a small town on the eastern part of the upland plain of Lycaonia, about 20 miles from Lystra. Paul passed through Derbe on his route from Cilicia to Iconium, on his second missionary journey ( Acts 16:1 ), and probably also on his third journey ( 18:23 ; 19:1 ). On his first journey ( Acts 14:20 Acts 14:21 ) he came to Derbe from the other side; i.e., from Iconium. It was the native place of Gaius, one of Paul's companions ( 20:4 ). He did not here suffer persecution ( 2 Timothy 3:11 ).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.