Iconium of Asia

Brief Overview of Paul's Visit to Iconium on His First Missionary Journey

# 5 Paul and Barnabas traveled 80 miles southeast to Iconium of Lycaonia. When they had entered the synagogue, the unbelieving Jews had already poisoned the people's minds. Persecution was raised by the unbelieving Jews, but the apostles stayed a long time and preached and were , encouraged by the miracles that God worked through them.

Iconium was located in the central plateau region at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, a five to six thousand foot mountain range. Iconium had a good water supply and was well situated for defense. Iconium was like a garden in that arid region, and had been called "the Damascus of Asia."

Although a great multitude believed the gospel at Iconium, because of their Jewish instigators the city was divided in opinion about the message preached by the evangelists. When a threat was made on their lives to raise a riot and stone them, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe (Acts 13:51-14:6).