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Paul’s Missionary Journeys: The Beginner’s Guide

by Ryan Nelson | Jul 6, 2020 | Bible topics

Paul’s missionary journeys helped spread the gospel throughout much of the ancient world. Over the course of his ministry, the Apostle Paul traveled more than 10,000 miles and established at least 14 churches.

The Book of Acts records three separate missionary journeys that took Paul through Greece, Turkey, Syria, and numerous regions you won’t find on modern-day maps. Some scholars argue that Paul also took a fourth missionary journey, since parts of the New Testament appear to reference travels that may have taken place after the events in Acts.

Paul’s travels played a crucial role in the formation and development of the early Christian church. Many of the communities he encountered on these missionary journeys were the same ones he wrote to in his pastoral epistles.

In this guide, we’re going to follow Paul’s footsteps as he travelled across the ancient world, looking at the places he went and the major events that took place along the way. At times it can be challenging to distinguish between ancient cities, provinces, and regions (and there are sometimes multiple names that refer to the same area), so as we go, we’ll make some of those distinctions more clear.

Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13–14)

Paul’s first missionary journey began in Antioch. You may notice that maps of the ancient world often have two cities labelled Antioch. They’re both named after Antiochus, father of Seleucid I. The Antioch in Acts 13 was the third largest city in ancient Rome and capital of the province of Syria. Today, it’s part of southern Turkey. The other Antioch was part of Pisidia, an ancient region which is also now part of Turkey. Your Bible likely refers to it as Pisidian Antioch or Antioch of Pisidia.

In Antioch (the big city in Syria), the Holy Spirit singled out Paul and Barnabas from the believers worshiping there, and sent them on their first missionary journey.

Paul’s first journey took him by boat to the Roman province of Cyprus. Today, Cyprus is a country known as the Republic of Cyprus. It’s a mediterranean island south of Syria. Paul and Barnabas arrived in the port city of Salamis, where John Mark (who was possibly Barnabas’ cousin), helped them share the gospel in Jewish synagogues.

From Salamis, the group moved across the island to Paphos, where they were met by a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus (also known as Elymas the sorcerer). This sorcerer worked for the governor—Sergius Paulus—who sent for Paul and his companions because he wanted to hear the word of God. Elymas opposed them and tried to turn Sergius from the faith, and so Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, called him a “child of the devil” and struck him blind. Sergius saw what happened, and believed.

Ironically, Elymas meant to steer Sergius away from Christ, but he became the very vehicle God used to draw Sergius toward him.

From Paphos, Paul and company set sail for the Roman province of Pamphylia, located in modern day Turkey. They arrived in the city of Perga, where John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem (which, interestingly, was in the opposite direction from where they just came). We don’t know why John Mark decided to leave, but this would later create a rift between Paul and Barnabas.

Together, Paul and Barnabas travelled to Pisidian Antioch, where local synagogue leaders invited them to speak. Initially, the Jewish people were receptive to the gospel, but a week later, the entire city gathered to hear Paul and Barnabas, and the Jewish leaders became jealous. They resisted the message of the gospel, and so Paul and Barnabas made an important pivot: they began preaching to the Gentiles.  

Many of the Gentiles believed the gospel, and Luke (the traditional author of Acts) tells us that: 

“The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.” —Acts 13:49–50

Driven out of Pamphylia, Paul and Barnabas travelled to Iconium, an eastern city in the region of Phrygia. Iconium still exists today as the Turkish city of Konya.

Once again, Paul and Barnabas spoke in the synagogue, where Jews and Greeks alike accepted the gospel. But the Jews who didn’t accept it stirred up trouble, even as Paul and Barnabas began performing signs and wonders (Acts 14:3). As support for Paul and Barnabas grew, so did the opposition they faced, and eventually, they became aware of a plot to abuse and stone them. So they left.

Fleeing the threat in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas left Phrygia altogether and travelled to Lystra, a city in the province of Lycaonia. Here, Paul healed a man who was lame.The locals who witnessed this miracle thought Paul and Barnabas were gods in human form, calling Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes. The priest from the temple of Zeus brought bulls and wreaths to offer sacrifices to them.

Paul and Barnabas attempted to redirect their praise to God, but struggled to keep the crowds from offering sacrifices to them.

Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and continued what they’d started. They riled up the crowds and convinced them to stone Paul. Believing he was dead, they dragged him outside the city. When the disciples gathered around him, Paul got up and went back inside the city.

Then Paul and Barnabas went to Derbe, another city in Lycaonia. There, they “won a large number of disciples” (Acts 14:21).

The return to Antioch

After a time in Derbes, Paul and Barnabas went back the way they came, working their way through Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch, and Perga. In each city, they encouraged the believers there and strengthened their faith, as they would continue doing on their future missionary journeys. They did, however, stop in a new Pamphylian city on the way: Attalia. Acts only mentions it in passing, but presumably, they established a community of believers there as well.

From there, they skipped a return voyage to the island of Cyprus and went straight back to Antioch (the big one), where they told the church what happened on their journey.

Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:23–20:38)

Paul’s second missionary journey established many of the churches he would later write to in his pastoral epistles. Interestingly, this may have happened in part because of a “sharp disagreement” he had with Barnabas. Paul’s original plan was to essentially have a rerun of their first trip, strengthening the communities they’d formed in each city and telling them what the Council of Jerusalem had ruled in regards to Gentile believers.

But Barnabas wanted to take John Mark—who had left them shortly into their previous journey. Paul was so opposed to the idea that they parted ways, initiating two separate missionary journeys. Barnabas took John Mark and went with the original plan, making their way back to the island of Cyprus. Paul took a man named Silas and travelled through the provinces of Syria and Cilicia.

The first cities that Acts mentions by name on Paul’s second journey are Derbe and Lystra. At this time, Paul and Silas picked up a new companion: Timothy. 

The locals spoke highly of Timothy, and Paul wanted to bring him along even though he was half Greek, which meant local Jews would have a harder time accepting their message. Out of concern for these local Jews, Paul circumcised Timothy—even though, ironically, one of the things they were coming to tell Christians was that Gentiles didn’t have to be circumcised. (See Acts 16:3–4.)

Acts doesn’t specify where in Phrygia Paul and his companions stopped, but since he’d established a church in Iconium on the first trip, that community would’ve been on his mind (even though last time he was there, people had plotted to stone him). Interestingly, Acts notes that Paul and his companions journeyed here after they were “kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia” (Acts 16:6).

Just north of Phrygia was the province of Galatia. Acts makes no mention of what happened here, but this is the province Paul wrote to in his letter to the Galatians . Interestingly, part of the purpose of Paul’s second trip was to share the news from the Council of Jerusalem regarding the Law of Moses and whether or not Gentiles (or Christians in general) should be expected to follow it. The council decided the Torah didn’t apply to Gentile believers (though they did hang on to a few rules). But by the time Paul wrote the Book of Galatians, Christians there were feeling pressure to obey the law (particularly in regards to circumcision) in order to be saved.

From Galatia, Paul’s group traveled west, until they reached the border of Mysia—a western region in the province of Asia, which is now part of Turkey. They intended to head north to the region of Bithynia, “but the spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” (Acts 16:7). So they passed by Mysia and headed to the city of Troas. Here, Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia, begging him to “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Paul took this vision as a sign that God was calling them to Macedonia, which was across the Aegean Sea.

From Troas, Paul and his companions sailed across the Aegean Sea, making a pitstop on the island of Samothrace before landing in Neapolis and then traveling to Philippi. In Philippi, they spoke with women outside the city gate. One of them was a wealthy cloth dealer named Lydia. After her household was baptised, she persuaded Paul’s group to stay with her for a while.

Later, Paul, Silas, and the others were confronted by a spirit-possessed slave woman who could predict the future. She followed them for many days, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved” (Acts 16:17). Paul became so annoyed that he cast out the spirit. Her owners were furious, because they had been profiting off of her fortune telling. So they turned the local magistrates against them, claiming Paul and Silas were stirring up trouble and trying to get Roman citizens to believe and do illegal things.

The authorities had Paul and Silas severely flogged and thrown in prison. Late at night, while they were worshiping, an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, opened the doors, and freed the prisoners from their chains. When the jailer awoke and saw the doors open, he prepared to kill himself. But Paul stopped him and assured him everyone was still in the prison.

After listening to Paul and Silas share the gospel, the jailer believed in Jesus and had his whole household baptized.

The next morning, the magistrates ordered Paul and Silas released. Paul revealed that they were Roman citizens, who had just been beaten and imprisoned without trial, and the authorities became afraid. Paul and Silas returned to Lydia’s house, and then left the city of Troas.

After passing through the Macedonian cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arrived in Thessalonica. Since Thessalonica had a synagogue, Paul turned to his usual method—preaching the gospel on the Sabbath. Over the course of three weeks, he achieved the usual result—many Jews and Greeks alike embraced the gospel . . . and those who didn’t were outraged by it. 

At night, the Thessalonian believers sent Paul and his companions away to the nearby city of Berea.

The Bereans listened eagerly to the gospel and carefully examined the Scriptures to see if they supported Paul’s claims. Many Jews and Greeks became believers, but some agitators from Thessalonica heard Paul was in Berea, and they stirred up the crowds. Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea, while Paul was escorted out of Macedonia to Athens.

In the first century, Athens was in the region of Achaia, just south of Macedonia. Today, it’s the capital of Greece, and the largest city in the country.

Paul was essentially waiting around for Silas, Timothy, and the others to rejoin him. But while he waited, he noticed that Athens was full of idols. He debated with philosophers in both the synagogue and marketplace. Some Athenians were open to his ideas, and they were eager to discuss them. One idol in particular caught his eye—it had an inscription that read: “to an unknown god.” He seized on this as an opportunity to tell them about the “unknown God” who died and rose so that all might have eternal life. 

Paul’s message in Athens incorporated observations about what he saw around him as well as quotes from famous Greek philosophers to point back to the gospel. After establishing a group of believers in Athens, Paul headed west to the city of Corinth.

In Corinth, Paul stayed and worked with a couple of Jewish tentmakers named Priscilla and Aquila. Every Sabbath, he preached to Jews and Greeks in the synagogue. Silas and Timothy rejoined Paul here, and Paul began focusing his energy on testifying about Jesus to the Jews. 

When the Jews opposed his message, Paul devoted himself to reaching Gentiles, and he left the synagogue. As more Greeks embraced the gospel, the Corinthian Jews brought Paul before the governor, who basically told them to take a hike and refused to help.

Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, and he left with Priscilla and Aquila.

The return journey

Before setting off for Syria, Paul stopped for a vow-fulfilling haircut in the port city of Cenchreae, which was just a hop, skip, and a jump from Corinth. With his companions, he sailed across the Aegean Sea to Ephesus, where he dropped of Priscilla and Aquila, and promised to come back if he could. After a short stay in Ephesus, Paul set sail for Caesarea, which was across the Mediterranean and far to the southeast. From there, he made the trek south to Jerusalem.

Paul’s second missionary journey ended in Jerusalem.

Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 18:23–20:38)

When you read Acts, there’s no transition from Paul’s second missionary journey to his third. His arrival in Jerusalem almost immediately began his next trip. But while his second journey ends in Jerusalem, the beginning of his third journey is actually in Antioch, which is about 300 miles north.

Phrygia and Galatia

From Antioch, Paul once again worked his way west, passing “from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:23). This included Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium.

Paul traveled west to Ephesus, the capital of the province of Asia, where he’d left Priscilla and Aquila on his previous journey. Since he’d last visited, a man named Apollos had been preaching part of the gospel, but he didn’t know about the Holy Spirit. So when Paul arrived, he taught the Ephesians about the difference between water baptism and the baptism of the Spirit.

For three months, Paul preached in the synagogues. When people started criticizing Christianity, he left and began holding discussions in a lecture hall.

This went on for two years, and all the while, God used Paul to perform miracles. Even things Paul had touched—handkerchiefs and aprons—healed the sick and drove out evil spirits.

Some Jews thought invoking Paul’s name would let them drive out demons. Seven sons of a chief priest named Sceva said to an evil spirit, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out” (Acts 19:13). The spirit replied that it knew Jesus and Paul, but not them, and then it pulverized all seven of them.

As word spread about what happened, people began to revere the name of Jesus. Local sorcerors came to repent, and they burnt scrolls that would have been worth more than 130 years’ worth of wages (Acts 19:19).

Around this time, a local silversmith named Demetrius realized that the future of his business (making idols) was jeopardized by the gospel. The demand for idols was going down all across the province of Asia, but especially in Ephesus, where he lived. So Demetrius gathered all the craftsmen and workers whose businesses were impacted, and stirred the entire city into an uproar. They seized two of Paul’s companions and brought them into a theater.

Paul wanted to address the crowd, but the disciples didn’t let him. Instead, a city clerk told everyone that unless they were going to bring formal charges against the men in a legal assembly, they were in danger of being charged with rioting.

Macedonia and Greece

After things settled down in Ephesus, Paul headed across the Aegean Sea to Macedonia. He traveled throughout the region, encouraging believers, and eventually arrived in Greece, where he stayed for three months. He intended to sail back to Syria (where his journey started), but some people plotted against him, so he took another lap through Macedonia instead.

Along the way, disciples joined Paul from many of the communities he’d ministered to. He had companions from Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe, and the province of Asia. These followers went ahead of Paul to Troas, in Asia. Paul stayed briefly in Philippi, then joined them.

