Lexical Summary Ikonion: Iconium Original Word: Ἰκόνιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Iconium. Perhaps from eikon; image-like; Iconium, a place in Asia Minor -- Iconium. see GREEK eikon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Iconium, a city of Galatia NASB Translation Iconium (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2430: ἸκόνιονἸκόνιον, Ἰκονίου, τό, Iconium, a celebrated city of Asia Minor, which in the time of Xenophon, (an. 1, 2, 19) was 'the last city of Phrygia,' afterward the capital of Lycaonia (Strabo 12, p. 568; Cicero, ad divers. 15, 4); now Konia (or Konieh): Acts 13:51; Acts 14:1, 19, 21; Acts 16:2; 2 Timothy 3:11. Cf. Overbeck in Schenkel, iii. 303f; (B. D. (especially American edition) under the word; Lewin, St. Paul, i., 144ff). Topical Lexicon Geographic and Historical Setting Iconium lay on the high plateau of central Asia Minor at the junction of key Greco-Roman trade routes. Fertile soils, reliable water, and proximity to the Royal Road made it a strategic hub. In the first century it belonged administratively to Galatia yet retained a Lycaonian character, with Hellenistic influence layered over older Phrygian and Anatolian traditions. By Paul’s day the city possessed a mixed population of Jews, proselytes, Greeks, and native Anatolians, providing an ideal setting for the gospel to encounter both synagogue attendees and Gentile seekers. Iconium in the Book of Acts Luke records six references to Iconium, all connected to Paul’s missionary activity. The narrative arc moves from initial evangelistic success to violent opposition, followed by pastoral consolidation. • Evangelistic entry (Acts 13:51): “So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.” The apostles obey the Lord’s instruction (cf. Matthew 10:14), moving on yet undiscouraged. • Powerful synagogue ministry (Acts 14:1): “They spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” Iconium illustrates the pattern of beginning with the synagogue, then expanding to a city-wide witness. • Intensifying hostility (Acts 14:5–6,19): Local and visiting agitators plot stoning, eventually carrying it out. “Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead” (Acts 14:19). Iconium thus becomes a paradigm of the spiritual conflict accompanying gospel advance. • Continued harvest (Acts 14:21): After evangelizing Derbe, the missionaries “returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,” demonstrating confidence that fledgling believers could be strengthened even where opposition had been fierce. The Gospel Advances amid Mixed Jewish–Gentile Audiences Iconium showcases the early church’s bridge between Jew and Gentile. The synagogue setting allowed scriptural exposition; the urban crossroads ensured non-Jewish hearers. Luke’s repeated phrase “Jews and Greeks” underscores both the universality of salvation and the need to contextualize without compromise. Opposition and Persevering Faith The conspiracies in Iconium and the later stoning of Paul illustrate that persecution is not evidence of ministerial failure but often accompanies fruitful proclamation. Paul later reminds Timothy, “my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra… yet the Lord rescued me from all of them” (2 Timothy 3:11). Iconium therefore becomes a touchstone for trusting divine deliverance amid hardship. Return Visits and Congregational Strengthening By retracing their steps to Iconium, the apostles appoint elders and teach perseverance (Acts 14:22–23). This deliberate follow-up indicates that church planting includes nurture, order, and accountability, not merely initial evangelism. Connection to Timothy’s Early Reputation Timothy, a native of Lystra, “was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium” (Acts 16:2). The commendation from Iconian believers reveals an established, maturing fellowship less than five years after its founding—testimony to the Spirit’s enduring work in that city. Reminder in Paul’s Final Letter In 2 Timothy, Iconium functions theologically. Paul’s mention of past persecutions grounds his exhortation that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). The memory of Iconium thus shapes pastoral realism and hope. Doctrinal and Pastoral Themes Drawn from Iconium 1. Sovereign Guidance: Closed doors elsewhere led Paul and Barnabas precisely to the prepared soil of Iconium. Later Church History Patristic sources indicate a bishopric in Iconium by the second century, and the city hosted delegates at early ecumenical councils. Though later Islamic rule transformed the region (modern Konya, Türkiye), archaeological remains—inscriptions, churches, and martyrs’ accounts—echo the steadfast witness first recorded in Acts. Application for Modern Believers Iconium reminds the contemporary church that strategic locations, multicultural cities, and periods of opposition remain fertile ground for gospel advance. Faithful proclamation, intentional follow-up, and reliance on divine rescue continue to bear fruit, just as they did for Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, and the first Iconian disciples. Forms and Transliterations Ικονιον Ἰκόνιον Ικονιου Ἰκονίου Ικονιω Ἰκονίῳ ίκτερον ίκτερος ικτέρω ικτίνα Ikonio Ikoniō Ikoníoi Ikoníōi Ikonion Ikónion Ikoniou IkoníouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 13:51 N-ANSGRK: ἦλθον εἰς Ἰκόνιον NAS: them and went to Iconium. KJV: and came unto Iconium. INT: they went to Iconium Acts 14:1 N-DNS Acts 14:19 N-GNS Acts 14:21 N-ANS Acts 16:2 N-DNS 2 Timothy 3:11 N-DNS Strong's Greek 2430 |
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