Learn more about Iconium

Introduction to Iconium

Iconium (Greek: Ἰκόνιον, Ikónion; Latin: Íconium) was a significant ancient city in Asia Minor—situated in what is today Konya, Turkey. Located at a fertile oasis on the edge of the Anatolian plateau, it served as a regional capital and a critical hub of commerce on the Roman road from Ephesus to Syria .

Iconium Pronunciation

The name is pronounced I‑KOH‑nee‑uhm, with emphasis on the second syllable. Phonetic variations include /ahy-koh-NEE-uhm/ in American pronunciation .

Iconium in the Bible

Iconium appears several times in the New Testament, notably in the Book of Acts and later in Paul’s letters:

• Acts 13:51 – After being rejected in Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas shake the dust off their feet and journey on to Iconium .
• Acts 14:1–7 – In the synagogue there, Paul and Barnabas successfully preach to both Jews and Gentiles. Yet persecution arises, forcing them to flee .
• Acts 14:19–20 – Paul is nearly lynched by a mob incited by Jews from Antioch and Iconium, left for dead, but recovers and continues ministering .
• Acts 16:2 – Paul receives a favorable report from the believers of Iconium (and Lystra) at the start of his second mission .
• 2 Timothy 3:11 – Paul lists his suffering in Iconium among his persecutions .

These records portray Iconium as a center of swift gospel expansion, powerful opposition, and enduring faith for Paul and Barnabas.

Geographical and Historical Context

Located at the border of Phrygia and Lycaonia, Iconium lay on the Via Sebaste, connecting key provincial cities. It transitioned from a Hellenistic settlement to a Roman colony under Claudius—known as Claudiconium—and later achieved full colonial status under Hadrian, earning the title Colonia Aelia Hadriana Iconiensium .

In the Byzantine period, Iconium became the administrative center of Lycaonia and retained Christian significance. Today it is Konya, a major Turkish city with a population of around 2 million and a deeply rooted Islamic heritage .

Related Themes and Meanings

• Missionary perseverance: The pattern of evangelism, division, violence, and retreat—then a return to strengthen the church (Acts 14:21–23)—continues the theme of tribulation and fidelity.
• Jewish‑Gentile outreach: Paul reached both communities in Iconium, showcasing the gospel’s universal appeal.
• Suffering and deliverance: Iconium becomes a symbolic locale among Antioch and Lystra where Paul endured persecution yet was rescued by God.

Iconium Trivia and Interesting Facts

• The Greek name “Iconium” likely comes from eikon, meaning “image,” and Greek myth claimed Prometheus and Athena refashioned humanity there after a flood.
• Phrygian inscriptions from the city have been uncovered, showing the local language persisted centuries after antiquity.
• Christian tradition holds that Tertius of Iconium, a scribe for Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, became bishop of the city and was among the Seventy Disciples.
• The city's modern successor, Konya, lacks visible early Christian ruins but remains a rich cultural site and spiritual center in central Turkey.

Conclusion

Iconium exemplifies early church dynamics: energetic evangelism, spiritual responsivity, fierce persecution, and faithful endurance. As part of Paul’s first missionary journey—and revisited later—it became a catalyst for gospel expansion and church planting. Its modern descendant Konya ties ancient Christian legacy to a vibrant present-day city.