Paul stayed in Troas for seven days. The night before he left, he stayed up late talking in a room upstairs. A young man sat in a window, drifted off to sleep, and fell to his death. Paul threw his arms around the man and declared that he was alive, and he was. Then Paul went back upstairs and continued talking until daylight.

Paul walked from Troas to Assos, which was just to the south, and then sailed for the nearby city of Mitylene. Eager to reach Jerusalem before Pentecost, Paul sailed past Ephesus and stopped in Miletus. There, he met with the leaders of the Ephesian church and essentially told them that he had taught them everything they needed to know, that he would not see them again, and that they needed to be on guard against false teachers. This is when Paul also famously quoted Jesus, sharing words that aren’t recorded in any of the gospels: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

And then he set sail.

Paul and his companions stopped briefly in Kos, Rhodes, and Patara before heading across the Mediterranean Sea to Phoenicia (the coastal region south of ancient Syria, which is now part of Syria). They arrived in Tyre, where “through the Spirit” (Acts 21:4), the local disciples urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. He ignored them.

From Tyre, the voyage continued to the port city of Ptolemais, and then Caesarea, where the group stayed with Philip the evangelist (not to be confused with Philip the apostle ). Here, a prophet warned Paul that he would be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles.

Still, he pressed on to Jerusalem, and by the end of Acts, the Jewish leaders had handed him over to Roman rulers.

Paul’s fourth missionary journey

Acts explicitly records three distinct missionary journeys. But some scholars and even ancient Christian writers have claimed that there was also a fourth missionary journey which was only hinted at in the Bible.

The argument for a fourth journey is primarily based on clues from Paul’s letters. He occasionally refers to events and visits that may not be accounted for in Acts or the epistles. 

For example, Paul suggested he would travel to Spain (Romans 15:24), but he provides no record of this journey in his letters. However, early church fathers claimed Paul did, in fact, travel to Spain.

In his letter to the Corinthians, first-century church father Clement of Rome said Paul “had gone to the extremity of the west,” which at the time presumably meant Spain. Fourth-century church father John of Chrysostom said, “For after he had been in Rome, he returned to Spain, but whether he came thence again into these parts, we know not.” And Cyril of Jerusalem (also from the fourth century) wrote that Paul “carried the earnestness of his preaching as far as Spain.”

In 2 Timothy 4, Paul makes an ambiguous reference to “my first defense” and claims he was “delivered from the lion’s mouth” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). Some have interpreted this as a reference to his first defense before Emperor Nero, which he was heading for at the end of Acts.

Paul’s letters make other references to events not recorded in Acts, but since there is so much overlap in the locations mentioned, and Paul spent multiple years in some of these places on his three recorded journeys, it’s difficult to say whether or not this fourth journey ever actually happened.

Take a closer look at Paul’s footsteps

Paul’s missionary journeys are a key part of the New Testament. Paul’s epistles were originally written to the communities he formed on these journeys, and they show us exactly how Christianity spread to the Gentiles so rapidly.

Here at OverviewBible, we’ve charted each of Paul’s missionary journeys into beautiful, full-color posters you can display in your classroom or church office. Each comes in multiple sizes on fine art paper with a matte finish.

Get an overview of the entire Bible

The Bible is huge. Together, its 66 books are three times longer than Moby Dick . It’s so big that even if you’ve been reading it your whole life, you can still miss the point. Jeffrey Kranz, founder of OverviewBible, wrote The Beginner’s Guide to the Bible to help Christians and non-Christians alike get a better grasp of this important text.

This non-preachy, jargon-free guide will walk you through the Bible’s major themes and characters and help you see how each book fits into the larger story of Scripture.

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Paul’s Four Missionary Journeys: The Complete Guide

God did many amazing things through the life and ministry of the apostle Paul. The gospel was spread to many people across the known world thanks to Paul’s efforts, despite the severe opposition and persecution Paul faced.

What were Paul’s missionary journeys? Paul took four missionary journeys. Paul’s first three missionary journeys are recorded in the book of Acts. The fourth is alluded to in Paul’s letters. On the first missionary journey Paul went through Cyrus, Pamphylia, and Galatia. On his second missionary journey he went through Galatia, Macedonia, and Achaia. Paul’s third journey took him through Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, Achaia, and ended in Jerusalem. After his third missionary journey Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea for two years and later transported to Rome where he was then placed under house arrest for another two years. His fourth missionary journey is not clear, but it may have included Spain, Crete, Asia, Achaia, and Macedonia.

By looking at Paul’s missionary journeys we can look and reflect on the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

Timeline of Paul’s Missionary Journeys

• A.D. 37: Converted on the road to Damascus
• A.D. 37-40: Spends three years in Arabia
• A.D. 40: Brief visit to Jerusalem to meet with the apostle Peter
• A.D. 40-44: Preaches and ministers in Tarsus and surrounding regions
• A.D. 44 or 45: Relocates to Antioch in Syria
• A.D. 45 or 46: Travels with Barnabas to visit Jerusalem, brings a famine relief offering
• A.D. 46 or 47: First missionary journey with Barnabas, likely lasts 1-2 years
• A.D. 50: Attends the Jerusalem Council
• A.D. 51: Leaves on second missionary journey, trip lasts 2.5 to 3 years, including 18 months in Corinth
• A.D. 54: Leaves on third missionary journey, trip lasts more than 4 years, including 3 years in Ephesus
• A.D. 58: Arrested in Jerusalem, put on trial before the Roman governor Felix
• A.D. 58-60: Held in Caesarea for two years
• A.D. 60: Put back on trial by Festus the new Roman governor; eventually transported to Rome
• A.D. 61: Arrives in Rome
• A.D. 61-63: Placed under house arrest for two years
• A.D. 63: Released from house arrest, likely launches his fourth missionary journey
• A.D. 66 or 67: Imprisoned in Rome again
• A.D. 67 or 68: Martyred under Nero’s persecution

*Dates are approximate.

Paul’s Background

Before he was known as the apostle Paul, he was first known as Saul of Tarsus. He was a brilliant, pious, zealous, and well-educated Pharisee, from a wealthy and well-connected family. Saul was obviously intimately acquainted with the Hebrew Scriptures, but was also thoroughly acquainted with Greco-Roman history, language, and culture.

Saul became famous in Palestine because of his persecution of Christians. But things changed, dramatically. By God’s providence, Saul became a Christian after a supernatural encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).

After Saul’s conversion, he traveled to a few different places, over several years, including three years in Arabia (Gal. 1:17–18), a brief visit to Jerusalem (Gal. 1:18), and then several years of preaching in the regions of Syria and Cilicia (Gal. 1:21).

Partnership with Barnabas

After some heavy persecution of the Christians in Jerusalem, some believers ended up living in the city of Antioch. They preached the gospel there and a “great number” believed in Jesus (Acts 11:21). When the apostles in Jerusalem heard about this, they sent a man named Barnabas to Antioch to serve in the church there (Acts 11:22).

Barnabas was a prophet (Acts 13:1) and an apostle (Acts 14:14). Through his ministry a “great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

After being in Antioch a while, Barnabas traveled to Tarsus to find Saul. Barnabas recruited Saul to come teach and lead and serve in the church in Antioch in Syria (Acts 11:25-26). Saul relocated to Antioch sometime between 44 and 46 A.D. and served as one of the leaders of the church there.

Barnabas and Saul would become ministry traveling partners for the next few years, including at least one earlier trip to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30) in order to bring a famine relief offering to the Christians in Jerusalem (likely sometime between 45 and 46 A.D.).

First Missionary Journey

Barnabas and Saul sensed the call of the Holy Spirit to go out on their first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). Sometime around 46 A.D. (or 47 A.D.), Barnabas and Saul were set apart by the Holy Spirit and sent out on their first missionary journey by the church at Antioch.

Before Barnabas and Saul officially left on their first missionary journey, they recruited a young man named John Mark to go with them. John Mark was the son of a woman named Mary (mentioned in Acts 12:12). She owned the house where the Christians had been meeting and praying when Peter was miraculously delivered from jail by the angel.

It is likely that, as a young boy, John Mark had witnessed Jesus’ ministry first-hand. Sadly, however, during the missionary journey, John Mark would eventually abandon Barnabas and Saul. This would later lead to a significant dispute between Barnabas and Saul a few years in the future.

Barnabas and Saul sailed from Seleucia to the island of Cyprus, apx. 100 miles off the coast of Syria. They began by preaching to Jewish people in the synagogues of Salamis. The crew did ministry in several parts of the island until they got to Paphos (Acts 13:4-6).

During their ministry they faced significant opposition. One of their earliest opponents was a magician who was a Jewish false prophet. Saul performed a supernatural act that blinded this false prophet. These events led to the conversion of the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:6-12).

Saul Becomes Paul

After the events in Cyprus, the author of the book of Acts, Luke, begins to refer to Saul as Paul. Some Christians have asserted that Saul changed his name. However, it’s more likely that Saul and Paul were two different names for the same person all along; he was known by both names for many years.

After launching a Gentile-focused ministry, Paul would have been interacting with many Gentiles, and they would have likely preferred to refer to him by the Gentile name. It appears Luke sought to make this a point of emphasis. Scholar Greg Lanier says :

“When Saul Paul launches his Gentile-focused ministry among primarily Greek-speakers (beginning with Acts 13:9), it’s natural for Luke, the author of Acts, to begin referring exclusively to him by his Greek name. Nor is it surprising that he’s later referred to as ‘Paul’ in Jerusalem, since there were Greek speakers there too. Indeed, Luke could be making a thematic point by shifting from Saul to Paul around chapter 13, given the broader theme of Acts (e.g., 1:8). After all, the church’s nucleus is shifting from predominantly Jewish-centered Jerusalem to the Greek-centered ‘ends of the earth,’ such as Rome.”

Pamphylia and Galatia

Barnabas, Paul, and John Mark then traveled across the Mediterranean Sea to Perga in Pamphylia. This is where John Mark deserts Paul and Barnabas and heads back to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13).

From Perga, Paul and Barnabas then continued northward into the province of Galatia, coming to the city of Antioch in Pisidia (not to be confused with their home base city of Antioch in Syria).

Archaeologists have discovered an inscription containing the name ‘Sergius Paulus’ in the city of Antioch in Pisidia (he was the Roman proconsul that became a Christian back on the island of Cyprus). This is strong evidence that Sergius Paulus had family roots in Antioch in Pisidia. Some scholars have argued that he was the person that probably encouraged Barnabas and Paul to travel up to Antioch in Pisidia.

Once they arrived in Antioch in Pisidia, Paul went to the synagogue and preached about the good news of Jesus. Paul effectively preached in the synagogue for multiple weeks. This resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus (Acts 13:14-44).

Unfortunately, Barnabas and Paul faced significant opposition there too. Part of the problem they faced was the jealousy of certain Jews. There were many Gentiles showing up to hear the gospel preached. Some Jews became jealous and started to contradict what Paul had to say. Since the Gentiles were more willing to hear what Paul had to say, he turned and preached to the Gentiles.

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. —Acts 13:48

The Gentiles’ response to the gospel was positive. The gospel continued to spread amongst Gentiles, but yet again the jealousy of the Jews became a significant issue. The Jews eventually drove Barnabas and Paul out of Antioch.

After leaving Antioch in Pisidia, they traveled eastward, further into the Galatian region, arriving at the city of Iconium. There they preached and did miracles in the name of Jesus.

Very similar to what had happened in Antioch, Paul went into the synagogue in Iconium to teach and the result was that many Jews and Greeks believed in Jesus, but the unbelieving Jews there stirred up trouble against Paul, dividing the city (Acts 14:1-4). Barnabas and Paul left the city when they heard about attempts to stone them (Acts 14:5).

Lystra and Derbe

They then came to Lystra. There Paul performed a miracle causing a crippled man to walk again. When this occurred the people of the area assumed Barnabas and Paul were gods. The priest of Zeus brought animals to offer as sacrifices to Barnabas and Paul. When Barnabas and Paul realized what was happening, they tore their clothes in lament and told the people of the one true God (Acts 14:8-18).

The Jewish unbelievers from Antioch and Iconium had come to Lystra too, stirring up trouble. They convinced the people of Lystra to stone Paul and left him for dead outside the city. But Paul wasn’t dead. He got up walked back into the city (Acts 14:19-20).

The book of Acts doesn’t give us details about the events of that day when Paul walked back into the city, but I imagine the city’s residents were shocked. It was quite rare for anyone to survive stoning.

Barnabas and Paul then continued onto Derbe the next day. They preached and “won a large number of disciples” (Acts 14:21). Archeologists have discovered several inscriptions that show the Christian faith was a major presence in the city of Derbe after Barnabas and Paul’s visit.

Facing Tribulations for the Sake of Discipleship

Barnabas and Paul began their trek back home, but they decided that they’d first travel back through Galatia. When you look at a map, you see that it would have been much faster (and likely easier) to travel from Derbe directly to Antioch in Syria.

Derbe is less than 260 miles away from Antioch in Syria and less than 140 miles away from Paul’s original hometown of Tarsus. Barnabas and Paul could have traveled eastward through the region of Cilicia. Paul was very familiar with Cilicia and likely had friends throughout the region that could give them safe refuge along the way.

