Missionary Journeys of Paul
The first missionary journey - A.D. - 45 -49
As we just read on the previous page Barnabas and Saul departed on their first missionary journey. They first visited the island of Cyprus spending time at the communities of Salamis and Paphos.
Highlights of the first missionary journey 45-49 AD
In Paphos an eminent Gentile, Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, was converted. A false prophet called Barjesus sought to thwart this. Saul causes him to be blind for three days (Acts 13:.4-12).
From Perga they travelled on to Antioch in Pisidia. As usual they were rejected by the Jews, and they became bold and outspoken, and turned from them to the Gentiles. At Antioch now, as in every city afterward, the unbelieving Jews used their influence with their own adherents among the Gentiles to persuade the authorities or the populace to persecute the apostles and to drive them from where they preached.
The next day he left with Barnabas, and went to Derbe, and thence they returned once more to Lystra, and so to Iconium and Antioch. In order to establish the churches after their departure they solemnly appointed "elders" in every city. Then they came down to the coast, and from Attalia, they sailed; home to Antioch in Syria, where they related the successes which had been granted to them, and especially the opening of the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14: 21 - 27).
And finally to home base, Antioch. At the church in Antioch they described how God had opened the door of faith to the nations (Gentiles). There they abode a long time with the disciples (Acts 14:28). And so the first missionary journey ended.
The council at Jerusalem. -Upon that missionary journey follows most naturally the next important scene which the historian sets before us --the council held at Jerusalem to determine the relations of Gentile believers to the law of Moses. Ac 15:1-29; Ga 2
Some Jewish leaders from Judea came to Antioch and taught that unless you are circumcised you cannot be saved. This caused a great deal of consternation among the disciples in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas had a great deal of debate and argument with them.
Now it became necessary to take this issue to the Jerusalem church for a resolution. Galatians chapter two gives us insight into the resolution of this situation. Paul goes up to Jerusalem and relates to those of repute the gospel which he is proclaiming among the nations (Gal.2:2).
At the council meeting in Antioch James (not the apostle), the Lord's brother, having assumed headship of the Jerusalem church, decides to make decrees and send them to those among the nations who have believed (Acts 15:19-32). James held strongly to the belief that circumcision and keeping of the law of Moses were prerequisites to being saved.
From this time until the close of the Acts period, there is on ever-widening distinction between the church from the Circumcision and the church from among the Uncircumcision.
The second missionary journey - A.D. - 50 -54
At the Jerusalem conference Paul rebuked Barnabas for cozying up to the Jews and avoiding the Gentiles. Shortly there after Paul decided to not take John Mark on the second missionary journey and Barnabas, being upset with Paul's decision, decided not to go with Paul because of this. So Paul took Silas as his companion instead (Acts 15:36 -41).
Highlights of the second missionary journey 50-54 AD
Paul did not retrace the steps of his first missionary journey. He did not go to Cyprus at all. Barnabas and John Mark sailed to Cyprus. Paul and Silas went by land through Syria and Cilicia, and crossed the Taurus mountains more to the east, coming out upon the high inland plain near Lystra and Derbe.
They went throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia. At this time Paul was founding "the churches of Galatia. Having gone through Phrygia and Galatia, he intended to visit, the western coast; but were prevented by the Holy Spirit to preach the "word" there. Then, being on the borders of Mysia, they thought of going back to the northeast into Bithynia; but again the Spirit of Jesus prevented them, so they passed by Mysia and came down to Troas.
Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia appealing for Paul and his companions to visit this region (Acts 16 :9-10). They sailed from Troas to Samonthracia and then on to the capital city Philippi. Interesting events at Philippi. The first convert at Phlippi in Macedonia was Lydia, an Asiatic woman (Acts 16:14-15).
Paul and his companions were harassed by a woman possessed by a demonic spirit. Paul exorcised the possessed woman calling on the name of Jesus Christ. This woman had brought her masters much money by her power. These masters sought revenge by bringing Paul and his companions before the city officials accusing them of teaching unlawful customs. Sadly the city officials believed these liars. Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten with stripes and put in prison. While in prison praying and singing there was a great earthquake. The prison doors were miraculously opened and upon seeing this the jailer was about to kill himself. Paul stopped him and thereupon the jailer and his family were converted.
