- published: 03 Feb 2016
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Derbe is an ancient city in today's Turkey. This city is mentioned in the biblical book of Acts - (Acts 14:6), (Acts 16:1) and was situated near ancient Lystra.
Although still a subject of controversy, the most likely site of Derbe lies about 15 miles (24 km) north northeast of the city of Karaman, Turkey (ancient Laranda) on a mound known as Kerti Hüyük.
Churches were built to commemorate the visit of St. Paul. (Acts 14:20-21)
A distinctive church ruin is believed to be the home of the last Bishop of Derbe, circa A.D. 1001. A few coins and inscriptions of Derbe are extant.
In ancient times, Derbe was one of a few Christian cities, and was used as a refuge for traveling Christians. Its Christian church was burned and buried under a mountain of soil by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, during the Diocletian Persecution, this event took place just prior to the year 300 AD. After the destruction of Derbe, there was a mass exodus of the population. Many went to western Europe, settling in modern day France. It is during this time that the last name "Derbes" began to be expressed with the connotative meaning, "man from Derbe". The name is still expressed as a surname to this day.[citation needed]
Miles away from
Those that matter
Unfamiliar place
Hours bleed out and
Days tail off then
Night degrades to gray
Crooked timber
Keep me warm and safe
Bells toll slowly
Loud dark iron
Can't place where I am
No clear signal
Scraping dragging
Fate pulls faces
Crooked timber
Steer me keep me sane
Times' attrition
Grinds these landscapes
Sifts them into shape
My resistance
To it's pressure
Buckles more each day
Crooked timber
That we can't make straight