Missionary Journeys Collection
The Gospel Bears Fruit Despite Growing Opposition
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace... — Acts 14:3, NKJV
Welcome to the Exhibit
After leaving Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas travelled to Iconium. Once again they entered the synagogue and spoke with such effectiveness that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed.
But the response was divided. Some received the message while others opposed it. Rather than leaving immediately, Paul and Barnabas remained for a considerable time, speaking boldly in the Lord.
Journey Orientation
The Praise Aflame™ Biblical Museum & Resource Centre
Missionary Journeys Permanent Collection
Acts 14:1–7
Biblical Significance: Iconium is where Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly for a long time, many Jews and Greeks believed, the city became divided, and a plot arose to mistreat and stone the missionaries.
Featured Artwork
The Biblical Record
Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue in Iconium and spoke in such a way that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed.
Opposition arose, but they remained for a long time speaking boldly in the Lord. The city became divided, and when a violent attempt was planned against them, they became aware of it and fled toward Lystra and Derbe, where they continued preaching the gospel.
Summary of Acts 14:1–7
The Story at Iconium
A great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed.
Unbelieving opponents stirred hostility against the believers and missionaries.
Paul and Barnabas remained a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord.
When a plan developed to mistreat and stone them, they moved on to Lystra and Derbe.
The Word of His Grace
Acts 14:3 says Paul and Barnabas were speaking boldly in the Lord. Their courage was connected to the One whose message they carried.
Luke says the Lord bore witness to the word of His grace by granting signs and wonders through their hands.
Historical Background
Ancient Iconium occupied a strategic position on the central Anatolian plateau. Roads connected it with other major settlements across Asia Minor.
Acts itself shows a diverse audience by specifically mentioning both Jews and Greeks responding to the preaching.
Modern Konya has been continuously occupied for centuries, making reconstruction of first-century Iconium more difficult than at isolated archaeological sites.
Museum Note: Later visible architecture should not be treated as the exact streets and buildings Paul and Barnabas saw.
Ancient Iconium is generally identified with modern Konya in central Türkiye.
Why This Stop Matters
Iconium teaches us not to assume that opposition means ministry has failed. In the same city where many believed, hostility also intensified.
Paul and Barnabas remained while faithful ministry was possible. When the threat became violent and known to them, they moved on because the mission continued elsewhere.
Curator’s Reflection
Paul and Barnabas stayed despite opposition because there was still work to do. Yet when they learned of a plan to stone them, they left.
Faithfulness sometimes means standing your ground, and sometimes it means continuing the mission somewhere else.
— Praise Aflame™ Biblical Museum & Resource Centre
Life Application
People can hear the same truth and respond very differently. Some welcomed the message in Iconium, while others resisted it.
Before You Continue...
Every exhibit is designed to encourage you to return to Scripture with greater understanding, deeper confidence, and renewed wonder.
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Continue Your Journey
You have now completed Exhibit MJ-007 — Iconium. Paul and Barnabas now continue into the cities of Lycaonia.
At Lystra, Paul will heal a man who had never walked. The crowd will attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods — and shortly afterward Paul will be stoned and dragged outside the city, left for dead.
Carry the Word With You
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105, NKJV