Day 7 – Sunday, June 14: Adana, Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Konya
Today we began our drive westward! Eventually we will be heading to the western coastline of Turkey over the next five days (about 1,200 miles or so). The weather was very pleasant again, with mostly sunny skies and highs once again around 80. We went to sites visited by Paul on his first missionary journey, two of the sites that are “off the beaten track” today for sure! We loaded the bus after breakfast and left at 7:30. We read from portions of Galatians (probably Paul’s first letter) as we began the day. Galatians 4:4 says, “For just at the right time God sent His Son…!” Amen!
The archaeology at the sites we saw today (although we really only saw one site with some ruins) is not overly impressive as other sites on this trip. Interestingly, two of the sites (Derby and Lystra) looks like a small Old Testament “tel” (ancient mound) in Israel actually! However, we pause to appreciate how Paul was willing to suffer trials and persecution for the purpose of the kingdom and making disciples of the new converts here in this region. Paul would re-visit these cities on his 2nd Journey.
Derbe
Our drive took us northwest back through the eastern Tarsus mountains and through the Cilician Gates, a narrow pass through the mountains. The drive was beautiful! The Battle of the Cilician Gates (in 39 BC) took place here and served as a decisive victory for the Roman general Publius Ventidius over the Parthian Army. Eventually later this morning we arrived at the site of ancient Derbe. To get there we took a few dirt roads. Our driver was a good sport, although we could tell he was a bit nervous taking the bus “off-road.” When we arrived at Derbe, we all walked to the top to see the limited ruins (most likely from the Roman/Late Roman period.) It was quite the adventure getting there and seeing this site! Derbe is mentioned in Acts 14.
Lystra
Continuing west (on on better roads), we came to the site of Lystra. Up to last year, the site was not touched archaeologically. However, excavations started here in 2025. Remains of a Byzantine church was uncovered. We first read from Acts 14 how Paul was stoned outside the city gate. We also read from Acts 16 about young Timothy being chosen as a traveling companion. Because of the new excavations, the site was fenced in, with warning signs (with surveillance cameras too!) Not to enter. So we walked around about two-thirds of the site.
“Today was ‘off-the-beaten-track’ day! We drove a long distance to see a few sites connected with Paul and his first missionary journey, but it was worth it. It was actually quite the adventure reaching Derbe and Lystra. The book of Acts continues to come alive!”
Iconium/Konya
Our last site of the day was Iconium. The site is now well within the heart of the city of Konya, a major city of 2. 7 million in central Turkey, on the southwestern edge of the Central Anatolian Plateau. The archaeological site was off-limits as well, but at least we could see the city gate. The foundation of the gate dates to the time of Paul. We read from Acts 13 about how first shared with his fellow Jews. Some of them received Paul’s message of the Gospel (along with some gentiles), while others did not. Those who did not would be the ones who caused the problems for Paul at Lystra.
About 10 minutes away was our hotel. We checked in and enjoyed a wonderful dinner together before retiring for the evening.
Day 8 – Monday, June 15: Antioch Pisidia, Perga, Attalia/Antalya