In the morning the city officials sent word to the prison that the men might be let go; but Paul denounced plainly their unlawful acts, informing them moreover that those whom they had beaten and imprisoned without trial; were Roman citizens. The officials, in great alarm, saw the necessity of apologizing. They came and begged them to leave the city. Paul and Silas consented to do so, and, after paying a visit to the brethren in the house of Lydia, they departed, leaving Luke, and perhaps Timothy for a short time at Philippi.
Paul and Silas travelled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and stopped again at Thessalonica. In the synagogue there, Paul reasoned from the scriptures about Jesus Christ for three days. And some of the Jews believed, also of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women many. Here again, as in Pisidian Antioch, the hatred of the non-believing Jews was shown, and the mob assaulted the house of Jason with whom Paul and Silas were staying as guests, and, not finding them, dragged Jason himself and some other brethren before the city officials. After these signs of danger lessened the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night.
They next came to Berea. Here they found the Jews more noble than those at Thessalonica. Accordingly they gained many converts, both Jews and Greeks; but the Jews of Thessalonica, hearing of it, sent emissaries to stir up the people. It was thought best that Paul should himself leave the city while Silas and Timothy remained-behind. Some of the brethren went with Paul as far as Athens, where they left him carrying back a request to Silas and Timothy that they would speedily join him. Here the apostle delivered that wonderful discourse from Mars Hill reported in Acts 17:22-31.
He gained but few converts at Athens, including Dionysius, the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris and soon took his departure and went to Corinth. He was testifying with unusual effort and anxiety when Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia and joined him.
Their arrival was the occasion of the writing of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians. The two epistles to the Thessalonians were written from Corinth A.D. 52, 53. When Silas and Timotheus came to Corinth, Paul was testifying to the Jews with great earnestness, but with little success. Corinth was the chief city of the province of Achaia, and the residence of the proconsul.
In Corinth he made friends with Aquilla and Presilla. A certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy, and Priscilla, his wife (because Claudius prescribed that all the Jews depart from Rome), he came to them, and, because of his being of a like trade, he remained with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
During Pauls' stay in Corinth the proconsul office was held by Gallio, a brother of the philosopher Seneca. The Apostle was summoned before him by his Jewish enemies, who hoped to bring the Roman authority to bear upon him as schemer of a new religion. But Gallio perceived at once, before Paul could "open his mouth" to defend himself, that the movement was due to Jewish prejudice, and refused to delve into the situation. Then surprisingly, the Corinthian spectators, either favoring Paul or actuated only by anger against the Jews, seized Sosthenes, the chief of the synagogue and beat him before the judgment-seat. Gallio left these religious quarrels to settle themselves. The apostle therefore, was not allowed to be "hurt," and remained some time longer at Corinth unmolested. Later he sailed off to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shaved his head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow. Now they arrive at Ephesus and he left them there. Then Paul enters the synagogue, argues with the Jews. They want him to speak again but he departs saying he will return. He leaves to go to Caesarea then Antioch.
The third missionary journey - A.D. - 54 -58
And after spending some time in Antioch, he left and went through the Galatian province and
And after spending some time in Antioch, Paul left and went through the Galatian province and Phrygia, establishing all the disciples on the third missionary journey.
Highlights of the third missionary journey
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, a scholarly man, arrives at Ephesus, being knowledgeable in the scriptures. He was instructed in the way of the Lord, and fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, being aware only in the baptism of John.
Speaks boldly in the synagogue. After hearing him, Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately. Interesting that Apollos was humble enough to listen to them. Soon after he departs to Corinth in the region of Achaia, being well received, he discussed much with those who have believed through grace and he strenuously and thoroughly confronting the Jews in public, exhibiting through the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:24-28).
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul in Ephesus finds some disciples which believed in the baptism of John the Baptist (baptism to repentance) and never knew of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then they were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
In Ephesus Paul in the synagogue argued and persuaded all that concerned the Kingdom of God (Acts 19: 1-8). But some were hardened and stubborn, saying evil things of Paul's message. So he gathered the believers into a separate group and met regularly nearby at the school of Tyrannus. This he did for 2 years and many came from all over Asia to hear the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
During this time many extraordinary events occurred this third missionary journey which are described in Acts. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul (Acts 19: 11 - 12). Even his handkerchiefs are sent to the sick to cure their diseases, also wicked spirits were expelled.
