Day 08 - Lystra

Our day began early as we left the Konya hotel in what was formerly the city of Iconium. As we exited the bus into an open field, Marty brought us together under an olive tree telling us about Zeus, the giver of good news, and Hermes, the bringer of good news -  a myth from 800 BC. As the myth goes, Zeus and Hermes visited the city in disguise and were rejected by all until they met a poor couple, Bacchus and Philemon, just outside of the city. Bacchus and Philemon welcomed them into their hut and served them the last of their food and drink. Hermes then told the couple who they were and that they planned to incinerate the city with fire and sulphur given their inhospitable treatment. However, they offered Bacchus and Philemon one wish in return for their kindness and hospitality. They wished to live forever and never be lonely. The wish was granted to them and the city was incinerated. As Bacchus and Philemon aged, they grew into an oak and linden tree, respectively. 

With this story in mind, we headed down the road and climbed up the Lystra Tel. No excavation has taken place to date. 

As way of background, Caesar ordered Lystra to be built as one of several military outposts. Roman and Lyconian soldiers were stationed here. It is an 8 acre area that had 3,000 to 4,000 people. 

As you look at Paul’s missionary journeys, it is important to note that Paul came through Lystra (and Iconium and Derbe) four times! 

As we read Acts chapter 14, Paul and Barnabas came across a crippled man in Lystra sitting and could not use his feet. He listened to Paul, and Paul, looking at him intently, saw that he had faith to be made well. Paul tangibly saw his faith. The crowds reaction to this was to say that the gods have come down in the likeness of man. They went on to call Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes”.  Now you have the context when you read this passage in light of the myth. 

Paul survives a stoning to only return again to Lystra. This time he meets a disciple named Timothy. Given Timothy’s mother marriage to a Greek, Timothy was not accepted into the Jewish congregation. He was considered a “mumzer” - an outsider. He could not go to Synagogue or participate in the festivals.  So the question is “how did he learn the text?!” From his mother and grandmother, as women in that community? By listening outside the synagogue? 

Paul picks Timothy, a mumzer, as his disciple. God loves mumzers. And as you know, this mumzer goes on to lead the church in Ephesus! 

Marty encouraged us to seek a mumzer to disciple.

During Domitian’s reign, Timothy was beaten to death. Church tradition notes that Onesimus takes over the role in the Ephesian church. Yes - Onesimus! 

God loves mumzers.