But Barnabas and Paul intentionally traveled more than 280 miles in the opposite direction of Antioch in Syria. Even though they had suffered great persecution in Galatia, they wanted to go back through the Galatian cities, before heading home, because they wanted to strengthen the disciples in those cities.

They returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. —Acts 14:21-22

The journey through these cities for a second time gave them the opportunity to teach doctrine, establish elders in the churches, and pray with the believers.

After this, Barnabas and Paul then continued back down to Perga in Pamphylia. They preached in that region for a time. They eventually made their way over to the nearby port city of Attalia and sailed from there to Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:24-28).

Return to Antioch

Barnabas and Paul returned back home to Antioch in Syria stay there after the trip for “a long time” (Acts 14:28).

They had traveled more than 800 miles. Their first missionary journey had probably lasted between one and two years. When Barnabas and Paul arrived back in Antioch in Syria, they shared with everyone about the many people who had come to faith in Jesus and the churches that were established.

Jerusalem Council

After returning, Barnabas and Paul learned about a particular faction from Judea that had been confusing many Christians in the region by preaching a false gospel. This group had been preaching that, in order to become a Christian, the Gentiles must follow the Old Testament law, including circumcision (Acts 15:1).

Barnabas and Paul seem to have spent significant time disputing this false message and debated the Judean faction.

Eventually, this debate, about this false gospel, was appealed to the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2). This led to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:3-35), which likely took place sometime in 50 A.D. (some scholars date this event as early as 48 A.D. and some date it as late as 51 A.D.).

While traveling to Jerusalem for the council, Barnabas and Paul made stops along the way throughout Phoenicia and Samaria, encouraging believers wherever they went.

At the council, all the apostles concluded that the Gentiles do not need to follow the Jewish laws in order to become Christians. Barnabas and Paul (as well as several other men who had been at the council) headed back to Antioch to declare the good news. After the council they stayed in Antioch “some days” (Acts 15:36).

Paul and Barnabas Separate

Not long after the Jerusalem Council, Barnabas and Paul began planning their second missionary journey. They believed it was essential that they go to the Gentile world to proclaim the statements that came from the council.

Originally, Barnabas and Paul had intended to go out together again, however, they had a “sharp disagreement” (Acts 15:39). The source of this dispute was John Mark. Barnabas wanted John Mark to come along again, but Paul was against this idea since John Mark had deserted them on their previous missionary trip when they were in Pamphylia. Paul saw John Mark as a liability.

Due to this sharp disagreement, Barnabas and Paul would go on separate missionary journeys. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul took a young man named Silas and traveled by land (Acts 15:39-41).

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

Paul likely started his second missionary journey (Acts 15-18) sometime late in 50 A.D. or early in 51 A.D. (but some scholars date both the council of Jerusalem and the launch of this missionary journey as early as 48 A.D.).

Paul and Silas started by traveling northwestward by land through the region of Cilicia. The Roman road that they would have used went directly through Paul’s hometown of Tarsus. I imagine this would have given Paul the sweet opportunity to reconnect with many old friends.

Paul and Silas made stops in the churches all throughout the region, along their way, “strengthening” believers (Acts 15:41).

Return through Galatia

Paul and Silas continued their travels westward into Galatia. They spent significant time in several Galatian cities including Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium, connecting with the churches that Paul had planted with Barnabas on this first missionary journey.

Paul and Silas taught the believers throughout Galatia what had been decided at the council in Jerusalem and the “churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily” (Acts 16:5).

Paul Circumcises Timothy

Along the way, Paul and Silas meet a young man named Timothy from that region. He had a good reputation. Paul decided to let Timothy accompany them. However, Paul first circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3).

It seems that Paul knew that having an uncircumcised man like Timothy with him could somehow impede the advance of the gospel wherever they preached.

Paul intended to continue to preach that circumcision was not necessary for salvation. But Paul knew that Timothy’s presence could potentially cause their opponents to claim that the only real reason that Paul was making these claims is because he had an uncircumcised friend (Timothy).

Paul’s Ministry Restricted

Paul and his crew traveled throughout the “region of Phrygia and Galatia” (Acts 16:6) looking for opportunities to preach the gospel in Asia (modern-day southwest Turkey), but they were restricted from doing so multiple times. They then traveled to the region of Mysia (modern-day northwest Turkey), attempting to eventually make their way northward toward Bithynia, but multiple times they were restricted or diverted by the Spirit (Acts 16:7).

It seemed that God’s providence was leading them somewhere other than what Paul had originally intended. They passed through Mysia again and eventually ended up in the city of Troas near the cost of the Aegean Sea.

Luke Joins the Team

In Troas, Luke joins their missionary crew. The book of Acts does not explicitly state this, but it’s implied. Throughout most of the book of Acts, Luke speaks in the third person. However, starting in Acts 16:10, Luke begins to speak in first person, as if he had joined the team by that point.

Luke would become one of Paul’s ministry protégés. He was a Greek physician, but he also functioned as an investigative journalist. He eventually writes both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Some scholars have also suggested that Luke wrote the book of Hebrews.

Macedonian Call and Travel to Philippi

While at Troas, Paul received a vision. This vision was of a Macedonian man asking for Paul to come and help them (Acts 16:9-10). After receiving this vision they sailed across the Aegean Sea to the island of Samothrace, and then onto Neapolis (modern-day northeastern Greece).

The missionary crew then traveled to Philippi where they stayed for “some days” (Acts 16:12). While there, they preached the gospel. One specific woman they met was Lydia. She became a believer along with the rest of her household and invited Paul and his companions to stay (Acts 16:13-15).

Paul and Silas Jailed in Philippi

While in Philippi, Paul and Silas met a slave girl who was demon possessed. Her owners made money off of her because the demon gave her the ability to function as a fortune-teller. For several days she followed Paul and Silas around, declaring that Paul and Silas were preachers of the one true God (Acts 16:16-18).

Paul cast the demon out of her. The girl’s owners realized that they wouldn’t make any more money from her, because she could no longer function as a fortune-teller. They were angry so they took Paul and Silas to the magistrates. Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and thrown into jail. Paul had previously been beaten and persecuted, but this marked the first time he was officially imprisoned (Acts 16:18-24).

While in prison, Paul and Silas prayed and sung hymns to the Lord. As they sang and prayed many of the other prisoners listened. Late in the night an earthquake occurred, this earthquake not only opened all the doors but broke their chains.

The jailer believed that all the prisoners had escaped and was about to kill himself (the Romans would’ve blamed the guard and likely would’ve executed him). But Paul and Silas stopped him and told him that no one had escaped. Then the jailer responded asking how to be saved.

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” —Acts 16:31

God turned the persecution into an opportunity for gospel proclamation. Paul and Silas were not only able to witness to the jailer but all the prisoners listening to their hymns and prayers throughout the night. Paul went to the jailers home to preach and several people came to faith (Acts 16:25-34).

When the town magistrates learned that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, the magistrates apologized for having unlawfully imprisoned them. This was a public vindication (of sorts) for Paul and Silas. Before leaving, Paul and Silas spent more time with Lydia and the other new converts in the region, encouraging them in the faith (Acts 16:35-40).

Thessalonica

Next, Paul and his crew passed through Amphipolis and Apponia and came to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). As was his habit, Paul first went to the synagogue to preach to the Jews. He preached there on three consecutive Sabbath days. Many people believed, including many Gentiles.

Yet again, as Paul had seen before, many Jews became angry and jealous, and they caused an uproar. One of the brothers that had welcomed Paul was a man named Jason. The Jews dragged Jason before the city’s leaders. Jason was eventually released.

Paul and Silas left the city. It does seem that the church in Thessalonica continued to face persecution and trouble from their countrymen, but they flourished anyway. We read these words in Paul’s letter to the church:

For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews. —1 Thess. 2:14

Paul and his crew went to Berea. There, Paul yet again started in the Jewish synagogue, but this time he got a different response. Instead of jealousy and mobs, the Jews there examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul was saying was true. Many believed in Jesus.

Paul praised their willingness to study and pursue truth. Luke says the Jews of Berea were “more noble” than the Jews of Thessalonica (Acts 17:11).

Things seem to be going well. Many people became Christians. But the Jews from Thessalonica heard that Paul was teaching in Berea and they came to stir up the crowds and trouble. Paul was sent away by the brothers there, but Silas and Timothy stayed behind (Acts 17:13-14).

Traveling in Achaia

The apostle Paul was then escorted by some brothers more than 300 miles south, into the region of Achaia, reaching the city of Athens. When they arrived in Athens, the brothers headed back. Paul stayed in Athens, but told the brothers to tell Silas and Timothy that he wanted them to join him as soon as possible (Acts 17:15).

While Paul waited for Silas and Timothy, Paul’s “spirit was provoked within him” (Acts 17:16) because he saw an abundance of idols in the region.

Paul decided to make the best use of his time and talked with the Jews at the synagogue and preached to many Gentiles in the marketplace (Acts 17:17). Paul also talked with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers (Acts 17:18). They eventually brought Paul to the Areopagus, the court where men discussed philosophy, civics, and religion.

In the court of the Areopagus, Paul preached one of his most famous sermon (Acts 17:22-31). Paul’s sermons included quotes from famous Greek philosophers that they would have been familiar with. This gives us insights into Paul’s knowledge of their culture and insights into Paul’s missiology.

After hearing Paul’s sermon, there were some there who laughed at him, but there were also some who believed the gospel and joined Paul (Acts 17:32-34).

First Visit to Corinth

After leaving Athens, Paul traveled 53 miles southwest to Corinth. By this point in his second missionary journey, Paul had traveled more than 1,500 miles.

The apostle Paul probably arrived in Corinth apx. 8-12 months after the start of the second missionary journey, therefore, it’s likely that he got there sometime late in the year of 51 A.D. (or maybe sometime early in 52 A.D., depending on how we date his departure from Antioch in Syria). Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half (Acts 18:11), so Paul was likely in Corinth until the summer or fall of 53 A.D.

Silas and Timothy also rejoined Paul in Corinth.

While in Corinth, Paul met two Jews from Rome, Aquila and Priscilla. Like the apostle Paul, Aquila and Priscilla were also tentmakers. Paul stayed with them and worked while also going to the synagogues on the Sabbath to preach, seeking to convert both Jews and Greeks (Acts 18:1-4).

Paul faced some opposition from Jews in Corinth (Acts 18:5-9), but many people in the city believed anyway. Paul may have been considering leaving the city, but he stayed in Corinth after having received a vision from God that told him that “no one will attack or harm you” (Acts 18:10).

While in Corinth the apostle Paul wrote his letters to the Thessalonians, encouraging the new believers there to stand firm under the pressure and pain of persecution. He gives them instructions on how to live a godly lifestyle and gives doctrinal teaching about the future second coming of Christ.

Paul continued to preach the word of God faithfully for those 18 months. Many were saved and the church was established. But many Jews were upset.

The Jews of Corinth eventually tried to bring the apostle Paul before the Roman proconsul Gallio, who happened to be the older brother of the renowned dramatist and philosopher Seneca (the tutor of Emperor Nero). Gallio refused to even hear their case against Paul and sent them away (Acts 18:12-17).

Paul stayed in Corinth for “many days longer” (Acts 18:18) after being brought before Gallio. He then started his journey back home to Antioch in Syria, but planned to first make a stop in Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila came with him.

Leaving from Cenchreae

Paul’s crew traveled to the nearby port city of Cenchreae, just eight miles from Corinth. We don’t know how long they stayed in Cenchreae, but they were there long enough for Paul to have his head shaved as part of a vow (Acts 18:18). It’s possible that this stop was very brief, but it’s also possible that they spent some time preaching and ministering there in the city.

There does seem to be some evidence that Paul spent some significant time in Cenchreae. But we cannot be certain. Also, we’re not sure if he spent time there during this second missionary journey or if that happened at a later time during his third missionary journey.

Brief Visit to Ephesus

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he went into the synagogue to talk with the Jews about Jesus. His visit to Ephesus was brief. They requested that he stay in the city longer. He declined but said, “I will return to you if God wills” (Acts 18:21). Paul made plans to leave, but Priscilla and Aquila stayed in the city.

Paul traveled from Ephesus to Caesarea. Once he was there he visited with the believers in the region and preached the gospel in various towns and places. He briefly visited Jerusalem and then traveled back home to Antioch in Syria.

Paul’s second missionary journey lasted between two and a half years and three years, and likely ended back in Antioch sometime in the fall of 53 A.D. (or maybe early 54 A.D.).

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

After getting back from his second missionary journey, the apostle Paul stayed Antioch for “some time” (Acts 18:23). Maybe just a few weeks or few months. He then launched his third missionary journey (Acts 18-21).

Paul likely left for his third missionary journey in the spring of 54 A.D. This third missionary journey was probably more than four years long and ended with Paul in Jerusalem in 58 A.D.

Galatia and Phrygia

Paul began his third missionary trip by visiting many of the same locations that he had visited on his first and second missionary journeys. We don’t know his exact route, but it’s likely he began by traveling through the region of Cilicia and through the city of Tarsus, on the way toward Galatia.

He spent several months traveling to the churches throughout the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, “strengthening all the disciples” (18:23). Paul passed through the “inland” route through Asia and traveled west to Ephesus (Acts 19:1).

Three Years in Ephesus

Paul spent three labor-intensive years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). Paul was likely in Ephesus from the fall of 54 A.D. to the fall of 57 A.D.

Paul’s time in Ephesus was hard. He later says that he experienced many “afflictions” and he wasn’t confident that he would live through this season (2 Cor. 1:6-10). But God did many great things through Paul while he was in Ephesus.

For the first few months of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, he spent time preaching in the synagogue. That was his focus. However there were many Jews stuck in unbelief, and they said evil things about Paul and the gospel message. So Paul decided to spend the last two and half years of his time in Ephesus preaching in the hall of Tyrannus, instead of the synagogue. He preached in the hall of Tyrannus daily and “all residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10).

During Paul’s ministry, he performed many miracles in the name of Jesus, leading many to believe.

“God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul… even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched [Paul’s] skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.” —Acts 19:11-12

God-Fearers Received the Holy Spirit

One of the most famous events from Paul’s time in Ephesus was when he corresponded with a group of disciples that had known about John’s baptism (referring to John the Baptist), but they did not know about Jesus (Acts 19:1-3). These types of believers were sometimes referred to as God-fearers.

These God-fearers had previously been taught by a great preacher named Apollos. He had taught them to revere the one true God, the God of Israel. But Apollos himself had not known about Jesus until after he had preached to this particular group of disciples. Apollos was later instructed by Paul’s friends, Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24-28).

Paul taught this particular group about Jesus. They believed and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:4-7).

The Sons of Sceva

Another event that the book of Acts highlights, from Paul’s time in Ephesus, is about seven traveling Jewish exorcists, the sons of Sceva. These exorcists came across a demon-possessed man. They attempted to cast-out the demons (Acts 19:11-14). But one of the demons responded to them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15).

The demon-possessed man (under the control of the evil spirits) attacked the seven men and badly beat them (Acts 19:16). This caused many people in the region to respect Paul and his ministry. Many of the magicians in the area repented and burned their magic books (Acts 19:17-19) and “the word of the Lord continued to increase in the region” (Acts 19:20).

Demetrius, Riots, and Leaving Ephesus

Paul was planning to leave Ephesus. However, before he left Ephesus, a silversmith named Demetrius caused trouble. Demetrius made and sold idols. Paul preached against idolatry, so many people stopped buying Demetrius’ idols. This cost him money. Demetrius clearly was not happy.

There were other business owners that were also hurt financially because of Paul’s preaching. Many people had stopped buying their idols as they responded to the gospel. When these merchants got together, they started a massive riot in the city.

Paul wanted to go into the crowd to calm them down, but the disciples would not let him because they knew that Paul could get killed. Some of the Christians went into crowd and calmed the riot. Shortly after these riots, Paul set sail for Macedonia (Acts 19:21-20:1).

The “Painful” Visit

Paul had made plans to travel through Macedonia and then southward into Achaia (1 Cor. 16), which would likely include a visit to the church in Corinth.

At some point, Paul received some correspondence telling him that there were massive problems in the church of Corinth. How did Paul respond when he received this news? There are two main views from scholars.

View #1: Paul immediately changed plans and left from Ephesus to Corinth.

Some scholars argue that as soon as Paul received word that there were big problems in Corinth, Paul changed his plans and decided to visit the Corinthians immediately, skipping his original plans to travel through Macedonia.

Paul probably thought that once he was there in Corinth, that he’d be able to resolve the conflicts. But it seems that the exact opposite happened. Paul would later describe this visit as “painful” (2 Cor. 2:1). During this “painful” visit Paul was deeply hurt by someone in the church (2 Cor. 2:5).

The scholars that embrace View #1 say that Paul then left Corinth after this “painful visit” and headed back to Ephesus for a brief period of time.

It then appears that Paul was contemplating returning to Corinth, yet again, before heading over to Macedonia, but Paul ultimately decided against this additional visit, in order to “spare” the Corinthians (2 Cor. 1:23). Paul defends this decision in 2 Corinthians (vv. 1:12-2:2).

Paul then left from Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 20:1). However, Paul would eventually make a third visit back to Corinth a few months later toward the end of this journey.

These scholars typically piece it all together like this:

• Paul (while in Ephesus) receives news of trouble in the church of Corinth and changes his plans
• Travels from Ephesus to Corinth for a second visit (known as the “painful” visit)
• Travels from Corinth back to Ephesus
• Contemplates another visit to Corinth, but decides against it
• Experiences the Demetrius-led riots in Ephesus
• Travels onto to Macedonia
• Goes from Macedonia down into Greece
• Eventually makes it back to Corinth (third overall visit)

Scholars that hold to View #1 assert that Paul ultimately made three total visits to Corinth; his first visit (the 18 months he spent there during his second missionary journey), the “painful” visit from Ephesus, and then a third visit toward the end of this third missionary journey.

View #2: Paul did not change his plans, but visited Corinth later.

Scholars that hold to View #2 say that Paul likely received some communication from Corinth (that there were indeed big problems in the church), but these scholars conclude that receiving this communication did not cause Paul to visit Corinth immediately.

The scholars that embrace View #2 argue that Paul did consider changing his plans, which would have consisted of a visit to Corinth before going through Macedonia, but these scholars argue that ultimately Paul decided against going to Corinth immediately, so he stuck to his plans to travel through Macedonia. They interpret Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians (vv. 1:12-2:2) as Paul giving a defense as to why he did not visit them.

These scholars say that eventually Paul did visit Corinth, a few months later, toward the end of his third missionary journey. Scholars that embrace View #2 often say that the word “painful” (2 Cor. 2:1) was not a description of an actual visit that ever happened, but that it was a description of the type of visit that would have ensued if Paul had indeed visited them. He knew that if he did visit, it would have been painful, so he sought to “spare” them (2 Cor. 1:23).

• Paul (while in Ephesus) receives news of trouble in the church of Corinth
• Contemplates an immediate visit to Corinth, but ultimately decides against it
• Goes from Ephesus to Macedonia
• Eventually travels to Corinth for his second visit

Scholars that hold to View #2 assert that Paul ultimately made two total visits to Corinth; his first visit (the 18 months he spent there during his second missionary journey) and then his visit to Corinth toward the end of this third missionary journey.

Leaving For Macedonia and the Sorrowful Letter

Paul leaves Ephesus and heads toward Macedonia. In the book of Acts, Luke gives us no details. He only says that Paul “departed for Macedonia” (Acts 20:1). However, by examining Paul’s letters, we get more insight into these travels.

It appears that, at some point during this journey, Paul had sent Titus to Corinth with a letter (this is sometimes referred to as the “sorrowful letter”). Paul later describes this “sorrowful” letter as having been written with “much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears” (2 Cor. 2:4).

Some scholars contend that this “sorrowful letter” is the epistle that appears in the New Testament, that we know today as 1 Corinthians. Other scholars argue that the “sorrowful letter” is a separate correspondence that has been lost to history.

Ministry in Troas and Macedonia

On the way to Macedonia, Paul stopped in Troas to preach there and to await Titus’ return from Corinth. While waiting in Troas, Paul had great ministry opportunity. He called it an “open door” (2 Cor. 2:12).

However, when Titus’ return from Corinth appeared to be delayed, Paul was concerned for Titus’ safety. Paul decided to leave Troas and traveled to Macedonia to find Titus (2 Cor. 2:13).

Paul traveled throughout Macedonia, visiting the churches and friends in the region, and encouraging the believers in those churches (Acts 20:2).

Finally, while in Macedonia, Paul was reunited with Titus. Titus reported that many people in the church of Corinth had repented after hearing Paul’s letter (2 Cor. 2:5-11; 7:5-16). Paul was filled with joy.

However, Titus also reported that Paul’s opponents still wielded some influence over a small rebellious faction within the church questioning Paul’s authority and credibility. Paul responded to this faction by writing another letter (most likely from Philippi). This letter is in our New Testament, known today as 2 Corinthians.

Three Months in Greece

After these travels through Macedonia, the apostle Paul eventually traveled southward and finally arrived in Greece (i.e., Achaia). He stayed in the region for three months (Acts 20:2-3), including a lengthy stay in Corinth. This stay likely took place in late 57 A.D. or early 58 A.D.

While in Corinth, Paul wrote his theological masterpiece, the letter to the Romans.

As previously discussed in this article, some scholars believe that this was Paul’s second visit while others argue that this was his third visit.

Cenchreae and Phoebe

It’s also possible that during these three months in Achaia, Paul spent time in the nearby city of Cenchreae. In the book of Romans, Paul mentions Phoebe, a deaconess in the church of Cenchreae (Rom. 16:1).

Phoebe was the person that delivered Paul’s letter to the Romans, and Paul asked them to welcome her, praising her for being a “patron of many” (Rom. 16:2). It’s highly unlikely that Paul would have asked her to make this important delivery for him unless he knew her well and trusted her, pointing to the likelihood that Paul had spent time in Cenchreae before writing that letter.

As previously mentioned in this article, it’s also possible that Paul had spent some time in Cenchrea during his second missionary journey as well as this third missionary journey.

One More Lap Through Macedonia

After his time in Achaia, Paul had originally intended to sail directly to Jerusalem. Those plans were changed, however, when it was discovered that some of Paul’s opponents had been plotted against him. Paul decided to take another lap through Macedonia instead (Acts 20:3).

Paul had many companions with him, from various churches, which gave him protection while he traveled through Macedonia (Acts 20:4-5).

Throughout the spring of 58 A.D., Paul traveled through the Macedonian region, visiting towns such as Berea and Thessalonica, and eventually ending up in Philippi (again) during the “days of unleavened bread” (Acts 20:6).

Eutychus Raises from the Dead at Troas

Paul and his companions then traveled to Troas (Acts 20:5). He ministered there again for a week. It was in Troas that a young man, Eutychus, was listening to one of Paul’s sermons and fell three stories out a window. When they found him he was dead on the ground, but Paul supernaturally restored life to this man (Acts 20:6-12).

After Troas, Paul’s companions went by ship to Assos, but Paul went by foot. Luke doesn’t tell us precisely why Paul did this. But what we do know is that distance from Troas to Assos was more than 30 miles through dangerous and mountainous terrain.

After meeting with his companions in Assos, they began their trek to Jerusalem. They made briefs stops in Chios and Samos, before arriving in Miletus (Acts 20:15).

Goodbye to the Ephesian Elders

It would make sense that Paul would have wanted to stop in Ephesus before heading to Jerusalem. considering the dear friends he had there, but he intentionally passed Ephesus because he wanted to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost, and he knew that traveling through Ephesus, and staying in Asia, would take much more time than he desired. In addition, he knew visiting Ephesus again could cause an uproar (Acts 20:13-16).

However, Paul did want to see his Ephesian friends and ministry partners, so when he arrived in Miletus, Paul called the elders from Ephesus to meet him there (Acts 20:17). In Miletus he encouraged the elders and commended them, letting them know that he would not be seeing them again since he knew that imprisonment and maybe death waited for him in Jerusalem. This was, no doubt, an emotional moment for Paul and his friends.

Paul had spent several years laboring with these men in ministry, and now he was saying goodbye for, what appeared to be, the last time. They wept and prayed together (Acts 20:17-38).

Sailing for Syria

From there, the apostle Paul and his companions then sailed towards Syria. They made brief stops in Cos, Rhodes, and Patara, before finally coming to Syria, landing at Tyre (Acts 21:1-3). Paul and his companions spent seven days with the disciples in Tyre. Through “the Spirit” they told Paul not to go onto Jerusalem, but Paul sensed that Jerusalem was the right place to go (Acts 21:4).

Then Paul and his companions went to Ptolemais (Acts 21:7), spending one day with the believers there, before heading onto Caesarea. There they were greeted by the believers there and they stayed with Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8). While they were there, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea and told Paul of the coming affliction he would face in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-12).

Despite many people again urging Paul not to go to Jerusalem, Paul told them he knew what was instore and that he was ready to die.

Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ —Acts 21:13

Paul and his companions then traveled to Jerusalem and was greeted by his brothers in Christ who lived there. He told the church there all God had been doing among the Gentiles (Acts 21:14-16). Once there, Paul visited with James and all the elders (Acts 21:17-18). He told them about all that God had done throughout the Gentiles.

Arrested in Caesarea

While in Jerusalem, Paul went to the temple to worship and pray. While he was there, some Jews from Asia Minor stirred up trouble for Paul. They accused him of abandoning the one true God of Israel, of maligning the law of Moses, and of encouraging people to disobey the Jewish laws. Paul (obviously) denied this charge. This confrontation caused a riot in the temple. Paul was dragged out of the temple by a mob. The Romans then intervened and took Paul into custody (Acts 21:27-36).

Paul then addressed the crowd. He made it clear that he loved the law of God and that he had previously been a persecutor of Christians. But that he had become a preacher of the gospel after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. This caused another riot to erupt. The Romans then took Paul in their barracks. The Romans were going to flog him but Paul appeals to his own Roman citizenship (Acts 21:37-22:29).

On Trial Before Felix

Paul is taken to the Roman barracks in Caesarea. During this time the Roman governor over the region, Felix, brought Paul to trial. Ananias, the high priest, came from Jerusalem to bring charges against Paul. Felix gave Paul the opportunity to speak before the crowd. Paul shares his story and preaches truth. Felix was afraid of Paul’s message, so he doesn’t seemingly know what to do with Paul (Acts 23:23-35; 24:1-27).

Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea by the Romans for two years, but was given “some freedom” and his friends are allowed to visit him “to take care of his needs” (Acts 24:23).

