Biblical Context:
The account of preaching in Iconium is primarily found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 14:1-7. Iconium was a city in the region of Lycaonia, part of the Roman province of Galatia, which is in modern-day Turkey. The city was a significant center for early Christian missionary activity, particularly by the Apostle Paul and his companion Barnabas.

Scriptural Account:
According to Acts 14:1 , "At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed." This verse highlights the customary practice of Paul and Barnabas to begin their ministry in a new city by preaching in the synagogue, addressing both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.

The preaching in Iconium was marked by both success and opposition. Acts 14:2 notes, "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." Despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas remained in Iconium for a considerable time, "speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders" (Acts 14:3). This divine endorsement through miracles served to authenticate their message and demonstrate the power of the Gospel.

Opposition and Division:
The ministry in Iconium was not without its challenges. The presence of signs and wonders did not prevent division among the people. Acts 14:4 states, "The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles." This division underscores the polarizing nature of the Gospel message, which often led to conflict between those who accepted the message and those who rejected it.

The opposition eventually escalated to the point of a plot to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas. In response to this threat, the apostles fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region, where they continued to preach the Gospel (Acts 14:5-7).

Theological Significance:
The events in Iconium illustrate several key themes in early Christian mission work. First, the pattern of beginning ministry in the synagogue reflects the priority of reaching the Jewish people with the message of Jesus as the Messiah. Second, the account demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit in confirming the Gospel through signs and wonders, which served to validate the apostles' message and draw people to faith.

Furthermore, the division and opposition encountered in Iconium highlight the spiritual battle inherent in the proclamation of the Gospel. The resistance faced by Paul and Barnabas is a testament to the reality that the message of Christ often challenges existing beliefs and societal norms, leading to conflict and persecution.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Iconium was a city with a diverse population, including Jews, Greeks, and native Phrygians. This diversity is reflected in the mixed response to the Gospel. The city's strategic location on the Roman road system made it an important hub for trade and communication, facilitating the spread of the Christian message throughout the region.

The account of preaching in Iconium is a vivid example of the early church's missionary zeal and the challenges faced in spreading the Gospel. It serves as an encouragement to believers to persevere in the face of opposition, trusting in God's power to work through their efforts to bring others to faith in Christ.