Then there were some seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, attempting to expel .
a wicked spirit from a man by using the name of Jesus but failed. The man attacked them and was so strong that he overpowered the sons of Sceva and they ran away wounded and naked. The Jews had fallen so low that many of them became sorcerers who used incantations in their attempts to overcome evil spirits. Knowing that Paul's formula was so effective they do not hesitate to profane the name of the Lord, by using it in their exorcisms. But the evil spirits were not deceived by this means, as the sons of Sceva found to their sorrow .
Many still clung to their old practices, but when they found that the Lord was greater than the demons whom they feared, they abandoned their false arts. They gave up the scrolls which taught them, and burned up nearly ten thousand dollars' worth (Acts 19: 13 -19).
Now this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who are dwelling in Ephesus. The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified glorified.
While in Ephesus there was a great disturbance which arose when the occupation of the silversmiths, led by Demetrius, was threatened. They made shrines to their goddess Diana (Artemis) and realized their craft was threatened because of Paul's message persuading the people that there are no gods made with hands. People were filled with wrath because of this and great confusion arose in the city. Finally the town clerk addressed the people and subdued the angry mob. The assembly dispersed (Acts 19: 24-41).
The apostle's ministry in the synagogues is at an end, for the Jews among the nations rejected their Messiah even as those in the land had done. All that now remains is his testimony before kings and in Rome.
Paul and his companies travel to Troas. While Paul is preaching late at night a young man Etches falls from the third story and is taken up as dead. But Paul miraculously revives him. They leave Troas proceeding to Assos, then Mitylene, past Chios , through Samos Trogyllium and then to Miletus. In Miletus Paul admonishes the elders from Ephesus to safeguard the brethren from evil men who seek to pull away disciples to themselves (Acts 20: 1- 38). They then traveled past Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Cyprus, then Tyre where Paul stayed with local brethren for seven days. Then onto Ptolemais where he stayed for one day. Then he arrives at Caesarea and enters the home of Philip the evangelist where he stayed for a while. A prophet called Agabus came from Jerusalem and prophesized what is to happen to Paul in Jerusalem. And after.
Paul's Journey from Jerusalem to Rome 58 to 68 AD
Paul in Jerusalem Paul and his companions go to Jerusalem and are gladly received by the brethren. This was Paul's fifth and last visit to this city. However some at Jerusalem questioned his loyalty to the law of Moses. So Paul, at the request of some, agreed to a ceremonial days of purification at the temple to prove himself a faithful Jew. But certain Jews from Asia, who had come up for the pentecostal feast years before, and who had a personal knowledge of Paul, saw him in the temple with, they thought, Trophimus an Ephesian. Yet in fact he had not led Trophimus beyond the central wall of the barrier (Eph.2:14). They set upon him at once, and stirred up the people against him. There was a great commotion; Paul was dragged out of the temple, the doors of which were immediately shut, and the people having him in their hands, were going to kill him (Acts 21: 21 - 30).
Paul was rescued from the violence of the multitude by the Chief Roman officer, who made him his own prisoner, causing him to be chained to two soldiers, and then proceeded to inquire who he was and what he had done. The inquiry only elicited confused outcries. Amazingly the Roman officer allowed him to speak to the people after Paul told him he was a Roman citizen from Tarsus. Paul then gives a lengthy discourse in Hebrew not Greek, adding to the impact of his message to the Jews of his experiences from his youth onwards. Once again the crowd was enraged by his speech and said "he is not fit to live - away with him" (Acts 22: 3 -30). Paul again encounters the angry Jews including the High Priest. There arose great dissention among the Sadducees and Pharisees when Paul mentioned the resurrection from the dead. Paul was almost torn apart by the mob but the Chief Roman officer rescued him and took him the citadel for safety (Acts 23: 6 - 10).
Over forty fanatical Jews, bound with an oath, conspired to kill Paul in an ambush next morning pretending that they only wanted to ask him some questions. Paul's sister's son heard of this plot and made it known to the chief Roman officer, Claudius Lysias. With this information the chief officer mustered a large contingent of solders and horsemen to take Paul to Caesarea through Antipatris in the middle of the night (Acts 23 : 12 -23).
Paul taken to Caesarea Paul's custody by the Romans was in fact a protection to him, without which he would have fallen a victim to the animosity of the Jews. He seems to have been treated throughout with humanity and consideration by the Romans. Paul was taken to Felix, the Governor of Judea, In Caesarea and was held in Herods judgment hall ( Act : 23: 25 - 35).
