Iconium
Iconium was an ancient city in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor, visited by Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey as recorded in Acts 14. There they preached in the synagogue, leading many Jews and Greeks to believe while God confirmed their message through signs and wonders. Unbelieving Jews soon stirred up opposition among the Gentiles and city officials, creating division and prompting a plot to stone the apostles, which forced them to flee to nearby Lystra and Derbe. This episode illustrates both the spread of the gospel amid resistance and the pattern of persecution that marked early Christian mission work.
Details
- Region
- Asia Minor
- Modern Location
- Konya, central Turkey
Key Passages
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
Acts 14:1-5
Paul and Barnabas preach boldly in Iconium despite opposition - the city divides over the gospel, with some believing and others plotting violence.
1nd it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
Paul Recalls Persecutions
2 Timothy 3:11
Paul later recalls his sufferings at Iconium as evidence of faithful ministry - persecution endured becomes a credential of apostolic authenticity.
11ersecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.