Iconium

Iconium, a city in Asia Minor where Paul preached the gospel.

Iconium was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) that was visited by the apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. After being forced to leave Antioch in Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium, where they preached in the synagogue and many Jews and Gentiles believed (Act.13.51; 14:1). However, the unbelieving Jews stirred up opposition, and Paul and Barnabas had to flee to Lystra and Derbe (Act.14.19, 21). Later, Paul revisited Iconium to strengthen the disciples (Act.16.2). In his letter to Timothy, Paul mentions the persecutions he endured in Iconium (2Ti.3.11). Iconium was located in the region of Lycaonia and was an important city in the Roman province of Galatia. Today, it is known as Konya, Turkey.

The capital of ancient Lycaonia. It was first visited by Paul and Barnabas from Antioch-in-Pisidia during the apostle’s first missionary journey (Acts 13:50, 51). Here they were persecuted by the Jews, and being driven from the city, they fled to Lystra. They afterwards returned to Iconium, and encouraged the church which had been founded there (14:21, 22). It was probably again visited by Paul during his third missionary journey along with Silas (18:23). It is the modern Konieh, at the foot of Mount Taurus, about 120 miles inland from the Mediterranean.