Acts 14:1-7
1 In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a way that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brothers.
3 Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be performed by their hands.
4 But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, while others, with the apostles.
5 And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to treat them abusively and to stone them,
6 they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region;
7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.
Iconium (1)
Introduction
In Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14-52), Paul’s pattern of evangelism became clear: first to the Jews, also to the Gentiles. After leaving Antioch, the group headed toward Iconium. This journey involved traveling east along the southern side of the Taurus Mountains. Iconium, known today as Konya, is a city with mosques. The same pattern of evangelism was repeated also in Iconium.
Visiting the synagogue
“In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a way that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.” (1) The Taurus Mountains divide the central and southern Mediterranean regions of Turkey, and Iconium is a commercial city located at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains (in the region of Galatia). It was a prosperous city but not as large as cities like Ephesus or Smyrna; it was more of a rural town. (2) In Iconium, the same pattern is seen as in Pisidian Anitoch: (a) They visited the synagogue. The presence of synagogues in the Diaspora was part of God’s providence. Paul and Barnabas were given the opportunity to preach as visiting rabbis. (b) They first spoke to the Jews. (c) There were also God-fearing Gentiles present in the synagogue. (d) In Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas had declared, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you repudiate it and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). Yet, upon arriving in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas once again preached to the Jews. This action is not contradictory. The Jewish community in Antioch had rejected the gospel, but the Jewish community in Iconium was a different group altogether. (3) In Iconium, many people came to faith. (a) A large number of Jews believed. (b) A large number of Greeks also believed. These Greeks were God-fearing Gentiles. The Holy Spirit was blessing the work of Paul and Barnabas. God is the primary agent of evangelism, and Paul and Barnabas were instruments used by Him. Let us also prepare ourselves and offer ourselves to be used by God.
Today's prayer
Almighty God, Your providential hand is still at work today. Please prepare me through the Holy Spirit and use me for Your will. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.