What happened during Paul and Barnabas's long stay in Iconium?
During their long stay in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly in the Lord, and God testified to the word of His grace by granting signs and wonders through them. The city was divided—some followed the apostles, but unbelieving Jews stirred up opposition, and a planned assault forced them to flee to Lystra and Derbe.
Les teaches that as Paul and Barnabas entered Iconium in central Galatia, the same pattern of opposition appeared. The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Yet Paul and Barnabas abode a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, and the Lord gave testimony to the word of His grace by granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. The multitude of the city was divided: part held with the Jews who said Paul and Barnabas were false teachers, and part held with the apostles and became followers of Paul and Barnabas. When an assault was made by both Gentiles and Jews and their rulers to use them despitefully and to stone them, they were aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe. Les then notes that at Lystra much the same thing happened, and later certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuaded the people and stoned Paul, dragging him out of the city supposing he had been dead. Les suggests that while Paul was unconscious, God gave him an even greater experience, connecting the timing to 2 Corinthians chapter 12.
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
More Questions
How was the city of Iconium divided in its reaction to Paul and Barnabas?
The multitude of the city of Iconium was divided over Paul and Barnabas: part sided with the Jews, considering Paul and Barnabas false teachers, while part sided with the apostles and became followers of Paul and Barnabas.