On Trial Before Festus and Agrippa

When Festus became the governor of the region in 60 A.D. (or maybe earlier in 59 A.D.), he brought Paul back to trial. Some Jews came from Jerusalem again to bring charges against Paul, but they could not prove any of those charges (Acts 25:1-12).

King Herod Agrippa II visited with Festus. Festus asked him to hear Paul’s case. When Paul is called to defend himself, he gives one of his most famous defenses of the gospel and even encourages Agrippa to believe in Jesus (Acts 26:1-29). Agrippa famously responds, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28). Paul says that he wants everyone to believe.

Festus calls Paul crazy (Acts 26:24), but both he and Agrippa agree that Paul had not done anything that might “deserve death or imprisonment” (Acts 26:31). Paul could have simply “been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar” (Acts 26:32). Paul had appealed to Caesar under his rights as a Roman citizen. This set into the motion the plans for Paul to be transported from Palestine to Rome to face trial in Caesar’s court.

Journey to Rome

After his appeal to Rome, the apostle Paul is transported from Caesarea to Rome by ship under Roman guard (Acts 27:1-28:10). Some Bible scholars allude to this journey as Paul’s fourth missionary journey, but I don’t believe that’s the best or most accurate description for this trip.

Paul’s trip to Rome was tumultuous, filled with difficulties, including a shipwreck that caused him to be deserted on the island of Malta for three months. He also consistently faced belligerent resistance from people that opposed the gospel.

Paul and his companions eventually made it to Rome, sometime around 61 A.D. (or maybe somewhat earlier). When Paul arrived in Rome, he was placed under house arrest for two years.

Paul lived in a rented house where he served his house arrest. There he is able to visit with friends and preach the gospel to those who visit. During this time he also writes several letters that are now in the New Testament, including Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.

The book of Acts ends there, with Paul under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:11-31).

Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey

The fourth missionary journey is not outlined in the narratives of Scripture. And there are some scholars that question whether such a journey ever really happened (we’ll cover that a bit more later in this article).

We don’t have a clear picture of what happened next in Paul’s life, after he was released from house arrest. But by carefully examining Paul’s epistles, I’m confident we can piece-it-together.

The early church father and historian Eusebius (writing in the 4th century) recorded that the most prominent church tradition had been that Paul was released from Roman house arrest and then re-arrested several years. According to this tradition, Paul’s second arrest eventually led to his martyrdom under the direction of Emperor Nero (see H.E. 2.22.6 ).

Also, Paul’s later letters (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus), commonly referred to as the Pastoral Epistles, are clearly written after the events of the book of Acts. In those letters Paul makes comments about his travels and plans. Paul is likely released from house arrest sometime around 63 A.D.

During his house arrest in Rome, Paul was clearly making plans to travel eastward. He asks Philemon to prepare a guest room for him (Philemon 22) and tells the Philippians that he intends to visit them (Phil. 2:24). Paul doesn’t strike me as the type of guy that would make plans in vain. Paul anticipated his release from house arrest.

These plans to go east make perfect sense. Paul’s habit was to go back and encourage the churches that he had previously established. That’s what he’d done on previous journeys.

Then, in 2 Timothy, written much later in life, during Paul’s second imprisonment, Paul mentions and alludes to people and moments that are connected to his post-Roman arrest ministry travels through Asia. He’s sort of looking back on past events and correspondences. Paul mentions:

• Having a significant dispute with some believers in Asia, including Phygelus and Hermogenes (2 Tim. 1:15)
• Receiving help from Onesiphorus (2 Tim. 1:18)
• Having been with Carpus at Troas (2 Tim 4:13-14)
• Being confronted by Alexander the coppersmith (2 Tim. 4:14)
• Needing to leave Trophimus in Miletus because he was ill (2 Tim 4:20)

All of these events happened after Paul’s release from Roman house arrest.

Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:20 that “Erastus remained at Corinth.” This is a clear statement that Paul had been in Corinth; he knew Erastus was there because he had first-hand knowledge, having recently visited the city.

In Titus 3:12, Paul invites Titus to join Paul in Nicopolis. Paul tells Titus that he plans on spending the winter in Nicopolis, a city in Achaia. Clearly, when Paul writes the letter to Titus he is already in Achaia or somewhere very close, hoping for Titus to meet him there.

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he alludes to having been in Crete and having left Titus in charge to help those churches flourish.

A few scholars have argued that Paul did ministry in Crete when he was shipwrecked there. Paul had been briefly shipwrecked in Crete while traveling from Caesarea to Rome, before his Roman house arrest (Acts 27).

However, Paul and the men from the shipwreck were in Crete just a short while. As we examine the events of the shipwreck, as they are described in the book of Acts, we see that Paul would not likely have had the opportunity to establish churches in the region during such a short period. Also, they didn’t travel throughout the island at all.

What seems much more likely is that Paul eventually made it back to the island of Crete, spend time preaching, establishing churches throughout the region, and that upon his departure Paul left Titus there to “complete [their] work there and appoint elders in each town” (Titus 1:5).

At the beginning of 1 Timothy Paul says “when I was going to Macedonia” (1 Timothy 1:3). When we examine this letter, we get the sense that he’s referring to events in the not-too-distant past. Seems likely Paul is referring to the moment when he had traveling to Macedonia after being released from Roman house arrest. After his time spent in Macedonia, he may have headed back to the church in Ephesus, which he asserted was his plan (1 Timothy).

Doubts about the Fourth Journey

There are clearly some comments in Paul’s letters that do not easily square with the events of the book of Acts, which means that those comments in his letters point to some missionary work that happened after Paul’s Roman house arrest.

However, a few scholars have argued that there’s significant (enough) overlap in the locations, types of events, and even the people mentioned during Paul’s first three journeys, therefore it’s hard to say for sure—they claim it’s possible that much of those things that do not seem to square with the events of the book of Acts can still potentially be things that happened on one of his first three missionary journeys.

Also, some scholars have sought to remind us that the apostle Paul spent long periods of time in some locations (like 18 months in Corinth and 3 years in Ephesus), and they’ve asserted it’s possible that many unrecorded things may have happened during those long stays, implying that those longer stays in those locations could account for some of the comments in Paul’s epistles.

These scholars claim there’s so much that we do not know about those time periods, that it’s entirely possible all of the events alluded to by Paul, in his own letters, took place during his first three journeys.

I happen to be confident that Paul did indeed take a fourth missionary journey, after his release from his Roman house arrest. I think that’s the best interpretation of the data we have. However, I also realize that there are some good New Testament scholars that don’t find the evidence as compelling as I do.

Potential Travel to Spain

Did Paul ever make it to Spain? We know from Scripture that the apostle Paul had a desire to preach in Spain (Rom. 15:22-29). After being released from Roman house arrest, he could have easily sailed westward.

Clement of Rome (writing in 95 A.D.) says that Paul had traveled and preached in “the farthest limits of the West” (1 Clement 5:5-7). This sort of language could have described a location west of Italy, such as Gaul or Britannia, but most scholars seem to think this describes Spain. However, it is also possible that Clement was speaking more broadly (or generically), referring to Paul traveling far westward from his home region, going from Palestine through much of the heart of the Roman Empire and eventually all the way to Rome. This latter interpretation seems odd to me.

The Muratorian fragment (written in apx. 170 A.D.), seems to affirm Paul’s missionary journey to Spain too, but some scholars question this; just because someone in the mid-to-late second century believed it doesn’t necessarily equate to strong evidence. However, this shows that church tradition was handing this down through the generations.

Paul’s missionary trip to Spain is also mentioned by Cyril of Jerusalem (313-386) and John Chrysostom (347-407).

There may not seem to be many significant (quality) pieces of evidence that corroborate the idea that Paul made it all the way to Spain, and there are not any comments in Paul’s later letters that point to him ever making it to Spain either. However, these extrabiblical evidences seem compelling. It’s possible that a trip to Spain may have been the first leg of Paul’s fourth missionary journey.

Paul Beheaded by Nero

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul mentions his “first defense” and says he was “delivered from the lion’s mouth” (2 Tim. 4:16-17). Most biblical scholars believe this is a reference to the first time he was in Caesar’s court, defending himself, eventually leading to his Roman house arrest (Acts 28).

Paul was released from his first Roman arrest, but there wouldn’t be a second release. Paul eventually ended up back in Rome. The second time, it wasn’t house arrest. It was a real Roman jail. This was most likely part of Nero’s persecution of Christians in the mid 60s. This was one of the most brutal times of persecution in Christian history.

When much of the city of Rome burndown in 64 A.D., Emperor Nero blamed the Christians. The emperor later requested that the apostle Paul be arrested and chained. It appears that Paul was arrested somewhat abruptly and unexpectedly, evidenced by the fact that he was not able to secure his cloak and his Old Testament parchments; Paul later requested that these be brought to him (2 Tim. 4).

Paul likely penned 2 Timothy during this second Roman imprisonment. Paul was beheaded shortly after he wrote 2 Timothy. Some scholars have concluded that Paul was killed as early as 64 A.D., but it is more likely that he was executed sometime between 67 A.D. and 68 A.D.

The legacy of the apostle Paul is second to none in Christian history. He is the greatest missionary evangelist the world has ever seen. Paul was a man on mission, focused on spreading the gospel and planting churches.

Paul was a man so impacted by Jesus, so compelled by God’s love, so humbled that the Messiah would choose him to be an ambassador, that he was willing to endure much pain and hardship to see others come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Featured illustration of Paul in prison courtesy of britannica.com. Images of the jails in Philippi and Caesarea courtesy of missionbibleclass.org. Illustration of Eutychus’ death courtesy of gfbtkingdomkids.com.

Recommended Resources:

“Handbook on Acts and Paul’s Letters” (by Thomas R. Schreiner)

“Paul: A Biography” (by N.T. Wright)

“Acts: An Expositional Commentary” (by R.C. Sproul)

“Dictionary of Paul and His Letters” (100+ contributors, edited by G. Hawthorne, R. Martin, and D. Reid)

Kenneth E. Ortiz (Th.M.) is Lead Pastor of Horizon City Church . He has 15+ years of vocational ministry experience. Kenneth previously served as a professor at Bethlehem College  and adjunct faculty at Spurgeon College . Kenneth lives in Minneola, FL with his wife Malaina, they have two kids.

Paul’s First Missionary Journey: Key Points, Maps, And Lessons

Categories Bible Study Topics

In this article, we will explore Paul’s first missionary journey looking at key points, locations, lessons we can learn, and a map of his journey.

Modern missionaries often get their inspiration from the incredible missionary journeys of the apostle Paul, and with good reason. In many ways, Paul was one of the first people who purposefully traveled long distances to unreached people to spread the gospel as Jesus commanded.

Though he rarely traveled alone, he was the apostle (“ sent one ”) and, in many ways, the leader of the group. There’s much we can learn from his journeys and apply to our spiritual lives, and you don’t have to be a full-time missionary to glean from it.

So, let’s see what happened on Paul’s first missionary journey and how we can grow spiritually from that.

Table of Contents

What Happened On Paul’s First Missionary Journey?

Paul’s first missionary journey started during a prayer meeting in Antioch, Syria. We see in Acts 13:1-2 that a group of at least five prophets and teachers were gathered in prayer when the Holy Spirit told them to set Paul and Barnabas apart for the work that God called them for. The group fasted and prayed before sending them off.

Before we get started, I do want to give a big thank you to Free Bible Image s for letting me use their images of Paul’s journey.

Cyprus – Salamis and Paphos

John Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas in the beginning. They set off for Cyprus, an island off the coast of Turkey, and when they got to the port of Salamis, they preached the gospel in the Jewish synagogues.

It’s important to note that, at this time, many still considered the gospel to be exclusively for the Jews, which is why they focused on preaching in the synagogues.

The Bible doesn’t tell us how the Jews in Salamis received the gospel. All we know is that the three then went on across the island of Cyprus and got to the city of Paphos. This is where they were confronted by a sorcerer named Bar-Jesus, who was also a Jewish false prophet.

Bar-Jesus tried to keep the missionary team from seeing the Roman Proconsul, Sergius Paulus , who had requested to see them to hear the gospel.

However, Paul did not let the man stop them but instead identified the demons involved, after which Bar-Jesus was struck with temporary blindness.

Interestingly, this had the exact opposite result that Bar-Jesus had hoped – the proconsul believed and accepted the gospel partly because he saw what happened to the sorcerer at a mere word from Paul.

God can take something that is meant as a hindrance and turn it around for His glory.

The trio’s next stop was Perga, which was in Pamphylia, or Turkey as we know it today. Here a few interesting things happened that had significant repercussions.

The first notable thing the Bible tells us here is that John Mark left the group and returned to Jerusalem. This is not explained in detail, but within the context of other passages, it seems that he and Paul had a falling out.

Experts believe it’s either to do with Mark being unable to keep up with Paul’s aggressive ministry style or that Mark wanted to report to the church in Jerusalem (the “head office” at the time) that Paul was preaching the gospel to Gentiles.

Whatever the reason, there are a few crucial things that happened because of this:

• Paul and Barnabas split up during later missionary trips because Barnabas wanted to take Mark along, while Paul didn’t. This effectively doubled the missionary efforts and caused the gospel to spread much faster.
• Mark spent a lot of time with Simon Peter in Jerusalem, who disciplined him further, and in the end, Mark wrote one of the gospels, which possibly would not have happened if he had stuck it out with Paul.
• Mark became indispensable to Paul in his later life, supporting him in ministry. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), – Colossians 4:10 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. – 2 Timothy 4:11

The second important thing is that Paul preached to the Jews, who were so impressed that they invited him to return to preach more, but they got jealous when they saw how many people showed up to hear Paul’s preaching and started insulting him.

This motivated Paul to focus on the Gentiles, instead, who received the gospel with gladness (13:48).

The Jews got even more upset and drove Paul and Barnabas from the region, after which they went to Iconium.

As was their habit, Paul and Barnabas preached at the synagogue in Iconium, but not to the Jews only. The Greeks were also present. God did many signs and wonders by the apostles’ hands, and many Jews and Greeks believed the gospel because of these signs.

However, some non-believing Jews divided the city against Paul and Barnabas and started plotting to have them stoned (Acts 14:5).

So, after preaching in Iconium for a long time, they were forced to flee the region and go to Lystra and the surrounding areas to preach there.

As Paul was preaching in Lystra, a disabled man sat and listened to him. Paul gave the command for the man to be healed, and he jumped up and walked.

This made the area’s people believe that Paul and Barnabas were the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes. They tried to worship them, which they resisted and told them not to do.

However, as promising as the outreach had been, some of the Jews from Iconium and Antioch had followed Paul and Barnabas to Lystra and turned the crowds against them.

They stoned Paul in an attempt to kill him and dragged him out of town, believing he was dead. However, Paul rose and accompanied the disciples back into the city.

Derbe And The Home Stretch

The next day, Paul and Barnabas went from Lystra to Derbe, where they preached the gospel and made many new disciples. Then they started their journey back to Antioch in Syria, the church that had sent them out.

On their way back, they passed through the cities they had preached in – Lystra, Iconium, and Perga – to encourage the disciples and appoint elders for the churches there.

Check Out Paul’s Other Missionary Journeys:

Maps of Paul’s First Missionary Journey

As a visual person, I find looking at images and maps very helpful, especially when looking at certain Biblical journeys and events. The overall map of Paul’s first journey is below.

This map below is a little more realistic. It doesn’t show Paul’s journey path, but it shows the cities and the terrain better.

Lessons For Christians On Paul’s 1st Journey

We can learn many things from Paul’s missionary journey, and God tends to reveal more each time you study it. But here are a few notable lessons for modern believers from Paul’s first missionary journey:

• We know that all believers are called to spread the gospel, but our efforts should always go hand in hand with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be confirmed during fasting and prayer. Yes, God can turn our mistakes into victories, but with significant steps like a 1,400-mile missionary journey, it’s good to be sure before we start, just like Paul’s journey started with prayer.
• The enemy will try to stop us when we live a life dedicated to sharing the gospel and building God’s Kingdom. But God can turn that opposition into a miracle that will prove His power and glory to all if we stand firm and are willing to risk everything for our faith, just like He did when Bar-Jesus opposed the team.
• Like Paul and John Mark, we don’t always get along with our fellow believers, and sometimes our missions take us in opposite directions. However, we are still called to love and support one another as members of one body. Besides, we never know when God will bring us back together, and we could find strength in unlikely alliances.
• God will not hesitate to perform signs and wonders to show His power if it is to expand His kingdom. We can see in Mark 16:20 that the disciples went out and preached the gospel everywhere and that God confirmed the message by accompanying signs. As long as we seek the kingdom and aim to share the gospel, God will work with us to accomplish that goal.

Key People On Paul’s 1st Journey

Here is a quick look at key players during the 1st missionary journey.

Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, was an important figure in the Bible who played an instrumental role in spreading Christianity. Born in the city of Tarsus, Paul was a devout Jew and Pharisee who was initially hostile towards the teachings of Jesus. However, he underwent a transformation on the road to Damascus where he claimed to have had a divine encounter with Christ. From there, Paul dedicated his life to preaching the gospel and writing numerous letters, or epistles, which are now part of the New Testament.

Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus and a follower of Jesus Christ. In the Bible, he was first mentioned in the book of Acts, where he sold a field he owned and gave the proceeds to the apostles to support the early church. Barnabas was known for his generosity and kindness towards others, which earned him the nickname, “Son of Encouragement.”

John Mark was a companion of the Apostle Paul and is commonly believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark. In the book of Acts, John Mark is also mentioned as the cousin of Barnabas and as a helper in various mission trips. However, there is also a record of John Mark abandoning Paul and Barnabas in one of their missions, causing a rift between the two men, which later was reconciled.

Bar-Jesus, was a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet who opposed the teachings of Paul and Barnabas. He tried to prevent the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus, from accepting Christianity, but Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, called him out for his deceit and struck him blind.

Sergius Paulus

Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul of Cyprus. He is significant to biblical history as he became a follower of Christ after witnessing the power of God through the evangelist Paul. Sergius Paulus was a man of authority and intellect, yet he was humbled by the miraculous events that occurred before him.

FAQ About Paul’s First Missionary Journey

Here are some common FAQ asked about Paul’s 1st trip.

You can read about the Apostle Paul’s first journey in Acts 13:1-14:28.

The first journey took place between 47-49 AD.

Barnabas and John Mark accompanied the apostle Paul.

Paul and his companions traveled through Cyprus and Turkey.

Paul traveled around 1,400 miles! Which is amazing since his only mode of transportation was by foot, boat, and maybe some kind of animal. But it’s important to note that no horses or other animals are mentioned in scripture.

Paul’s first missionary journey was incredibly eventful. They attempted to kill him and almost succeeded once. Not everyone received the gospel with gladness. And yet, they pushed on and accomplished some great things, converting many people to Christianity and establishing new churches as they went. We should take that as an encouragement to share the gospel with everyone we meet.

And as always, if you would like to leave me a comment. I would love to hear from my readers and what God is doing in your life.

Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading.

She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine.  Read More…

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Paul’s Journeys —Missionary journeys and journey to Rome

Our study of the places in the book of Acts requires a supplemental summary of the journeys and periods of the apostle Paul.

Traditionally, Paul is said to have made three missionary journeys, plus a fourth journey to Rome. In the Acts Facts series, I have retained this traditional manner of dividing up Paul’s several journeys recorded in the book of Acts. This enables you to more easily relate our studies with other studies, references, and maps, which most likely adhere to the same scheme.

The four journeys of Paul are...

• 1st missionary journey (Acts 13:4 to 15:35).
• 2nd missionary journey (Acts 15:36 to 18:22).
• 3rd missionary journey (Acts 18:23 to 21:17).
• Journey to Rome (Acts 27:1 to 28:16).

The first two journeys start and end in Syrian Antioch. The third journey starts in Antioch and ends in Jerusalem. Starting from Jerusalem, the fourth journey ends in Rome. See also Paul's trips to Jerusalem .

A After Paul’s Conversion

In Acts 9, Luke records the period between Paul’s conversion and his first missionary journey. In this period Paul was known as Saul. Paul himself speaks of this period in Acts 22 and 26, as well as Galatians 1:13-17. Putting information from all these sources together, we find the following activities between Paul’s conversion and first missionary journey.

• After his conversion in Damascus, Paul very nearly lost his life (Acts 9:19-25).
• During three years that followed, Paul spent some time in Arabia. After that, Paul returned to Damascus for the remainder of the three years (Galatians 1:11-18).
• Paul then came to Jerusalem where he was assisted by Barnabas. Again his life was threatened, so he went home to Tarsus (Galatians 1:18-24, Acts 9:26-30).
• Paul next went to Antoch in Syria. From there, he was sent down to Judea with aid for the brethren in need because of famine (Acts 11:19-30).
• Paul and Barnabas then returned to Syrian Antioch (Acts 12:25).
• At Antioch, Paul and Barnabas are called to embark on what is known as the 1st missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3).

B The 1st Missionary Journey

• From Antioch’s seaport Selucia, they sail to Cyprus, and work throughout the island (Acts 13:4-12).
• Next they go to Pamphylia and the other Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:13-52). .
• They went down to Lycaonia, working in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (Acts 14:1-23).
• Passing through Pisidia and Pamphylia again, they then worked in Perga (Acts 14:24).
• They went down to Attalia and caught a ship back to Syrian Antioch (Acts 14:25-27).

C Period in Syrian Antioch

• Between the 1st and 2nd missionary journeys there was "a long time" in Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:28).
• During this period, Paul, Barnabas, and other companions had to go up to Jerusalem to attend a council of the apostles regarding the issue of Christians keeping the law of Moses (Acts 15:1-29).
• Paul returned to Antioch and worked there a while (Acts 15:30-35).

D The 2nd Missionary Journey

• Paul chose Silas and embarked on a journey that began by revisiting the places tPaul had worked on his 1st journey (Acts 15:36-41).
• They worked in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium. Timothy joined Paul and Silas.
• Paul, with Silas and Timothy, went through the regions of Phrygia and Galatia, then on to Troas (Acts 16:1-8)
• Paul received a vision calling him to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-40, 17:1-14).
• Paul went down to Achaia and worked in Athens (Acts 17:15-34).
• After Athens he went to work in Corinth where he met Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-17).
• From Corinth Paul went to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-21).
• He took a ship to Caesarea, visiting the church there, then went back to Syrian Antioch (Acts 18:21-22).

E The 3rd Missionary Journey

• After a time in Antioch, Paul set off again and visited with the churches again in Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23)
• Paul next returned to Ephesus where his work caused an uproar (Acts 19:1-41).
• Paul then revisited Macedonia and Greece, and came to Troas and after that to Miletus (Acts 20:1-38).
• From Miletus Paul sailed to Caesarea and then went to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-17).

F Period in Jerusalem and Caesarea

• In Jerusalem Paul had a meeting with James and the elders (Acts 21:18-26).
• Paul was caused trouble by the Jews (Acts 21:27-40).
• Paul told his story publicly and nearly got flogged (Acts 28).
• Paul went on trial and is escorted to Caesarea (Acts 23:1-35).
• He was imprisoned in Caesarea and goes before Felix (Acts 24)
• When he appeared before Festus he appealed to Caesar (Acts 25).
• Paul next appeared before Agrippa (Acts 26).

G Journey to Rome

• Paul sails for Rome under escort. On the way, he is shipwrecked (Acts 27)
• His journey from Malta to Rome (Acts 28:1-15).
• His house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16-31).

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What Happened on Paul's Missionary Journeys?

I didn’t go to church much as a child. I only have a few memories of the few times I did go. One was trying to endure the music portion of the service and then secondly trying to keep myself occupied while some guy was up front talking to us about Jesus and some dude named Paul. Being the nerd that I am, I remember being intrigued by colored maps in the back of my Bible. One in particular that I remember was one with three different colored arrows with the heading at top: Paul’s Missionary Journeys.

I don’t know if I really understood who Paul was or even what a missionary journey was, but I thought the map was cool and it held my attention for a few moments. Perhaps you’re wondering who exactly Paul is and what his missionary journeys were.

To put simply, Paul was a guy whose life was radically changed by Jesus Christ. In the early part of his life, he was on a different kind of journey. He went throughout much of his land trying to tell people to ignore Jesus — and he was even instrumental in trying to hurt people who followed Jesus. But on one of these trips his life was changed, and now he went all across the known world to tell people about the goodness of Jesus. He went on three (or maybe four) big missionary journeys that we have record of in the New Testament.

Photo credit: Unsplash

How Many Missionary Journeys Did Paul Make?

First, it would be helpful for us to establish a definition of a missionary journey. In order for something to be called a missionary journey, there needs to be some sort of explicit mission or purpose, and a type of commissioning. Paul was always doing ministry. In one sense you could say that from the point of his conversion his life was one big missionary journey. But to be specific we would need to have some sort of specific mission and setting apart for this particular task. So how many times did this happen?

It’s possible that Paul went on more missionary journeys than what is recorded in the New Testament. But most believe he had either three or four main journeys. The Bible that I was using as kid was an NIV Study Bible. In that particular map there are three missionary journeys marked, but also a fourth arrow that outlines his trip to Rome. Some would also consider a fourth missionary journey to Spain.

We know that there are three missionary journeys in the book of Acts. We also know that Paul did travel to Rome as a prisoner (should this be considered a missionary journey, though?) We also know that there is mention of a fourth missionary journey to Spain. There are some hints throughout the New Testament that this journey was completed, and early Christian history does seem to give some evidence to this happening. But we cannot know for certain.

It is probably best to confess that we do not know for certain how many missionary journeys he took. But for our purpose we will consider his three major missionary trips.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/mirsad sarajlic

What Happened on These Journeys?

You can read about Paul’s 1 st missionary journey in Acts 13-14 . On this trip he, and Barnabas, were commissioned from Antioch. The goal of this mission seems to have been to preach in Jewish synagogues and attempt to convert Jews. They began in Cyrus and went through Pamphylia, Pisidia, and Lycaonia. They then went through Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe and circled back around to Antioch.

In Cyprus the proconsul was converted after Paul pronounced a curse upon a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus and made him blind. They were also successful in Pisidian Antioch where many Jews and Gentiles were converted before some Jews incited a riot against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of the city. Nevertheless “the word of the Lord spread through the whole region” (13:49).

They were met with the same mixture of success and opposition in the other cities as well. Perhaps one of the most significant things which came from this journey was the massive number of Gentiles who came to the faith . As they shared their story back in Antioch, this was an emphasis (see Acts 14:27-28 ).

Paul’s 2 nd missionary journey is recorded in Acts 15:36-18 :22. After a short stay in Antioch, Paul wanted to go with Barnabas on another journey. But a sharp dispute arose (with John Mark being the center of the debate) and the two split. Barnabas ended up back in Cyprus with John Mark and Paul took a different route throughout Asia Minor with Silas. It was on this journey that Paul would be joined by Timothy.

He would also have ministry in Athens, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. As you might have recognized by some of these names, it was through this missionary journey that Paul began his relationship with many of the churches to whom he would eventually write letters. The purpose of these journeys was to establish churches and to encourage those who were already followers of Jesus, but they also saw many converts as well.

Paul’s 3 rd missionary journey  begins in Acts 18:23 and goes through Acts 20:38 . Paul’s third journey was essentially the same as his second journey but in reverse order. The narrative in Acts focuses on the church in Ephesus (another church that would receive a letter now in the New Testament). It was here also that connections were made to Galatia as well.

Though these journeys were filled with opposition and difficulty, they also experienced much success. The gospel spread all throughout the Roman Empire and churches were firmly established through these missionary efforts. Not to mention that the Lord used Paul’s correspondence during these journeys (and because of these) to inspire many books of the New Testament. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Freedom007

How Far Did Paul Travel on His Journeys?

Have you ever heard that song “500 Miles” by The Proclaimers? Well, Paul journeyed far more than 500 miles to take the gospel to the nations. Even though he was able to use the Roman Road for easier access to the cities, it is still estimated that Paul traveled well over 10,000 miles.

One person has taken it upon themselves to estimate the cost and travel time of Paul’s three journeys and his trip to Rome. He concluded that it would have taken him 281 days of travel time, journeying 10,282 miles at a cost of 1,731 denarii (day’s wages) for each person to sail on the trip.

When you factor in the toll these journeys took upon Paul’s person, his missionary endeavors were far-reaching, consequential, and costly. But you likely have heard the gospel today because of these efforts.

Did Paul Travel with Anyone?

Paul did not travel alone on any of these journeys. On his first missionary journey, he went with Barnabas. On his second journey he took Silas, and eventually Timothy joined them. While in Corinth on this journey he met Aquila and Priscilla and he took them with him on his third journey to Ephesus. Timothy and Erastus had gone ahead of him on this journey as well — so there would be those who greeted him while there. It is also quite likely that Luke accompanied Paul on some of these journeys. In Acts there are several sections where Luke says “we,” indicating that he was physically present.

Gospel mission is never a solo enterprise. Throughout the New Testament we see disciples traveling in teams. Even in the gospel account when Jesus sent out the earliest disciples, he sent them two by two. It’s likely that part of the reasoning for this is the Old Testament standard of having two witnesses. Paul never traveled alone on a missionary journey.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Klaus Vedfelt

What Happened to Paul at the End of His Life?

When we begin discussing the end of Paul’s life, things get a bit cloudier. We know that Paul is alive at the end of Acts. Everything leading up to that point (the three journeys and travel to Rome) we can be fairly certain about. But after the book of Acts ends, we have to piece together scant evidence and rely upon church tradition to establish his end of days. It is almost universally accepted that he died a martyr’s death, but when and where is up for debate.

As the book of Acts ends, Paul is in prison awaiting a verdict. Many believe that he was released on this occasion. There are details in the pastoral epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus) that do not fit with his having died in Rome during the time period of Acts 28 . From here, debate ensues about whether or not Paul traveled to Spain and completed the task he mentioned in Romans 15:23-29 . Early church tradition has him going to Spain and completing a missionary journey there.

Eusebius claims that Paul was beheaded at the order of Nero shortly after Rome was burned in a fire. (This is where tradition has Peter meeting his end as well). But we cannot know for certain what happened at the end of Paul’s life. We know he continued writing, we know he spent more time in prison, and we know that he kept the faith . 2 Timothy 4:6-8 is the capstone on Paul’s life:

“ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Rattankun Thongbun

Mike Leake is husband to Nikki and father to Isaiah and Hannah. He is also the lead pastor at Calvary of Neosho, MO. Mike is the author of Torn to Heal and Jesus Is All You Need . His writing home is http://mikeleake.net and you can connect with him on Twitter @mikeleake. Mike has a new writing project at Proverbs4Today .

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Tracing the Footsteps of Faith: The Missionary Journeys of Paul

The Apostle Paul, originally Saul of Tarsus, stands as a towering figure in Christian history, known for his profound contributions to the New Testament and his relentless missionary endeavors to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. His missionary journeys took him across the Mediterranean world. They are pivotal events that helped shape the early Christian church.

Paul’s Missionary Journeys Timeline

• Conversion to Christianity:

The apostle’s personal journey begins with his dramatic conversion from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ on the road to Damascus around AD 34-36. This transformative experience marked the start of his ministry.

• First Missionary Journey (AD 46-48):

Accompanied by Barnabas and John Mark, he sets out from Antioch, traveling through Cyprus and Asia Minor. Key events include the conversion of the proconsul Sergius Paulus in Cyprus and the confrontation with Elymas the magician. This journey is well documented in the Acts of the Apostles and culminates in the establishment of several church communities.

• Second Missionary Journey (AD 49-52):

Starting from Jerusalem and now accompanied by Silas and later joined by Timothy and Luke, Paul revisited the churches established in Asia Minor before receiving a vision to proceed to Macedonia. This journey saw the spread of the gospel into Europe, with significant stops in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.

• Third Missionary Journey (AD 53-57):

Paul revisits the churches in Asia Minor and spends considerable time in Ephesus, where he focuses on preaching and discipleship. His efforts in Ephesus lead to a significant number of conversions, impacting the local idol-making trade and inciting a riot. The journey concludes with Paul’s return to Jerusalem, where he is arrested.

• Duration of Paul’s Ministry:

His ministry, from his conversion to his martyrdom in Rome, spans approximately three decades (AD 34-67). Within these years, Paul’s missionary activities, coupled with his extensive letter-writing, laid the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. He visited Ephesus several times throughout his ministry, most notably during his third missionary journey, where he stayed for over two years. His influence in Ephesus was profound, significantly contributing to the growth of the Christian community there.

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The Boundaries of the Roman Empire were: North : The British Channel, the Rhine, the Danube, and the Black Sea South : The deserts of Africa, the cataracts of the Nile, & the Arabian deserts East : The Euphrates West : The Atlantic

Romans 1:7 - To all that be in Rome , beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul in the Smith's Bible Dictionary

Paul         (small, little). Nearly all the original materials for the life St. Paul are contained in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Pauline epistles. Paul was born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia. (It is not improbable that he was born between A.D. 0 and A.D. 5.) Up to the time of his going forth as an avowed preacher of Christ to the Gentiles, the apostle was known by the name of Saul. This was the Jewish name which he received from his Jewish parents. But though a Hebrew of the Hebrews, he was born in a Gentile city. Of his parents we know nothing, except that his father was of the tribe of Benjamin, Phm 3:5 and a Pharisee, Ac 23:6 that Paul had acquired by some means the Roman franchise ("I was free born,") Ac 22:23 and that he was settled in Tarsus. At Tarsus he must have learned to use the Greek language with freedom and mastery in both speaking and writing. At Tarsus also he learned that trade of "tent-maker," Ac 18:3 at which he afterward occasionally wrought with his own hands. There was a goat's-hair cloth called cilicium manufactured in Cilicia, and largely used for tents, Saul's trade was probably that of making tents of this hair cloth. When St. Paul makes his defence before his countrymen at Jerusalem, Ac 22:1 ... he tells them that, though born in Tarsus he had been "brought up" in Jerusalem. He must therefore, have been yet a boy when was removed, in all probability for the sake of his education, to the holy city of his fathers. He learned, he says, at the feet of Gamaliel." He who was to resist so stoutly the usurpations of the law had for his teacher one of the most eminent of all the doctors of the law. Saul was yet "a young man," Ac 7:58 when the Church experienced that sudden expansion which was connected with the ordaining of the seven appointed to serve tables, and with the special power and inspiration of Stephen. Among those who disputed with Stephen were some "of them of Cilicia." We naturally think of Saul as having been one of these, when we find him afterward keeping the clothes of those suborned witnesses who, according to the law, De 17:7 were the first to cast stones at Stephen. "Saul," says the sacred writer significantly "was consenting unto his death."  Full Article

Paul in the Bible Encyclopedia - ISBE 5. The First Great Mission Campaign: Acts 13 and 14, 47 and 48 AD: Paul had already preached to the Gentiles in Cilicia and Syria for some 10 years. The work was not new to him. He had had his specific call from Jerusalem long ago and had answered it. But now an entirely new situation arises. His work had been individual in Cilicia. Now the Spirit specifically directs the separation of Barnabas and Saul to this work (Acts 13:2). They were to go together, and they had the sympathy and prayers of a great church. The endorsement was probably not "ordination" in the technical sense, but a farewell service of blessing and good will as the missionaries went forth on the world-campaign (Acts 13:3). No such unanimous endorsement could have been obtained in Jerusalem to this great enterprise. It was momentous in its possibilities for Christianity. Hitherto work among the Gentiles had been sporadic and incidental. Now a determined effort was to be made to evangelize a large section of the Roman empire. There is no suggestion that the church at Antioch provided funds for this or for the two later Campaigns, as the church at Philippi came to do. How that was managed this time we do not know. Some individuals may have helped. Paul had his trade to fall back on, and often had resort to it later. The presence of John Mark "as their attendant" (Acts 13:5) was probably due to Barnabas, his cousin (Col 4:10). The visit to Cyprus, the home of Barnabas, was natural. There were already some Christians there (Acts 11:20), and it was near. They preach first in the synagogues of the Jews at Salamis (Acts 13:5). We are left to conjecture as to results there and through the whole island till Paphos is reached. There they meet a man of great prominence and intelligence, Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, who had been under the spell of a sorcerer with a Jewish name--Elymas Bar-jesus (compare Peter's encounter with Simon Magus in Samaria). In order to win and hold Sergius Paulus, who had become interested in Christianity, Paul has to punish Bar-jesus with blindness (Acts 13:10 ff) in the exercise of that apostolic power which he afterward claimed with such vigor (1 Cor 5:4 f; 2 Cor 13:10). He won Sergius Paulus, and this gave him cheer for his work. From now on it is Paul, not Saul, in the record of Luke, perhaps because of this incident, though both names probably belonged to him from the first. Now also Paul steps to the fore ahead of Barnabas, and it is "Paul's company" (Acts 13:13) that sets sail from Paphos for Pamphylia. There is no evidence here of resentment on the part of Barnabas at the leadership of Paul. The whole campaign may have been planned from the start by the Holy Spirit as the course now taken may have been due to Paul's leadership. John Mark deserts at Perga and returns to Jerusalem (his home), not to Antioch (Acts 13:13). Paul and Barnabas push on to the tablelands of Pisidia. Ramsay (St. Paul the Traveler, 93) thinks that Paul had malaria down at Perga and hence desired to get up into higher land. That is possible. The places mentioned in the rest of the tour are Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:14), and Iconium (Acts 13:51), Lystra (Acts 14:8), and Derbe (Acts 14:20), cities of Lycaonia. These terms are ethnographic descriptions of the southern divisions of the Roman province of Galatia, the northern portion being Galatia proper or North Galatia. So then Paul and Barnabas are now at work in South Galatia, though Luke does not mention that name, using here only the popular designations. The work is wonderfully successful. In these cities, on one of the great Roman roads east and west, Paul is reaching the centers of provincial life as will be his custom. At Antioch Paul is invited to repeat his sermon on the next Sabbath (Acts 13:42), and Luke records at length the report of this discourse which has the characteristic notes of Paul's gospel as we see it in his epistles. Paul may have kept notes of the discourse. There were devout Gentiles at these services. These were the first to be won, and thus a wider circle of Gentiles could be reached. Paul and Barnabas were too successful at Antioch in Pisidia. The jealous Jews opposed, and Paul and Barnabas dramatically turned to the Gentiles (Acts 13:45 ff). But the Jews reached the city magistrate through the influential women, and Paul and Barnabas were ordered to leave (Acts 13:50 f). Similar success brings like results in Iconium. At Lystra, before the hostile Jews come, Paul and Barnabas have great success and, because of the healing of the impotent man, are taken as Mercury and Jupiter respectively, and worship is offered them. Paul's address in refusal is a fine plea on the grounds of natural theology (Acts 14:15-18). The attempt on Paul's life after the Jews came seemed successful. In the band of disciples that "stood round about him," there may have been Timothy, Paul's son in the gospel. From Derbe they retrace their steps to Perga, in order to strengthen the churches with officers, and then sail for Seleucia and Antioch. They make their report to the church at Antioch. It is a wonderful story. The door of faith is now wide open for the Gentiles who have entered in great numbers (Acts 14:27). No report was sent to Jerusalem. What will the Pharisaic party do now?  Full Article including Paul's Second and Third Campaigns

The Bible Mentions "Paul" in many places:

Paul's Missionary Journeys: Acts 13-20

Paul spread the good news of Jesus throughout the ancient world. It wasn't always an easy journey, but Paul was determined. Let's look at why.

Introduction [00:00-01:18]

Jon: During the 1st century, most people around the Mediterranean Sea lived in densely packed cities all ruled by the Roman Empire.

