Lystra
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Lystra was a city in what is now modern Turkey. It is mentioned a number of times in the New Testament of the Bible and was visited several times by the Apostle Paul and Barnabas.
[edit] Biblical reference
Paul preached the gospel in Lystra after he had been driven by persecution from Iconium (Acts 14:2-7). Here also he healed a lame man (Acts 14:8), and thus so impressed the ignorant and superstitious people that they took him for Mercury, because he was the "chief speaker", and his companion Barnabas for Jupiter, probably in consequence of his stately, venerable appearance; and were proceeding to offer sacrifices to them (13), when Paul earnestly addressed them and turned their attention to the true source of all blessings. But soon after, through the influence of the Jews from Antioch, Pisidia and Iconium, they stoned Paul and left him for dead (14:19). On recovering, Paul left for Derbe; but soon returned again, through Lystra, encouraging the disciples there to steadfastness.
He, in all likelihood, visited this city again on his third missionary tour (Acts 18:23). Timothy, who was probably born here (2 Tim. 3:10, 11), was no doubt one of those who were on this occasion witnesses of Paul's persecution and his courage in Lystra.
