### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Lýstra**, represented by `{{G3082}}`, refers to **a place in Asia Minor**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. This city serves as a significant location in the narrative of the apostle Paul's missionary journeys, often appearing alongside the cities of Derbe and Iconium.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Lystra** is presented as a city of Lycaonia where Paul and Barnabas fled after facing hostility [[Acts 14:6]]. It is the setting for a notable miracle where a man, **impotent** `{{G102}}` in his feet and a **cripple** `{{G5560}}` from birth who had never **walked** `{{G4043}}`, was healed [[Acts 14:8]]. The apostles later **returned again** `{{G5290}}` to **Lystra** after they had **preached the gospel** `{{G2097}}` and **taught** `{{G3100}}` many [[Acts 14:21]]. The city is also identified as the home of Timothy, a **disciple** `{{G3101}}` who was **well reported** `{{G3140}}` of by the **brethren** `{{G80}}` there and in Iconium [[Acts 16:1-2]]. Paul later recalled the **persecutions** `{{G1375}}` and **afflictions** `{{G3804}}` he **endured** `{{G5297}}` at **Lystra**, noting that the Lord **delivered** `{{G4506}}` him from them all [[2 Timothy 3:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events that took place in Lystra:
* `{{G1191}}` **Dérbē**: This is a city in Asia Minor consistently mentioned with **Lystra**, where the apostles fled and preached the gospel ([[Acts 14:6]], [[Acts 16:1]]).
* `{{G2430}}` **Ikónion**: A nearby city that formed a missionary circuit with **Lystra** and Antioch. It was a place of both ministry and persecution for Paul ([[Acts 14:21]], [[2 Timothy 3:11]]).
* `{{G1375}}` **diōgmós** (persecution): This word directly describes the hardship Paul faced in **Lystra**, linking the location to the high cost of apostolic ministry [[2 Timothy 3:11]].
* `{{G3101}}` **mathētḗs** (disciple): **Lystra** is the hometown of Timothy, a key **disciple** and companion of Paul, highlighting the city's role in nurturing future church leaders [[Acts 16:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3082}}` is tied to the events that occurred there.
* **Display of Divine Power:** The healing of the man who was **impotent** `{{G102}}` from birth served as a powerful sign of God's authority and compassion in **Lystra** [[Acts 14:8]].
* **Perseverance Amidst Suffering:** The city is remembered as a place of intense **persecutions** `{{G1375}}` and **afflictions** `{{G3804}}`, yet it also testifies to the Lord's power to **deliver** `{{G4506}}` his servants from their trials [[2 Timothy 3:11]].
* **Fruitfulness of the Gospel:** Despite the opposition, the ministry in **Lystra** was fruitful. The apostles **preached the gospel** `{{G2097}}` and **taught** `{{G3100}}` many, and the city produced faithful believers like Timothy ([[Acts 14:21]], [[Acts 16:1]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3082}}` is more than just a geographical reference. **Lystra** represents a microcosm of the early church's experience. It was a place where the power of God was vividly displayed, where the gospel was faithfully preached despite severe opposition, and where believers were raised up to carry on the work of the ministry. The city stands as a testament to both the suffering and the success inherent in the apostolic mission.
TRV