At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There
they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. Acts 14:1
City: Present day Konya. 80 miles from Antioch, 24 miles from Lystra. "Situated in the heart of
the high and healthy plateau of south-central Asia Minor, it was surrounded by fertile plains and verdant
forests, with mountains to its north and east...remained largely Greek in temper and somewhat resistant
to Roman influence...Greek was the language of its public documents..." (Longenecker 1981:421)
Summary: Paul and Barnabas were successful in converting both Jews and Gentiles alike,
but the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the Gentiles against them. Paul and Barnabas spent
a great deal of time here preaching with boldness and with
reliance on the Lord. The Lord blessed their ministry with many signs and
miracles, by his grace. But still, the city was divided. Some sided with the Jews, and some
sided with Paul and Barnabas. When they became aware of a plot to mistreat and stone them,
they fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe.