Topical Encyclopedia Geographical and Historical ContextIconium, an ancient city located in what is now modern-day Turkey, played a significant role in the early Christian missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. Situated in the region of Lycaonia, Iconium was a prominent city in the Roman province of Galatia. The city was known for its fertile lands and strategic position along the trade routes, making it a melting pot of various cultures and religions. Biblical Account The account of Paul's ministry in Iconium is primarily found in the Book of Acts. During his first missionary journey, Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, visited Iconium after leaving Pisidian Antioch. 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." The synagogue served as the initial platform for Paul's preaching, a common strategy in his missionary efforts. His message resonated with both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, leading to a significant number of conversions. However, as was often the case, Paul's success also stirred opposition. Acts 14:2 notes, "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." Despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas remained in Iconium for a considerable time, boldly proclaiming the gospel. Acts 14:3 records, "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders." The miraculous signs served to authenticate their message and further the spread of the gospel. Conflict and Departure The growing division among the city's inhabitants eventually led to a plot against Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:4-5 describes the situation: "The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles. 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." The apostles' departure from Iconium was not a retreat but a strategic move to preserve their lives and continue their mission elsewhere. Their experience in Iconium exemplifies the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries and the resilience required to spread the gospel amidst persecution. Theological Significance Paul's ministry in Iconium highlights several key themes in early Christian evangelism. First, it underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition. Despite the hostility, Paul and Barnabas continued to preach boldly, trusting in God's power to confirm their message through signs and wonders. Second, the account illustrates the role of divine intervention in the spread of the gospel. The miraculous signs performed by Paul and Barnabas were not merely for spectacle but served to validate their message and draw people to faith in Christ. Lastly, the events in Iconium reflect the broader pattern of division that the gospel often brings. As Jesus Himself stated, the message of the kingdom can be a source of division, separating those who accept it from those who reject it (cf. Matthew 10:34-36). Legacy The seeds planted by Paul and Barnabas in Iconium would contribute to the establishment of a Christian community in the region. The perseverance and faithfulness of these early missionaries laid the groundwork for the growth of the church in Galatia, as evidenced by Paul's later epistle to the Galatians. Iconium remains a testament to the enduring impact of the apostolic mission and the transformative power of the gospel. Nave's Topical Index Acts 13:51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium. Nave's Topical Index Acts 14:21,22 Acts 16:2 Library The Acts of the Apostles The Women of the Apostolic Age The Acts of the Apostles Acts xvii. 1, 2, 3 The Cripple at Lystra The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. Dialogue iii. --The Impassible. The Dialogue against the Luciferians. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Resources What does the Bible say about reputation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a synagogue? | GotQuestions.org What happened on Paul's first missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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