Acts 14:1-7 1Now it happened in Iconium according to the same thing, when they entered into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke in such a way so that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2But the disobedient Jews stirred up and poisoned the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3Therefore, they stayed for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who witnessed to the word of his grace, giving signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4But the population of the city was divided; some were with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5But when an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and stone them, 6after becoming aware, they fled to the cities of Lyconia, Lystra, and Derbe, and to the surrounding country, 7and there they were preaching the gospel.
After leaving Antioch in Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium. Iconium was a Phrygian part of the Roman province of Galatia. It was located 95 miles from the Mediterranean coast in a fertile valley with orchards and fields. The area around the valley is desolate, but the valley is fed by water from the mountains. The city was highly influenced by Hellenistic thought. The first place Paul and Barnabas went to was the Jewish synagogue. At first, there was a great positive response to their preaching of the gospel, with both Jews and Greeks believing. Based on previous passages, their effectiveness came from being filled with the Holy Spirit, being knowledgeable of Scripture, and speaking clearly and with conviction.
However, once again, other unbelieving Jews stirred up trouble. The word disobedient (apeithēsantes) is often used in the Greek Bible for disobedience to God’s laws, and in the New Testament for rejection of the gospel (Romans 11:31). The Jews were rejecting God’s offer of salvation and the truth of the good news about Jesus. Their problem was not only within their own hearts and minds, but they also poisoned the souls (inner life and spiritual essence) of the Gentiles. They kept others from hearing and accepting the gospel by speaking bad things about those who did believe. Animosity like this is like a point that spreads in a community. In this case, became so bad that the Jews and their leaders tried to stone Paul and Barnabas to death.
Amazingly, in spite of all the opposition, the word of the Lord went out. Luke does not mention how long Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium. Therefore at the beginning of verse 3 shows the connection between the challenge they faced yet their determination, with the help of the Lord, referring to Jesus, to continue their ministry. Significantly, the Lord confirmed the truth of their preaching by allowing them to do signs and wonders. Even with such outward proof of the truth of what Paul and Barnabas said, many did not believe. When the persecution got bad and to a critical point, the pair went to other cities and towns in Galatia. They would not let such life-threatening opposition stop them. There is a time to stay in a difficult situation and a time to go to a new place. The important point to remember is that the Lord was with them each step of the way, providing enough evidence to affirm the truth of their message.