confused or resistant people can be transformed by the Gospel.
As Paul later wrote:
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12 – written to Timothy, a Lystran believer!)
The Lystrans remind us that suffering for Christ can lead to great spiritual fruit.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
