Lycaonia was a southern region of the Roman province of Galatia. Its major cities were Lystra, Derbe, Laranda, and Iconium. Acts reports two more visits by Paul to Lycaonia (16:1–5; 18:23). Paul’s letter to the Galatians was probably addressed to scattered believers in the churches of Lycaonia (see Galatians Book Introduction, “Recipients”).
Lystra was about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south or southwest of Iconium.
Derbe was about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of Lystra. It was on a busy main road that went from Iconium and Lystra towards the east to Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia.