### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ikónion**, represented by `{{G2430}}`, is the name for **Iconium**, a city in Asia Minor. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently marking it as a key location in the early church's missionary activities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2430}}` is a central location in Paul's missionary journeys. After facing opposition in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas came to **Iconium** [[Acts 13:51]]. There, they spoke in the synagogue of the Jews, leading a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks to believe [[Acts 14:1]]. However, the city was also a place of intense opposition. Jews from Antioch and **Iconium** followed the apostles to Lystra, persuaded the people, and had Paul stoned [[Acts 14:19]]. Paul later recalled the persecutions and afflictions he endured in **Iconium** as a testament to God's deliverance [[2 Timothy 3:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events that took place in Iconium:
* `{{G1375}}` **diōgmós** (persecution): Defined as "persecution:--persecution." This term describes the severe opposition faced by the apostles, and Paul specifically lists **Iconium** as a place where he endured such trials [[2 Timothy 3:11]].
* `{{G2453}}` **Ioudaîos** (Jew): Defined as "Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:--Jew(-ess), of Judæa." The narrative of **Iconium** begins in the synagogue of the **Jews**, where many believed, but it was also unbelieving **Jews** who came from there to incite persecution [[Acts 14:19]].
* `{{G1672}}` **Héllēn** (Greek): Defined as "a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew:-- Gentile, Greek." The ministry in **Iconium** was notably successful among the **Greeks**, demonstrating the gospel's expansion beyond a purely Jewish audience [[Acts 14:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G2430}}` is tied to the pivotal events of the first missionary journey:
* **Missionary Outreach:** The work in **Iconium** exemplifies the apostolic strategy of preaching in the Jewish **synagogue** `{{G4864}}`, resulting in a great number of both **Jews** `{{G2453}}` and **Greeks** `{{G1672}}` who **believed** `{{G4100}}` [[Acts 14:1]].
* **The Cost of Discipleship:** **Iconium** is highlighted as a place of significant **persecution** `{{G1375}}` and **afflictions** `{{G3804}}`. The hostility was so severe that agitators from **Iconium** pursued Paul to another **city** `{{G4172}}` to have him **stoned** `{{G3034}}` [[Acts 14:19]].
* **Pastoral Perseverance:** Despite the life-threatening opposition, the apostles later returned to **Iconium** to preach the gospel and **teach** `{{G3100}}` many, strengthening the new disciples and the brethren there ([[Acts 14:21]], [[Acts 16:2]]).
### Summary
In summary, **Iconium** `{{G2430}}` is more than a geographical marker in the Book of Acts. It serves as a case study for the expansion of the early church. The events that transpired there illustrate the core themes of the apostolic mission: the powerful proclamation of the gospel, the inevitable clash with hostile forces, and the unwavering commitment to shepherding God's people even in the face of persecution.
TRV