Lexical Summary Lukaonia: Lycaonia Original Word: Λυκαονία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Lycaonia. Perhaps remotely from lukos; Lycaonia, a region of Asia Minor -- Lycaonia. see GREEK lukos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from lukos Definition Lycaonia, a region in Asia Minor NASB Translation Lycaonia (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3071: ΛυκαονίαΛυκαονία, Λυκαονίας, ἡ, Lycaonia, a region of Asia Minor, situated between Pisidia, Cilicia, Cappadocia, Galatia and Phrygia, whose chief cities were Lystra, Derbe and Iconium (cf. references in Lightfoot on Colossians, p. 1). Its inhabitants spoke a peculiar and strange tongue the character of which cannot be determined: Acts 14:6. Cf. Winer's RWB, under the word; Lassen, Zeitschr. d. deutsch. morgenl. Gesellsch. x. ('56), p. 378; (Wright, Hittites (1884), p. 56). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Lycaonia lay on the high plateau of central Asia Minor, bordered by Pisidia on the west, Phrygia on the northwest, Cappadocia on the east, Cilicia and Isauria on the south, and Galatia on the north. Its landscape of broad, treeless plains made it ideal for grazing, while a network of Roman roads—especially the imperial highway from Ephesus to the Euphrates—brought steady traffic through its cities of Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Historical Overview Centuries before New Testament times the region came under Hittite, Persian, and Macedonian control, but by the first century it had been reorganized by Augustus into the Roman province of Galatia. Although politically in “Galatia,” the inhabitants retained a strong regional identity, reflected in the distinct “Lycaonian language” mentioned in Acts 14:11. Cities were granted varying civic statuses: Iconium a Roman colonia, Lystra a military colony, and Derbe a lesser civic center, each contributing soldiers to Rome’s eastern frontier. Ethno-Linguistic Context The population was a blend of indigenous Anatolian tribes, Hellenistic settlers, and transplanted Roman veterans. Greek served commerce and administration, Latin was heard in the colonies, yet the local tongue persisted. This multicultural mosaic helps explain how the same crowd in Acts 14 could understand Paul’s Greek preaching yet erupt in Lycaonian speech when interpreting the miracle through their own mythological lens. Biblical Occurrence (Acts 14:6) Acts 14:6 records that Paul and Barnabas, threatened in Iconium, “fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region”. The single occurrence of “Lycaonia” (Λυκαονία) anchors the narrative geographically while introducing one of the most dramatic episodes of the first missionary journey. Apostolic Ministry in Lycaonia • Lystra: A cripple is healed (Acts 14:8-10), prompting the locals to hail Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes (14:11-12). The apostles respond, “We are also men, with the same nature as you. We proclaim the good news to you, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God” (14:15). Interaction with Pagan Religion Lycaonia’s people interpreted apostolic miracles through Greco-Roman mythology, a reminder that evangelism must confront and transform prevailing worldviews. Paul’s sermon at Lystra appeals to natural revelation—“the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them” (14:15)—anticipating themes later developed in Romans 1:19-20. Formation of Enduring Churches The congregations birthed in Lycaonia became strategic outposts. Timothy, from Lystra (Acts 16:1), joined Paul’s team and later received the pastoral epistles. Even under opposition, these believers remained steadfast, illustrating the power of discipleship and local leadership (“elders in every church,” Acts 14:23). Legacy in Later Church History By the fourth century the region hosted bishops at Iconium and Lystra, and church councils drew representatives from its cities. Although political boundaries shifted (Lycaonia was eventually made a distinct province under Diocletian), the gospel influence endured, testified by early Christian inscriptions and martyr accounts. Theological Themes and Ministry Lessons 1. Sovereignty of God in Missions: Persecution in Iconium reroutes the apostles to Lycaonia, displaying God’s use of adversity to advance the gospel. Practical Application Modern ministry in culturally diverse settings echoes Lycaonia’s challenges: crossing language barriers, confronting syncretism, and nurturing fledgling congregations to self-govern. The Lycaonian narrative encourages believers to proclaim Christ boldly, trust the Spirit to open hearts in every culture, and invest in local leadership for lasting gospel impact. Forms and Transliterations Λυκαονιας Λυκαονίας Lukaonias Lykaonias LykaoníasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |