{When they had preached the gospel to that city}
(euaggelisamenoi t(886e) polin ekein(886e)). Having evangelized (first
aorist middle participle) that city, a smaller city and
apparently with no trouble from the Jews. {Had made many
disciples} (math(8874)eusantes hikanous). First aorist active
participle of math(8874)eu(935c) from math(8874)(8873), a learner or disciple.
Late verb in Plutarch, to be a disciple ( Mt 27:57  like  Joh
19:38 ) and then to disciple (old English, Spenser), to make a
disciple as in  Mt 28:19  and here. Paul and Barnabas were
literally here obeying the command of Jesus in discipling people
in this heathen city. {They returned to Lystra and to Iconium,
and to Antioch} (hupestrepsan eis t(886e) Lustran kai eis Ikonion
kai eis Antiocheian). Derbe was the frontier city of the Roman
empire. The quickest way to return to Antioch in Syria would have
been by the Cilician Gates or by the pass over Mt. Taurus by
which Paul and Silas will come to Derbe in the second tour ( Ac
15:41-16:1 ), but difficult to travel in winter. But it was
necessary to revisit the churches in Lystra, Iconium, Antioch in
Pisidia and to see that they were able to withstand persecution.
Paul was a Roman citizen though he had not made use of this
privilege as yet for his own protection. Against mob violence it
would count for little, but he did not hesitate. Paul had been
stoned in Lystra, threatened in Iconium, expelled in Antioch. He
shows his wisdom in conserving his work.