Gabriel & Lorraine

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Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra| Discover the Places of Paul's Greatest Sufferings and Triumphs

Lorraine Marie Varela

Are you inspired to visit the biblical sites and historic cities in Turkey? Come with us on a life-changing adventure!

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The Apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. Yet there were certain places where he seemed to suffer more significant harm than others. He reminded Timothy of “the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra”  (2 Timothy 3:11). What was the common thread between these three cities, and why was it most difficult for him here?

The Biblical Significance of Antioch Pisidia, Iconium and Lystra

waling-ancient-roman-road-antioch-pisidia-turkey

The Biblical Significance of Antioch Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra

waling-ancient-roman-road-antioch-pisidia-turkey

Our entire trip to Turkey hinged on the words Paul wrote to Timothy of the persecution and suffering he faced in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I had been reading 2 Timothy 3:11 when the Holy Spirit interrupted my thoughts with a strong command: “Go there!” In my ignorance, I had no idea where “there” was, but I immediately knew Gabriel and I would be on our way as soon as we could. 

The persecution and suffering Paul experienced in this region should not have been a surprise. These three communities were part of the Roman region Galatia, founded in 300 B.C. by three tribes of Celtic people from mainland Europe called the Gauls. These tribes did not get along with each other. A king from Bithniya (in northern Turkey) hired 20,000 Gauls to become his mercenaries. After they finished their service to the king, the Gauls continued to pillage towns throughout Turkey, finally settling in the central region of the land. 

Several hundred years later, Paul arrived in this region, sharing the Good News of Messiah Yeshua, preaching in the synagogues with such conviction that many begged to hear him again. But that same spirit of of murder and hatred remained. The people of Antioch and Iconium banded together with those in Lystra opposed to Paul, stoning him and dragging him outside the city, leaving him as dead. But God! When the disciples surrounded Paul, he miraculously got up on his feet and walked back to the city (Acts 14:19-20).

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rules, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Paul knew the battle he was facing in this region was spiritual in nature—but he learned to move in the opposite spirit. To bless and not curse. To pray for his enemies, reversing the curse with God's love.
walking-the-ancient-roman-road-paul-footsteps-antioch-pisidia-turkey

Known as “The Imperial Road”, this roadway built in the 6th century BC was already famous when the city was named after the Seleucid king Antiochus in the 3rd century BC. Antioch later became a free city and the capital of other Roman colonies established in Pisidia.

Key Verse


Jewish people from Antioch Pisidia and Iconium came to Lystra and stoned Paul. They dragged him out of the city, leaving him for dead. While the disciples surrounded him, Paul got up and walked back into the city.
Acts 14:19-20


Spiritual Inheritance

A release of miracles, signs, and wonders

Points of Interest

  • Antioch Pisidia Archeology Site
  • Yalvac Aqueduct
  • Konya Archeological Museum
  • Kilistra Ancient Stone City

Points of Interest

  • Antioch Pisidia Archeology Site
  • Yalvac Aqueduct
  • Konya Archeological Museum
  • Kilistra Ancient Stone City

What to Expect in Antioch, Iconium,
and Lystra Today

driving-into-antioch-pisida-turkey

While Antioch may have been the Roman capital of Pisidia and surrounding region back in Paul's day, the importance of its former glory can easily be overlooked now. The town is small, with a charming and modern central area for the people. We wound our way through the village and up the hill to the archeology site, not knowing there was an entrance fee and that somehow we'd be unable to plead our way in with dollars, euros, or debit cards. Needing to find a bank or ATM to get hold of Turkish Lira, Gabriel spotted a man on the street and asked for directions. We were shocked that he spoke perfect English! I believe he was an angel sent to help us on our way. Once we found an ATM and returned to the archeology ruins (located here), it was well worth every effort we had to go through in getting there. From this historic place, Paul gave his longest sermon ever recorded (Acts 13:14-41), leading many people in that day to believe in Yeshua.

open-air-bazaar-konya-turkey

Iconium doesn't have the remnants of biblical history to visit like Antioch, and is its complete opposite in terms of size. Now called Konya, it is a major modern city in central Turkey and is known as one of Turkey's most religiously conservative areas for Muslims. We witnessed this dedication first-hand as we entered the outdoor bazaar during the afternoon call to prayer. The men spilled out of the mosques and into the plazas to engage in prayer, as the women sat in the shade and talked quietly with each other. Activity in the bazaar was kept to a minimum, and several shops were closed. 

farming-village-gokyurt-kilistra-turkey

Lystra is the smallest of the three cities and remains unexcavated—currently it is a hilly mound where farmers dig up rare coins and historical fragments of the city. Nearby are the hillsides of Kilistra, where nomadic goat herders graze their flocks and tents are still made by hand as in Paul's day. It was here that we stopped to read the account of God healing a lame man through Paul’s ministry, and the stoning of Paul that resulted in a type of resurrection from the dead. We really wanted to explore the cave churches in the valley below (located here), but Google maps didn't quite cut it navigating the rural roads. Instead, we took a wrong turn and ended up in a farmer’s backyard. Next time, we'll be sure to get our directions right. 

driving-into-antioch-pisidia-turkey
While Antioch may have been the Roman capital of Pisidia and surrounding region back in Paul's day, the importance of its former glory can easily be overlooked today. The town is small, with a charming and modern central area for the people. We wound our way through the village and up the hill to the archeology site, not knowing there was an entrance fee and that somehow we'd be unable to plead our way in with dollars, euros, or debit cards. Needing to find a bank or ATM to get hold of Turkish Lira, Gabriel spotted a man on the street and asked for directions. We were shocked that he spoke perfect English! I believe he was an angel sent to help us on our way. Once we found an ATM and returned to the archeology ruins (located here), it was well worth every effort we had to go through in getting there. From this historic place, Paul gave his longest sermon ever recorded (Acts 13:14-41), leading many people in that day to believe in Yeshua. 

Iconium doesn't have the remnants of biblical history to visit like Antioch, and is its complete opposite in terms of size. Now called Konya, it is a major modern city in central Turkey and is known as one of Turkey's most religiously conservative areas for Muslims. We witnessed this dedication first-hand as we entered the outdoor bazaar during the afternoon call to prayer. The men spilled out of the mosques and into the plazas to engage in prayer, as the women sat in the shade and talked quietly with each other. Activity in the bazaar was kept to a minimum, and several shops were closed. 

Lystra is the smallest of the three cities and remains unexcavated—currently it is a hilly mound where farmers dig up rare coins and historical fragments of the city. Nearby are the hillsides of Kilistra, where nomadic goat herders graze their flocks and tents are still made by hand as in Paul's day. It was here that we stopped to read the account of God healing a lame man through Paul’s ministry, and the stoning of Paul that resulted in a type of resurrection from the dead. We really wanted to explore the cave churches in the valley below (located here), but Google maps didn't quite cut it navigating the rural roads. Instead, we took a wrong turn and ended up in a farmer’s backyard. Next time, we'll be sure to get our directions right. 

Why Christians Should Visit


The region of Galatia that covers Antioch Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra carries a wealth of spiritual inheritance for Christians today. History has shown these areas were plagued with violence and unrest—yet the Spirit of God sent Paul there on each of his three journeys to move in the opposite spirit. When we go to the places God sends us to go, we have His favor. His anointing. His grace. Miracles, signs, and wonders follow those who believe. Go to these regions expectant for what God will do in your life, too!

hilton-garden-inn-isparta-turkey

Where to Stay

The Hilton Garden Inn in Isparta is the perfect stopping point for cross-country driving. Located 100 km from Antioch Pisidia, we chose to go this distance to put us closer to the next leg of our journey. The facility is clean and modern, with a shopping mall next door. We were so thankful for the care of the staff, who helped us take care of a flat tire. That's service!



About Lorraine Marie

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry founded to draw people closer to the heart of God.

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry designed to help people draw closer to the heart of God.

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