Topical Bible: Unbelief: Jews of Iconium

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The account of the Jews of Iconium and their unbelief is primarily found in the New Testament book of Acts. Iconium, a city in the region of Lycaonia, played a significant role in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and his companion Barnabas. The events in Iconium are recorded in Acts 14:1-7, where the response of the Jewish community to the Gospel message is detailed.

Context and Background

Iconium was a prominent city in the Roman province of Galatia, known for its diverse population, including Jews and Gentiles. The Jewish community in Iconium, like many others in the Diaspora, maintained their religious traditions and synagogues, which served as centers for worship and community life. The synagogue in Iconium became the initial platform for Paul and Barnabas to preach the Gospel.

The Preaching of Paul and Barnabas

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 verse highlights the initial success of their ministry, as both Jews and Gentiles responded positively to the message of Jesus Christ. The preaching of Paul and Barnabas was characterized by clarity and power, leading to a significant number of conversions.

The Unbelief and Opposition

Despite the initial success, the narrative quickly shifts to the unbelief and opposition from some members of the Jewish community. Acts 14:2 notes, "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." This verse underscores the active role of certain Jews in opposing the Gospel. Their unbelief was not passive; rather, it manifested in efforts to incite the Gentile population against Paul and Barnabas, creating division and hostility.

The unbelief of the Jews in Iconium can be understood in the broader context of Jewish resistance to the early Christian message. Many Jews struggled with the concept of Jesus as the Messiah, particularly when His message challenged traditional interpretations of the Law and the Prophets. The resistance in Iconium reflects a pattern seen in other cities where Paul preached, where Jewish leaders often felt threatened by the growing Christian movement.

The Resulting Division

The opposition led to a division within the city. Acts 14:4 states, "The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles." This division illustrates the polarizing effect of the Gospel message. The unbelief of the Jews not only hindered their acceptance of the message but also influenced others, creating a rift within the community.

Persecution and Departure

The unbelief and opposition eventually escalated to the point of persecution. Acts 14:5-6 describes the situation: "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 threat of violence forced Paul and Barnabas to leave Iconium, demonstrating the intensity of the opposition fueled by unbelief.

Theological Implications

The unbelief of the Jews in Iconium serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced by the early Church in spreading the Gospel. It highlights the spiritual blindness that can result from a hardened heart and the rejection of divine truth. The account also emphasizes the perseverance of the apostles in the face of opposition, as they continued their mission in other cities despite the resistance encountered.

The narrative of the Jews of Iconium is a reminder of the spiritual battle inherent in the proclamation of the Gospel and the varied responses it elicits. It underscores the importance of faith and the consequences of unbelief, both for individuals and communities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 14:2
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
... 'And it came to pass in Iconium, that they ... door swung behind them, it shut hope out
and unbelief in ... Gentile hearers set in contrast with the temper of the Jews. ...
/.../jewish rejecters and gentile receivers.htm

Acts xvii. 1, 2, 3
... says, "Agitating the multitude." (b) Just what was done at Iconium"that they ... for
the sake of the Gentiles also, to whom the unbelief of the Jews might be ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxvii acts xvii 1.htm

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
... in the account given {32} us of the labours of the Apostles here and at Iconium,
we are ... Paul turns from the Jews.] The obstinate unbelief and blasphemous ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iii the extension of.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... it was not until the Jews had exhibited a spirit of unbelief, that they ... and expelled
them out of their coasts;" [77:4] at Iconium, the Jews again "stirred ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... rising and slanderous information of the Jews against Stephen ... when they had preached
Christ in Iconium, and many ... Aquila and Priscilla, and the unbelief of the ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... the Cilician gates to Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Troas ... 35; and his defenses before
the Jews on the ... with the unreasonable demand, born of unbelief and aversion ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the acts of the apostles.htm

The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia.
... brethren which were at Lystra and Iconium: him would ... one of those oratories, which
the Jews erected for ... and he maintains it by ignorance, unbelief, the love of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvii the mission of.htm

Dialogue i. --The Immutable.
... The Jews were blind on account of their unbelief, and therefore ... when He says to the
murderous Jews, Destroy this ... Testimony of Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium. ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue i the immutable.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... And there the Lord opened the senses of my unbelief, that I might remember my sin,
and that I might be converted with my whole heart to my Lord God, who looked ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm