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THE MISSION AND EXPERIENCES OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

PAGE 3

 The third missionary journey and Paul's journey to Rome (Acts 18:23 - 28:31) ...and beyond.

(The research for this article was undertaken by Marian Coekin. To aid your search, the passage of time, the names of places, and significant events are highlighted. This page prints onto four A4 sides.)

 

CHAPTER REFERENCE WHAT HAPPENED: the passage of time is indicated by  words in bold blue: to help your search for events, place names are highlighted in bold green: the more significant events are highlighted in bold purple.
Acts 18:23-28

Start of the 3rd Missy journey

 After spending some time in Antioch he travelled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia 'strengthening the disciples'. (Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos from Alexandria arrived in Ephesus. He was well learned and knew the Scriptures; he spoke with fervour, taught accurately about Jesus, but knew only of the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching in the synagogue, invited him to their home and instructed him more fully. He wanted to go to Achaia and was encouraged to do so by the brothers in Ephesus. When he got there he vigorously proclaimed Jesus as the Christ.)
Acts 19:1-21 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul travelled to Ephesus (a long journey - the length of Asia Minor!). Enquiring from a group of 12 disciples in Ephesus whether they had received the Holy Spirit - and receiving a negative answer - he instructed them and the Holy Spirit came upon them (the Gentile 'Day of Pentecost'). Paul preached in the synagogue for three months but after opposition he moved his work to the Hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years. Some healers who went about driving our spirits came to Ephesus and caused a furore when one of the spirits spoke the name of Jesus and attacked several men. This became known and the name of Christ was held in high honour. There was a massive burning of magic scrolls worth 50,000 drachmas (one drachma= a day's wages). The word of God spread rapidly.    
Acts 19:21-20:1  After all this happened Paul decided to go to Jerusalem via Macedonia and Achaia. But about this time a great disturbance arose in Ephesus. A silversmith called Demetrius annoyed at the loss of income through Paul's preaching against idols instigated a riot and a crowd started to chant 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians'. The people seized Paul's travelling companions Gaius and Aristarchus from Macedonia and took them to the theatre (pictured). Paul wanted to appear but the disciples, and even some of the town officials, prevented him. The city clerk addressed the crowd and told them that if there was a problem then Demetrius and his fellows should bring charges in the courts. He dismissed the crowd. When the uproar had passed Paul called the disciples together, encouraged them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia.
Acts 20:2-12 Paul travelled through Macedonia meeting and encouraging the believers and eventually reached Greece, where he stayed for three months. Again the Jews plotted against him and he was about to sail for Syria, but decided to go back via Macedonia (see green dashed line on the map above). With him went Sopater from Berea, Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and  Trophimus for Asia. These men went ahead 'of us' (ie Luke was there too) to Troas. But 'we' sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later arrived in Troas where they stayed for seven days. On the first day of the week they gathered to break bread and Paul, who intended to leave the next day, taught all through to midnight. A young man Eutychus sitting near a window, fell asleep and fell out from the third storey. Paul embraced him and he recovered. They returned to the room to break bread and Paul continued teaching until daylight!
Acts 20:13-21:16

 

 

End of the 3rd Missy journey

 Paul went by foot to Assos; 'we' went by boat and picked him up there. They sailed for Mitylene and the next day sailed to Kios. The next day they reached Samos and Miletus the following day. Paul decided not to call at Ephesus because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost (no reason is given). But from Miletus he sent for the elders from Ephesus, addressed them (vs.18-35) saying he expected trouble wherever he goes and urged them to look after their flock . Finally there is emotional farewell because he said he does not expect to see them again. After 'tearing themselves away' they went via Cos, Rhodes and Patra. Passing to the south of Cyprus they arrived at Tyre, where they met the believers and their families on the beach and prayed with them. They sailed from Tyre to Ptolemais and then to Caesarea, staying with Philip the evangelist and his four daughters who prophesied. A prophet called Agabus came down from Judea and warned Paul he would be arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles.  Everyone was very upset and tried to persuade Paul not to go . But he persisted that it was God's will. Some of the disciples accompanied Paul to Jerusalem where he stayed with Mnason who was an early disciple and from Cyprus.
Acts 21:17-22:30 Paul warmly welcomed by the believers. Next day went to see James and the elders and reported all that God had done, at which they praised God. They related that thousands of Jews had believed but said that many of them were upset to hear that Paul taught gentile believers to turn away from Moses and not circumcise their children So they asked Paul to placate them by undergoing purification rights in the temple which he agreed to. Seven days later some Jews from Asia saw Paul at the temple and stirred up a crowd, falsely accusing him of taking a gentile (Trophimus the Ephesian) into the Temple.  The whole city was aroused and beat Paul. The Roman commander went down and arrested him. The crowd shouted inconsistent reasons and so the commander ordered Paul to be taken to the barracks. The soldiers had to carry him because of the fury of the crowd.  Just before entering the barracks, Paul asked to speak to the crowd; it emerged that the commander thought he was a  known Egyptian terrorist. Paul told the crowd the story of his conversion and the crowd listened until he said that God had sent him to the Gentiles, at which they erupted with indignation. At this Paul was taken into the barracks and orders given to beat him to get at the truth. When Paul declared he was Roman citizen the commander withdrew the orders and the next day took him before the Sanhedrin.
Acts 23:1-11 Paul defended himself before the Sanhedrin and because he spoke of the resurrection a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees. The commander sent troops to rescue Paul and returned him to the barracks. The next night the Lord appeared to Paul and told him to take courage as he would testify also in Rome.
Acts 23:12-35 The next day about 40 Jews entered into a conspiracy to kill Paul. Paul's nephew heard of the plot and warned the commander Claudius Lysias. So he gathered a cohort of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearman (!) to take Paul to the Governor Felix at Caesarea later that night. He sent a letter with him (vs.26-30). Paul was kept in Herod's palace until his accusers should arrive.
Acts 24:1-27 Ananias the high priest went to Caesarea with some elders and the lawyer Tertullus. Tertullus praised Felix  and said Paul was a trouble maker. Paul defended himself and because Felix was acquainted with 'the Way' he postponed the hearing until Lysias arrived. He ordered Paul kept under guard but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to provide for him. Several days later Felix and his wife Drusilla -  a Jewess - heard Paul again, but hoping for a bribe Felix frequently sent for Paul. After two years Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus but Paul was left in prison.
Acts 25:1-26:32 After only three days Festus went to Jerusalem where the chief priests and leaders presented their case against Paul. After 8 or 10 days Festus went to Caesarea with some of the accusers and brought Paul to court. Paul objected that he had not broken the law . Festus wishing to do the Jews a favour, suggested sending him to Jerusalem. Paul avoided this by appealing to Caesar. Festus agreed to send him to Caesar. A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and he asked to hear Paul who gave a lengthy description of his conversion. Afterwards Agrippa said 'This man could have been set free if he hadn't appealed to Caesar'.
Acts 27:1-38 Luke and Aristarchus (from Thessalonica) were with Paul as they set sail for the long journey to Rome. Called at  Sidon; Julius allowed Paul freedom to see his friends. Then to the lee of Cyprus, off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, to Licea. There the centurion found a ship sailing for Italy . The wind was against them; they made slow progress along the Crete coast trying to find a safe harbour at Phoenix at the western end. A hurricane-force storm sprung up from the northeast. The ship took a violent battering and they lost all hope. Paul stood up and told them that God had told him that they would all be safe, but the ship would be lost.  On the 14th night, still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, at midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land and dropped anchor and prayed for daylight. When they let down the lifeboat, Paul warned the centurion that they must all stay with the ship. Paul reassured them again. He broke bread, gave thanks and began to eat. All 276 men on board were encouraged to eat and then threw all the grain overboard to lighten the ship. 
Acts 27:39-28:14 When daylight came they saw land but did not recognise it. They ran the ship ashore but it stuck on a sand bank. Everyone escaped on planks or swam. When they got ashore they found it was an island called Malta. The islanders were exceptionally kind. Paul was bitten by a snake. They thought he must be a murderer but when he survived they thought he was a god. They were welcomed at a nearby estate owned by Publius, the chief official of the island. Paul healed his sick father from dysentery. They were honoured in many ways and when it was time to set sail provided all they needed. After 3 months they set sail in an Alexandrian ship to Syracuse at the southern tip of Sicily (for 3 days) and then went on to Rhegium; then to Puteoli. They found some brothers who invited them to stay for a week; then they went on to Rome.
Acts 28:15-31 Some brothers heard they were coming and travelled to the Three Taverns to meet them. Paul thanked God and was encouraged. In Rome Paul was allowed to live  by himself with a soldier to guard him. After 3 days he called the local Jewish leaders and told them why he was there. They had heard nothing bad about him and wanted to hear his views. On a set day large numbers came to hear him and all day he explained to them about Jesus from the Law and the Prophets. Some were convinced, others not. Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9,10 to them. For two whole years Paul stayed in his own house and preached boldly, without hindrance, about the Kingdom of God and Jesus Christ to all who would come to him.
NOTES - beyond Acts.

BEYOND THE 'ACTS OF THE APOSTLES'

While in prison in Rome Paul wrote the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. The Pastoral Epistles supply evidence that Paul was released after about two years, 'resumed his travels for about two more years before being re-arrested, re-tried, condemned and executed in AD 64' (Stott 'The Message of Acts of the Apostles'; The Bible Speaks Today series - highly recommended).

In the intervening period between his imprisonments, Eusebius records that Paul 'again journeyed on the ministry of preaching'. From Titus 1:5 we learn that Paul went to Crete where he left Titus behind and then onwards to Ephesus where he left Timothy (1 Tim.1:3,4).  According to 1 Tim 1:3 he went to Macedonia. Phil 2:24 (written during his first imprisonment) confirms his intention to go to Philippi while in Macedonia so he probably did that. From there he almost certainly wrote his letters to Titus and the first to Timothy who was in Ephesus. This was about AD 63. In Titus 3:12 he tells of his intention to winter in Nicopolis on the west coast of Greece (he invited Titus to join him there).  It is conjectured that it was from there in the Spring that Paul and Titus journeyed to Spain - as had been Paul's intention. This is based on a famous letter from Clement of Rome to the Corinthians in which he says that Paul had reached 'the extreme limit of the west'. 

After returning from Spain (it is supposed), Paul proceeded to Asia Minor where he had to leave Trophimus behind at Miletus because he was sick.  Miletus is so close to Ephesus that it is highly likely that Paul met Timothy. Was their tearful separation after that what Paul refers to in 2 Tim.1:4? At Troas he stayed with Carpus and left behind his cloak and some books (2 Tim.4:13). Hence to Corinth where Erastus seems to have left the group (2 Tim.4:20).  From there Paul returned to Rome - where he was re-arrested we do not know. In Rome the persecution under Nero was going strong, and 'the tradition is likely to be correct that Paul was condemned to death and then beheaded (as a Roman citizen would have been) on the Ostian Way about three miles outside the city. Eusebius quotes Dionysius of Corinth that Paul and Peter "were martyred both on the same occasion", though he adds that Paul's execution was by beheading and Peter's (at his own request) by crucifixion "head-downwards". (Stott in The Message of 2 Timothy, The Bible Speaks Today series, IVP, p.18)(See also William Hendriksen 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, Banner of Truth, ISBN 0 85151 385 9). During his last, severe, imprisonment Paul wrote his last letter, 2 Timothy. His expectation of his imminent execution overshadows the book - which becomes, as it were - his last will and testament to the church he had done so much to establish.

While the events mentioned above are certainly recorded in the NT, the order of those events and precise journeys Paul undertook can only be a 'best guess'.

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