Derbe Inscription (Kerti Höyük)
The 1956 stone that finally placed the last city of Paul's first journey
Found 1956 — Michael Ballance (British Institute of Archaeology at Ankara); a second inscription naming a bishop of Derbe found 1958, published by Bastiaan Van Elderen (1962)
Where Kerti Höyük (Devri Şehri), near Karaman (Turkey)
Dates from 157 CE (inscription) · Roman Imperial · Paul's first journey (Acts 14)
Now at Karaman Museum, Turkey; the mound is unexcavated
How Derbe Inscription (Kerti Höyük) was found
A Greek dedication to Emperor Antoninus Pius by 'the council and people of Derbe' was found on the large mound of Kerti Höyük, 24 km north-east of Karaman, moving the site from earlier guesses near Zosta/Gudelisin.
What it is
A limestone block inscribed in Greek honouring Antoninus Pius, set up in 157 CE by the 'Claudian' city of Derbe (Klaudioderbe). The second stone is a tombstone of Michael, bishop of Derbe, from the 4th–5th century.
Why it matters for the Bible
Derbe was the end of Paul's first journey (Acts 14:20–21) and home of Gaius, one of his companions. For a century scholars could not agree where it was. Ballance's stone fixed it, and Van Elderen's second find confirmed that a Christian community lasted there into the Byzantine period. It is a good example of how a single inscription can settle a map question in Acts.
The Hebrew word: tal-mee-DEEM
תַּלְמִידִים
תַּלְמִידִים is pronounced tal-mee-DEEM and means disciples (Greek mathetai) (Strong's G3101).
People this discovery connects to
- Paul — שָׁאוּל (Shah-OOL) — asked for (Greek Paulos)
- Gaius of Derbe — גַּיּוֹס (GAH-yos) — Latin Gaius
Places
- Derbe — דֶּרְבִּי (DER-bee) — Greek Derbe
Events
Paul and Barnabas preach at Derbe and make many disciples
Derbe Inscription (Kerti Höyük) in Scripture
Acts 14:6 First mention of Derbe in Scripture.
Acts 14:20-21 Paul goes on to Derbe and wins many disciples — the city located by this stone.
Acts 20:4 Gaius of Derbe among Paul's travelling companions.
Questions people ask
What is Derbe Inscription (Kerti Höyük)?
A limestone block inscribed in Greek honouring Antoninus Pius, set up in 157 CE by the 'Claudian' city of Derbe (Klaudioderbe). The second stone is a tombstone of Michael, bishop of Derbe, from the 4th–5th century.
When was Derbe Inscription (Kerti Höyük) discovered?
It was found in 1956 by Michael Ballance (British Institute of Archaeology at Ankara); a second inscription naming a bishop of Derbe found 1958, published by Bastiaan Van Elderen (1962), at Kerti Höyük (Devri Şehri), near Karaman.
Where is Derbe Inscription (Kerti Höyük) today?
Karaman Museum, Turkey; the mound is unexcavated.
Which Bible verses does Derbe Inscription (Kerti Höyük) relate to?
Acts 14:6, Acts 14:20-21, Acts 20:4.
Related discoveries
- בֵּית הַכְּנֶסֶתPisidian Antioch: Temple of Augustus and the Res Gestae CopyImperial-cult city where Paul preached his first recorded sermon
- אֱלִילִיםLystra Inscription and the Zeus–Hermes Cult StonesThe stone that located Lystra and the local worship of the two gods Paul was mistaken for
- דֶּרֶךְVia Egnatia and the Port of NeapolisThe Roman highway and harbour that carried the Good News into Europe
- תַּרְשִׁישׁTarsus: The Roman Road and Cleopatra's GatePaved street and city gate of Paul's 'no mean city'
- בֵּימָהGallio Inscription (Delphi)Letter of Emperor Claudius naming Gallio proconsul of Achaia — the anchor date for Paul's ministry
- מָקוֹם תְּפִלָּהLydia's Baptism Site on the Gangites (Zygaktis) RiverThe riverside 'place of prayer' outside Philippi where Europe's first recorded believer was immersed
Sources
- M. Ballance, 'The Site of Derbe: A New Inscription', Anatolian Studies 7 (1957)
- Wikipedia, 'Derbe'