Geographical and Historical Context:
Iconium was an ancient city located in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor, which is present-day Konya in Turkey. It was a significant city during the Roman Empire and served as a key center for trade and culture. The city was strategically positioned on the Roman road connecting Ephesus to the east, making it an important hub for travelers and merchants.

Biblical Significance:
Iconium holds a notable place in the New Testament as a city visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. It is mentioned primarily in the Book of Acts, where it serves as a backdrop for the spread of the early Christian message.

Missionary Journeys of Paul:
Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, visited Iconium during his first missionary journey. Acts 13:51-52 records their departure from Pisidian Antioch and their arrival in Iconium: "So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas preached in the Jewish synagogue, as was their custom. Acts 14:1 states, "At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed." This indicates the effectiveness of their ministry and the diverse audience that received their message.

Opposition and Persecution:
Despite the initial success, Paul and Barnabas faced significant opposition from both Jews and Gentiles in Iconium. Acts 14:2 notes, "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." This opposition led to a division among the people of the city, with some siding with the apostles and others against them.

The tension escalated to the point where a plot was devised to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:5-6 recounts, "But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding region."

Legacy and Influence:
The events in Iconium highlight the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries and the resilience required to spread the Gospel. The city serves as an example of both the receptivity and resistance encountered by the apostles. The perseverance of Paul and Barnabas in the face of persecution is a testament to their commitment to their divine mission.

Iconium's mention in the New Testament underscores its role as a significant location in the early Christian church's expansion. The city's diverse population and strategic location made it a critical point for the dissemination of Christian teachings throughout Asia Minor and beyond.Ico'nium (6 Occurrences)

Acts 13:51
and they having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, came to Iconium,
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Acts 14:1
And it came to pass in Iconium, that they did enter together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spake, so that there believed both of Jews and Greeks a great multitude;
(See RSV)

Acts 14:19
And there came thither, from Antioch and Iconium, Jews, and they having persuaded the multitudes, and having stoned Paul, drew him outside of the city, having supposed him to be dead;
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Acts 14:21
Having proclaimed good news also to that city, and having discipled many, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,
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Acts 16:2
who was well testified to by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium;
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2 Timothy 3:11
the persecutions, the afflictions, that befel me in Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of all the Lord did deliver me,
(See RSV)

Ico'nium (6 Occurrences)
Ico'nium. Iconium, Ico'nium. Icy . Multi-Version Concordance Ico'nium
(6 Occurrences). Acts 13:51 and they having shaken off the ...
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Iconium (6 Occurrences)

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Icy (1 Occurrence)

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