perhaps from εἰκών; image-like; Iconium, a place in Asia Minor:--Iconium.
Transliteration:Ikónion
Pronunciation:ee-kon'-ee-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ἰκόνιον (Ikónion, `{{G2430}}`) refers exclusively to a specific geographical location, a city in Asia Minor. As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily denotative, identifying a particular urban center. The etymology provided, "perhaps from εἰκών; image-like," suggests a possible linguistic connection to the Greek word εἰκών (eikōn, `{{G1504}}`), meaning "image" or "likeness." While this etymological link is speculative and does not directly inform the city's function within the biblical narrative, it hints at a potential ancient understanding or characteristic of the city, perhaps related to its appearance or a prominent idol. In the New Testament, however, Ikónion functions solely as a place name, serving as a significant stop on the apostolic missionary journeys.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Iconium is mentioned six times in the New Testament, exclusively within the book of Acts, detailing the missionary endeavors of the Apostle Paul and his companions.
* **[[Acts 13:51]]**: Paul and Barnabas arrive in Iconium after being expelled from Pisidian Antioch. This marks their initial entry into the city for evangelism.
* **[[Acts 14:1]]**: They enter the Jewish synagogue, preaching the Gospel with such power that "a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed." This highlights a period of significant receptivity to the message.
* **[[Acts 14:2]]**: However, the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers, initiating a pattern of opposition that would follow Paul.
* **[[Acts 14:5]]**: A plot arose among both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas. This demonstrates the escalating hostility and the very real danger faced by the apostles.
* **[[Acts 14:6]]**: Forewarned, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, thus escaping the immediate threat to their lives. This strategic retreat allowed them to continue their ministry elsewhere.
* **[[Acts 16:2]]**: During his second missionary journey, Paul revisits the region. Timothy, a young disciple from Lystra, is highly regarded by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, indicating that the churches planted during the first journey had taken root and were producing faithful followers.
The narrative concerning Iconium vividly illustrates the dual nature of early Christian mission: the powerful proclamation of the Gospel leading to conversion, juxtaposed with intense opposition and persecution. It underscores the apostles' unwavering commitment to spreading the Good News despite significant personal risk.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Iconium does not have direct synonyms or antonyms in the linguistic sense. However, it is contextually related to other cities visited by Paul on his missionary journeys, particularly those in the region of Galatia, such as Lystra and Derbe, which are often mentioned alongside Iconium in Acts.
* **Lystra**: `{{G3082}}` (Lystra) and **Derbe**: `{{G1192}}` (Derbē) are frequently linked with Iconium, forming a geographical cluster where Paul ministered and faced similar challenges.
* **Antioch (Pisidian)**: `{{G491}}` (Antiochia) in Pisidia is where Paul and Barnabas came from before arriving in Iconium, establishing a clear itinerary of their journey.
* **Missionary Journey**: The concept of the "missionary journey" itself is central to understanding Iconium's role, as it was a vital stop in the expansion of the early church beyond Jerusalem and Judea.
* **Persecution**: The experiences in Iconium highlight the reality of διωγμός (diōgmos, `{{G1375}}`), or persecution, faced by the early Christians, a recurring theme in the book of Acts.
* **Evangelism**: The primary activity in Iconium was εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, `{{G2097}}`), the proclamation of the Gospel, leading to belief and the formation of disciples.
* **Discipleship**: The presence of believers like Timothy, who were well-spoken of by the brethren in Iconium, points to the fruit of effective discipleship and church planting.
### Theological Significance
Iconium stands as a powerful testament to the sovereign spread of the Gospel and the resilience of the early church. The events in Iconium reveal several key theological insights:
1. **Divine Mandate and Human Agency**: The apostles' willingness to preach in the synagogue and among Gentiles, despite knowing the risks, demonstrates their obedience to the Great Commission. God's plan for salvation unfolds through the courageous and Spirit-empowered actions of His servants.
2. **The Nature of Gospel Proclamation**: The narrative shows that the Gospel, while offering salvation, also provokes division. It is a "stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" ([[1 Corinthians 1:23]]), yet it remains "the power of God for salvation" ([[Romans 1:16]]). The mixed reception in Iconium—both widespread belief and violent opposition—illustrates this tension.
3. **Suffering as a Mark of Ministry**: The persecution faced in Iconium (plots, stoning attempts) foreshadows Paul's later teaching that "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" ([[Acts 14:22]]). It underscores that faithful ministry often involves suffering for Christ's sake, which is not an impediment but an integral part of sharing in Christ's sufferings.
4. **Church Planting and Nurturing**: Despite the opposition, a significant number of disciples were made in Iconium. The subsequent mention of Timothy's good reputation among the believers there ([[Acts 16:2]]) indicates the establishment and continuation of a thriving community, emphasizing the long-term impact of apostolic labors.
5. **God's Protection and Guidance**: The apostles' timely escape from Iconium to Lystra and Derbe demonstrates God's providential care for His servants, allowing them to continue their vital ministry elsewhere rather than being prematurely silenced.
### Summary
Iconium (Ἰκόνιον, `{{G2430}}`) was a significant city in Asia Minor, serving as a crucial stop on the Apostle Paul's first and second missionary journeys. Its primary function in the biblical narrative is geographical, marking a location where the Gospel was powerfully proclaimed, resulting in both widespread conversions among Jews and Gentiles and intense, violent opposition. The events in Iconium, detailed in Acts 13-14 and revisited in Acts 16, encapsulate the dynamic nature of early Christian expansion: the courageous evangelism of the apostles, the mixed reception of the Gospel, the reality of persecution, and the providential care of God in establishing and preserving His church. Iconium therefore stands as a powerful symbol of the challenges and triumphs inherent in the faithful dissemination of the Good News.
TRV