First Gentile Missions: Iconium

Having been expelled from Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas travelled fifty miles to the east and entered Iconium, a governmental center for the Roman province of Galatia. Entering another Jewish synagogue, they preached the gospel and many were saved. However, many of the Jews also began to oppose the apostles.

Desiring to establish a church with the believers, the apostles stayed for some time and continued to speak boldly "the Word of His grace" (v. 3). The Holy Spirit supported their ministry with signs and wonders. The nature of these miracles is not given, however, the miracles did not change the opinion of the opposition, who sought to mistreat and stone the apostles (v. 4).

Luke's purpose in documenting these details is to demonstrate the continuity of the work of church planting in diverse situations and in hostile settings. We find that continuity expressed in three things: (1) method of ministry; (2) support of ministry; and (3) danger in ministry.