Iconium
Summary
An important city in Asia Minor where Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel with great success during their first missionary journey.
☩Location and Importance
Iconium, the modern Konieh, was located in the central tableland of Asia Minor, at the western limit of the vast upland plain of Lycaonia. It occupied one of the most beautiful and fertile inland sites, compared to the oasis of Damascus. Situated on the great line of communication between Ephesus and Tarsus, Antioch, and the Euphrates, it was a well-chosen place for missionary operations, as several important roads intersected there.
☩Paul's Ministry
Paul's first visit was on his first missionary circuit, in company with Barnabas, approaching from Antioch in Pisidia. They preached first in the synagogue, and a great multitude both of Jews and Greeks believed. The Lord attested the word of His grace with signs and wonders done by their hands, and they abode there a long time speaking boldly in the Lord. However, the intrigues of the Jews again drove them away, threatening to stone them.
☩Return Visits
After withdrawing to Lystra and Derbe, Paul returned to Iconium to confirm the souls of the disciples and remind them that through much tribulation they must enter the kingdom of God. On his second missionary journey, Paul came through this region with Silas, and here Timothy joined them, being well known to the Christians of both Lystra and Iconium. Paul later recalled the persecutions he endured at Iconium in his letter to Timothy.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Iconium," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Iconium," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Iconium," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).