Iconium in the Bible
A city in Asia Minor where Paul preached with great success but also faced violent opposition.
Iconium was a prosperous city in the Roman province of Galatia where Paul and Barnabas preached on their first missionary journey. They stayed a long time, performing signs and wonders, but the city eventually split between supporters and opponents who plotted to stone them.
Modern Location
Konya, central Turkey
Key Biblical Events
- 1Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue (Acts 14:1)
- 2Many Jews and Greeks believe (Acts 14:1)
- 3Opposition arises and the city divides (Acts 14:2–4)
- 4Paul and Barnabas flee to Lystra (Acts 14:5–6)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed."
"Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands."
Spiritual Significance
Iconium shows that faithful preaching produces both great fruit and fierce opposition. The gospel divides — not because it is divisive by nature, but because it demands a response.
Why Iconium Matters
Iconium holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands in the regions where the early church spread the gospel across the Roman world. With 4 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Paul, Barnabas linked to its story — Iconium is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Iconium gains its primary significance in the New Testament era, where 2 key scriptures illuminate its role in the unfolding story of Christ and the early church. Iconium shows that faithful preaching produces both great fruit and fierce opposition. The gospel divides — not because it is divisive by nature, but because it demands a response.
For today's believer, studying Iconium is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Iconium, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Paul encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Paul at Iconium?
He experienced both great success (many believed) and fierce opposition (a plot to stone him). He eventually had to flee to Lystra but later returned to strengthen the believers there.
Where is Iconium today?
Modern Konya in central Turkey — one of Turkey's largest cities, with a history stretching back thousands of years.
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Where to go next
Finished reading about Iconium? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
- Explore the full Bible locations mapEvery place in Scripture, by region.Continue
- See where this fits on the Bible timelineFrom creation to the early church.Continue
- Meet the people of the BibleProfiles with verses for every major figure.Continue
- Test yourself with a Bible quizFree quizzes — every answer cites a verse.Continue
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Iconium in the Bible
A city in Asia Minor where Paul preached with great success but also faced viole
Iconium in the Bible
City where Paul's preaching divided the population and forced him to flee a ston
Acts 16:32 Commentary
In-depth study • The Word & Household Salvation
Pentecost Bible Hub
A KJV Pentecost hub: the Acts 2 account, what Pentecost means, verses about the
Ascension Day Bible Hub
KJV Ascension Day readings — Acts 1, Luke 24, and Ephesians 1 — what the ascensi
Acts 2 Quiz — The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit comes, Peter preaches, and the church is born.