Now after five days, Ananias, the chief priest, went to Caesarea with some elders and an orator, Tertullus, who would speak against Paul. Tertullus begins to accuse Paul, after complementing Felix, says Paul stirred up an insurrection among the Jews also being a ringleader of the sect Nazarenes. He also accused Paul of profaning the sanctuary (Acts 24: 1-9).
Then Paul gives his defense. Not much happened after that since Felix postponed any further interactions between Paul and the Jewish antagonists. Paul remains in the custody of the Romans. Again the Roman citadel becomes his fortress rather than his prison (Acts 24: 11 - 23). Felix got a successor after his two year tenure, Porcius Festus. The Jews demand that Festus bring Paul to Jerusalem to to be interrogated by the Jewish leaders. Their plan was to ambush Paul and kill him. Festus did not agree to send Paul to Jerusalem but insisted that the Jews come up to Caesarea to lay charges against him (Acts 25: 1-7).
Paul Appeals to Caesar Paul defends his behavior before the Jews who came up from Jerusalem stating that he did not sin neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the sanctuary, nor against Caesar (Acts 25 7-8). Festus wanting to please the Jews asked Paul to go to Jerusalem to be judged by the Jews. Paul refused knowing the evil intent of the Jews and thereupon he made the appeal to Caesar to be judged at Caesars judgment seat. When Festus he had conferred with the council, answered, you have appealed unto Caesar - unto Caesar - shalt thou go (Acts 25 :1 -12).
The Jewish dignitary Agrippa arrived with his sister Bernice on a visit to the new governor Festus. Herod Agrippa II, king of Chalcis, was familiar with the Jewish law and customs from his youth and had the power of appointing the high priest. Together with his sister, Bernice, he had come to pay a complimentary visit to the newly appointed procurator Festus. Agrippa expressed a desire to hear Paul himself. Accordingly Paul conducted his defense before the king; and when it was concluded Festus and Agrippa, and their companions, consulted together, and came to the conclusion that the accused was guilty of nothing that deserved death or imprisonment. "Agrippa"s final answer to the inquiry of Festus was, "This man might have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26: 1-32).
The voyage to Rome - Autumn, A.D. 60 Arrangements were made to transport Paul and certain other prisoners by ship to Italy, being in the custody of a centurion named Julius. No formal trial of Paul had taken place. And so Paul departed Caesarea, the capital city of Judea, never to return. There seems to have been no regular service either for passengers or freight on the Mediterranean in ancient times. Travelers were entirely dependent on passing merchant vessels and often sailed in a number of ships before reaching their destination . Acts chapters 27 and 28 gives a graphic description of the voyage to Rome and the shipwreck on the Island of Melita or Malta.
The centurion arranged a ship which was going to Asia from Caesarea, with the idea of transferring to another vessel as soon as he found one which would carry them toward Rome. Such a ship proved to be located in Myra, one of the ports at which they anchored. And from here they pursued their journey to Italy.
The direct course to the coasts of Asia would be south and west of Cyprus. The ship worked its way by taking advantage of a current between Cyprus and Cilicia. sailing through the ocean off Cilicia and Pamphylia, they came down to Myra, of Lycia. And there the centurion Julius, finding an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, they board it. Setting sail, they find the wind unfavorable. They sail near Cnidus then under the
lee of Crete past Cape Salome, anchoring at Ideal Harbors (Acts 27: 1-11).
Before setting sail again, Paul advises the centurion to not go on because of hazardous weather at this time of year. But the centurion was persuaded by the navigator and the charterer of the ship, rather than by what is being said by Paul. Ideal Harbors, was not, as its name suggests, a sheltered enclosure, but rather a the harbor not fit for wintering. Hence the majority of those on board thought best to reject the Jewish prisoner's advice and seek a better winter location.
Shipwrecked on Malta - A south wind came up and they ventured forth with confidence. But the weather changed very quickly. A typhoon (northeaster) began to batter the ship. The storm was so violent that the vessel could not keep its course. They were fearful that they would be blown south toward Africa into the sandbanks of Syrtis.
