Location
Overview
Iconium was a prosperous city of the Anatolian plateau, visited by Paul and Barnabas after they were driven from Pisidian Antioch.
Bold preaching, a divided city
"They went both together into the synagogue... and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed" (Acts 14:1). They stayed "long time... speaking boldly in the Lord," who confirmed the word with signs and wonders (Acts 14:3).
A plot and an escape
"The multitude of the city was divided." When a plot arose to stone them, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe and preached there (Acts 14:4–7).
Remembered in suffering
Paul later recalled "persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at... Iconium" as proof that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:11–12).
Events Here
Paul and Barnabas preach at Iconium amid a divided city
Scripture References
6 versesActs5 verses
Acts 13:51
But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
Acts 14:1
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.
Acts 14:19
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
Acts 14:21
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, had taught many: Gr. had made many disciples
Acts 16:2
Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
2 Timothy1 verse
2 Timothy 3:11
Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Archaeology & History
Iconium is modern Konya in central Turkey, a city continuously inhabited from antiquity. As a regional centre on the Anatolian plateau it was a natural stop on Paul's route, and it remained an important early Christian community.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Iconium
Where is Iconium today?
Today, Iconium corresponds to Konya, Turkey.
What happened at Iconium in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Iconium include paul and barnabas preach at iconium amid a divided city.
Where is Iconium first mentioned in the Bible?
Iconium is first mentioned in Acts 13:51.
How often is Iconium mentioned in the Bible?
Iconium is mentioned in 6 verses across 2 books: Acts, 2 Timothy.
What happened at Iconium?
Paul and Barnabas preached boldly and many believed, but the city was divided and a plot to stone them forced them to flee to Lystra and Derbe.
Where is Iconium?
In the highlands of Asia Minor, identified with the modern city of Konya in Turkey.