The Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast GAL285 - Derbe is a Big Fat Maybe, but I Think the Answers Are Buried in its Ruins
Sep 25, 2025
The host delves into the mysterious town of Derbe, exploring its political landscape and significance in ancient Galatia. He outlines the impact of King Amintus, whose conquests transformed Derbe but came at a heavy human cost. The discussion highlights how demographic declines may have affected early Christianity in the area. Limited archaeological evidence reveals a complicated history, with signs of intermittent Christian presence despite Derbe's decline. The episode wraps up with a teaser for future investigations into other Galatian towns.
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Which Towns Galatians Addressed
- Matt frames the episode as an investigation into whether Galatians 'worked' in its original churches.
- He narrows possible recipients to towns Paul visited: Lystra, Iconium, Derbe, Pisidian Antioch, Gordium/Ankara.
Strabo's Derbe And King Amintus
- Matt recounts Strabo's description of Derbe as a barren high plateau and politically unsettled region.
- He tells how a local ruler Amintus consolidated towns, showing Derbe's turbulent pre-Pauline history.
Political Unification Shaped Derbe's Fate
- Amintus (the last king of the Galatians) violently unified towns and installed control with Rome's blessing.
- Derbe later hosted his royal residence and partial wall-building before decline began.