The next day they threw much if the ships gear and other material overboard. Now neither sun nor stars could be seen for many days, and besides, They lost hope of survival. Then Paul speaks, having gained much respect from all onboard recognizing his words to not depart from Fair Havens. Now all wished that he had been heeded, he easily assumes the leadership. So Paul said be cheerful, for not one soul from among you will be lost. He mentioned that he had a vision concerning this and that God granted all those who were sailing with Paul would be kept safe. This remarkable story is a parallel to the eventual fall of the Kingdom of Israel (a sinking ship) at that time and the salvation of some.
On the fourteenth night of the storm, in the middle of the night the mariners suspected some land was near the ship and after a depth sounding, they found twenty fathoms. Now a little later they found fifteen fathoms as the ship approached an island. The ship ran aground and began to break up due to the violence of the waves. The mariners planned to lower a small boat and leave the sinking vessel. Paul said unless they remain on the ship (all 276) for now they will perish.
At day break Paul tells everyone to eat some food. As the ship continues to break up , those who could swim were advised to swim to the shore. The others using planks and other floating material form the ship make their way to shore. All were safe. This was the island of Melita (Malta). The natives of the island welcomed them and showed them kindness. Paul gathered some kindle wood to throw on the camp fire and was bitten on the hand by a viper. Everyone watched expecting Paul to fall down dead from the bite of the venomous snake. When the natives saw that Paul was okay they thought of him as a god.
A leader on the island was Publius who welcomed Paul and those with him and he lodged with him for three days. The father of Publius was very sick and visiting him and placing his hands on him he is healed. And many of those in the island having infirmities came to Paul and were cured. Thus Paul and his companions received many honors and supplies from them. After a three-months stay in Malta the soldiers and their prisoners left in an Alexandria ship which had wintered on the island for Italy. They docked at Syracuse, where they stayed three days, and at Rhegium, from which place they were carried with a fair wind to Puteoli, where they left their ship and the sea.
Finally on to Rome - At Puteoli they found "brethren," for it was an important place and especially a chief port for the traffic between Alexandria and Rome; and these brethren exhorted them to stay a while. Permission seems to have been granted by the centurion Julius; to spend time at Puteoli. At Puteoli, near modern Naples, he stayed seven days with some brethren. News of the apostles arrival was sent to Rome. Others came to meet him on the way to the
city.
As Paul had written an epistle to Rome earlier there must have been a considerable company of believers there. They showed something of their regard for him by coming out to welcome him on the way. One company came as far as Appii Forum. Another delegation met him at Three Taverns, about ten miles nearer the city. No wonder Paul thanked God and took courage. He was now near the goal that he had set before him several years before, and though a prisoner of Rome, he had almost all the freedom he could wish.
In Rome, instead of being imprisoned, he was allowed to remain by himself, with a soldier to
guard him. He could even call together the foremost of the Jews and speak to them. Then, for two years, he had his own hired house, free to teach all who came to him. He was, indeed, a prisoner in Rome, but suffered few restraints or indignities, doubtless due to his Roman citizenship.
In Rome, after he had testified to the Jews and to the nations, a tremendous change took place in his relationship to both. This was not, indeed, the result of a sudden impulse, but the crisis of gradually gathering convictions, expressed in his previous epistles. Israel's rejection of the kingdom came to the final climax when the Jews in Rome refused to believe. Hence he no longer proclaimed the earthly kingdom of Israel's Messiah. Many years before he had written to the Romans that hardness in part, had come on Israel, until the complement of the nations may be entering (Rom.ll :25). Then it was still necessary to present the evangel to those Jews among the nations who had not heard. Now he remains two whole years in his own hired house, and he welcomed all those going in to him, heralding the kingdom of God, and teaching that which concerns the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness unhindered. This he had now accomplished. Paul's sojourn in Rome marks the beginning of that vast work of the Spirit of God which has continued down to the present time.
Little more is revealed after the two years of Paul in Rome. Some commentators have surmised that the apostle was liberated from imprisonment at the end of two years, having been acquitted by Nero A.D. 63, and left Rome soon after writing the letter to the Philippians. He may have spent some time in visits to Greece, Asia Minor and Spain. This is speculative, as is the thought that back in Rome he was not treated as an honorable state prisoner but as a felon. Ecclesiastical antiquity suggests that he was beheaded at Rome, by Nero in the great persecutions of the Christians by that emperor, A.D. 67 or 68.
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