Tim: Each city was a diverse blend of cultures, ethnicities, and religions.

Jon: Because of this, there were all sorts of temples for offering sacrifices to all sorts of gods, and each person had their own portfolio of gods that they gave their allegiance to.

Tim: But in every city you would also find a minority group who wouldn’t worship any gods but their own, the Israelites, also known as the Jews. They claimed that their God was the one true creator and King of the world.

Jon: Now all these cities were connected by a network of roads built by the Roman Empire, and so it was easy to move around, to do business, and even spread new ideas.

Tim: Now one person familiar with these roads was the apostle Paul. He spent the second half of his life traveling from city to city, announcing that Israel’s God had appointed a new king over the nations.

Jon: This king wasn’t like anyone who’d come before.

Tim: Right. Most kings rule with aggression or power. But this new King rules with self-sacrifice and love. His name is Jesus, and Paul is his herald who is inviting all people to live under this King’s rule.

Jon: The stories of Paul’s travels and how people received this message, that’s what the third part of Acts is all about.

Paul’s Missionary Journeys [01:19-02:57]

Jon: For some time, Paul’s home base had been in the city of Antioch. And from there, he and his co-workers went out on three road trips, traveling by land and by sea to strategic cities throughout the empire.

Tim: In each city, Paul’s custom was to go first to the Jewish synagogue, where his people gathered. He’d start teaching and showing how the messianic King promised in the Hebrew Scriptures is Jesus of Nazareth.

Jon: And some believed this news, others didn’t. And still others thought this message was so misleading and dangerous they would incite riots to kick Paul out of town.

Tim: And so that’s when Paul would take to the bustling city marketplace. He would set up shop there to make and sell leather tents to cover his travel expenses. 1 And here, Paul kept sharing the news about the risen King Jesus with anybody who would listen.

Jon: He was often misunderstood as just promoting a new god. One time, he prayed for a sick person, they were healed, and everyone around thought he must be a Greek god that came down to visit them. 2

Tim: But Paul insisted there’s only one true God, and he was his servant. This message often stirred up opposition and more riots, and he got beaten, even thrown in jail.

Jon: Why such a strong reaction?

Tim: Well, the worship of the gods held together Roman culture. They believed the gods kept their cities safe, and the temple worship of the gods was a huge part of their economy. Paul wasn’t just adding Jesus as a new god to the list, he was saying all other gods are powerless, even a sham.

Jon: So he’s undermining their way of life.

Tim: Yes. And more than that, when Paul announced Jesus as a new King, he would call him “Lord” or “Son of God,” the very titles people used to refer to the emperor of Rome!

Living Like Jesus was Actually King [02:58-03:59]

Jon: So Paul’s message could easily be heard as a threat against the entire political order. Why would anyone join this movement? I mean, it sounds dangerous.

Tim: Well, people were captivated by the story of Jesus and how his love created communities where all people were treated as equals, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or economic status. These people formed new families that would eat together—they lived sacrificially and took care of their poor.

Jon: They lived like Jesus actually was the King.

Tim Right. And so in every city where Paul announced the message about Jesus, people were being transformed by God’s Spirit to become new kinds of humans.

Jon: So Paul would stay in that city and teach them the way of Jesus.

Tim: And then he would leave for a new city.

Jon: This was a difficult life. Paul had to endure a lot of pain and a lot of suffering.

Tim: Yeah, and he did so because he believed that his own hardships were a reenactment of Jesus’ suffering and death for others. He said it was God’s own love that drove him to share the story of Jesus, no matter the cost.

Paul’s Growing Reputation and Journey to Jerusalem [04:00-04:25]

Jon: After his third road trip, Paul’s reputation had grown. He had made many new friends but had also made many new enemies that he would be wise to avoid.

Tim: But Paul didn’t avoid them. His next stop was Jerusalem, a city full of people who wanted him arrested, even dead. And so why he goes to Jerusalem and what happens when he gets there, that’s what the final section of Acts is all about.

Related Content

13. The Missionary Journeys of the Apostle Paul

First Journey

Second Journey

Third Journey

Journey to Rome

Three Taverns

Forum of Appius

Thessalonica

Melita (Malta)

Fair Havens

Mediterranean Sea

0 100 200 300 400

A B C D E F G H

Gaza Philip preached of Christ and baptized an Ethiopian eunuch on his way to Gaza ( Acts 8:26–39 ).

Jerusalem See map 12 for events in Jerusalem.

Joppa Peter received a vision that God grants the gift of repentance to the Gentiles ( Acts 10 ; 11:5–18 ). Peter raised Tabitha from the dead ( Acts 9:36–42 ).

Samaria Philip ministered in Samaria ( Acts 8:5–13 ), and Peter and John later taught here ( Acts 8:14–25 ). After they conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost, Simon the sorcerer sought to buy this gift from them ( Acts 8:9–24 ).

Caesarea Here, after an angel ministered to a centurion named Cornelius, Peter allowed him to be baptized ( Acts 10 ). Here Paul made his defense before Agrippa ( Acts 25–26 ; see also JS—H 1:24–25 ).

Damascus Jesus appeared to Saul ( Acts 9:1–7 ). After Ananias restored Saul’s sight, Saul was baptized and began his ministry ( Acts 9:10–27 ).

Antioch (in Syria) Here disciples were first called Christians ( Acts 11:26 ). Agabus prophesied famine ( Acts 11:27–28 ). Great dissension arose at Antioch concerning circumcision ( Acts 14:26–28 ; 15:1–9 ). In Antioch Paul began his second mission with Silas, Barnabas, and Judas Barsabas ( Acts 15:22, 30, 35 ).

Tarsus Paul’s hometown; Paul was sent here by the Brethren to protect his life ( Acts 9:29–30 ).

Cyprus After being persecuted, some Saints fled to this island ( Acts 11:19 ). Paul traveled through Cyprus on his first missionary journey ( Acts 13:4–5 ), as did Barnabas and Mark later ( Acts 15:39 ).

Paphos Paul cursed a sorcerer here ( Acts 13:6–11 ).

Derbe Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in this city ( Acts 14:6–7, 20–21 ).

Lystra When Paul healed a cripple, he and Barnabas were hailed as gods. Paul was stoned and presumed dead but revived and continued preaching ( Acts 14:6–21 ). Home of Timothy ( Acts 16:1–3 ).

Iconium On their first mission, Paul and Barnabas preached here and were threatened with stoning ( Acts 13:51–14:7 ).

Laodicea and Colosse Laodicea is one of the branches of the Church that Paul visited and received letters from ( Col. 4:16 ). It is also one of the seven cities listed in the book of Revelation (the others are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, and Philadelphia; see Rev. 1:11 ). Colosse lies 11 miles (18 kilometers) to the east of Laodicea. Paul wrote to the Saints who lived here.

Antioch (in Pisidia) On their first mission, Paul and Barnabas taught the Jews that Christ came of the seed of David. Paul offered the gospel to Israel, then to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas were persecuted and expelled ( Acts 13:14–50 ).

Miletus While here on his third mission, Paul warned the elders of the Church that “grievous wolves” would enter the flock ( Acts 20:29–31 ).

Patmos John was a prisoner on this island when he received the visions now contained in the book of Revelation ( Rev. 1:9 ).

Ephesus Apollos preached here with power ( Acts 18:24–28 ). Paul, on his third mission, taught in Ephesus for two years, converting many people ( Acts 19:10, 18 ). Here he conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands ( Acts 19:1–7 ) and performed many miracles, including casting out evil spirits ( Acts 19:8–21 ). Here worshippers of Diana raised a tumult against Paul ( Acts 19:22–41 ). Part of the book of Revelation was addressed to the Church at Ephesus ( Rev. 1:11 ).

Troas While Paul was here on his second missionary journey, he saw a vision of a man in Macedonia asking for help ( Acts 16:9–12 ). While here on his third mission, Paul raised Eutychus from the dead ( Acts 20:6–12 ).

Philippi Paul, Silas, and Timothy converted a woman named Lydia, cast out an evil spirit, and were beaten ( Acts 16:11–23 ). They received divine help to escape prison ( Acts 16:23–26 ).

Athens Paul, while on his second mission to Athens, preached at Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) about the “unknown god” ( Acts 17:22–34 ).

Corinth Paul went to Corinth on his second mission, where he stayed with Aquila and Priscilla. He preached here and baptized many people ( Acts 18:1–18 ). From Corinth, Paul wrote his epistle to the Romans.

Thessalonica Paul preached here during his second missionary journey. His missionary group departed for Berea after the Jews threatened their safety ( Acts 17:1–10 ).

Berea Paul, Silas, and Timothy found noble souls to teach during Paul’s second missionary journey. The Jews from Thessalonica followed and persecuted them ( Acts 17:10–13 ).

Macedonia Paul taught here on his second and third journeys ( Acts 16:9–40 ; 19:21 ). Paul praised the generosity of the Macedonian Saints, who gave to him and to the poor Saints at Jerusalem ( Rom. 15:26 ; 2 Cor. 8:1–5 ; 11:9 ).

Melita Paul was shipwrecked on this island on his way to Rome ( Acts 26:32 ; 27:1, 41–44 ). He was unharmed by a snakebite and healed many who were sick on Melita ( Acts 28:1–9 ).

Rome Paul preached here for two years under house arrest ( Acts 28:16–31 ). He also wrote epistles, or letters, to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians and to Timothy and Philemon while imprisoned in Rome. Peter wrote his first epistle from “Babylon,” which was probably Rome, soon after Nero’s persecutions of the Christians in A.D.  64. It is generally believed that Peter and Paul were martyred here.

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Apostle Paul's First Missionary Journey Map

Late spring 44 a.d. to fall 46 a.d..

In the late Spring of 44 A.D. the brethren (Acts 13:1 - 3) ordain Paul and Barnabas as apostles. From Antioch, the two apostles and John (surnamed Mark) begin Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13:4 - 52, 14:1 - 25).

Apostle Paul and company travel to Seleucia then sail to Salamis, the principle city and seaport of the island of Cyprus. Cyprus is where Barnabas was born and raised (Acts 4:36). In Salamis, they preach the gospel in several synagogues. They then cross the island by foot and arrive at Paphos.

While in Paphos, the island's Roman governor requests the two evangelists meet with him so that he can personally hear the word of God. Accompanying the governor to the meeting is a sorcerer and false prophet known as Elymas the magician. Elymas resists the gospel and tries to prevent the governor from accepting the truth of God (Acts 13:6 - 8).

The Apostle Paul perceives Elymas' intentions and responds immediately. Elymas immediately goes blind and is unable to see for a period. The governor, astonished at what he sees, believes the gospel (Acts 13:11 - 12).

Mark Leaves the Team

Apostle Paul, Barnabas, and Mark soon board a ship and sail to Perga. Mark then abruptly leaves the group and returns to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). The issue of Mark suddenly abandoning the first missionary journey will be the catalyst for the separation of the evangelists before Paul's next journey (Acts 15:36 - 41). They leave Perga and travel to Antioch in Pisidia (also called Pisidian Antioch, to distinguish it from the Antioch located in Syria).

Thrown Out of Antioch

In Antioch, the evangelists visit a local synagogue where the apostle preaches a powerful message (Acts 13:16 - 41). After the Jews leave the synagogue, the Gentiles (proselytes) in the audience ask him to speak the next Sabbath day. Then, after the dismissal of the synagogue, many Jews and proselytes follow him and Barnabas in order to hear more about the gospel. On the next Sabbath, almost the entire city comes to hear the word of God (Acts 13:42 - 44).

Some Jews, however, envious of the large crowd drawn by apostle Paul, begin to speak against the gospel. Their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah means that he and Barnabas will now primarily preach only to Gentiles (Acts 13:45 - 47).

As the word of the Lord spreads through the entire region, some Jews begin a campaign to convince important men and women of the city to be against him and Barnabas. Persecution soon sets in and culminates with both men expelled from the area.

Arriving in Iconium Paul speaks at a local synagogue. His preaching convinces many Jews and Greeks to become believers. Jews who do not believe in what he teaches, however, stir others up against the gospel. Although Paul performs signs and wonders to confirm what he says, the city still wonders whether he and Barnabas are true servants of God.

In a short time, some Jewish leaders, along with other Jews and Gentiles, conspire to have the two apostles stoned to death. After discovering a threat against their lives, the evangelists flee the city to Lystra.

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. For this reason, they (Paul and Barnabas) stayed a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, Who bore witness to the message of His grace . . . But the multitude of the city was divided; and some were with the Jews, and some were with the apostles. And when an assault was about to be made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers to insult and stone them, they became aware of it; so they fled to Lyconia . . . (Acts 14:2 - 6, HBFV).

Worshipped Like Gods

In Lystra Paul meets a man born crippled and never able to walk. He perceives, after the man hears his message, that he has enough faith for God to heal him. When Paul commands the crippled man to stand, he miraculously leaps up and is able to walk (Acts 14:6 - 10)!

The response to Paul's amazing miracle was immediate and unexpected. The two evangelists tear their clothes in amazement! They are barely able to keep the crowd from sacrificing to them as if they were Greek gods!

But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard this, they ripped their own garments in disbelief, and rushed into the multitude, shouting out and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, with the same nature as you, and we have been preaching the gospel to you, so that you will turn from these vanities to the living God . . . " And even by saying these things, they could hardly keep the multitudes from sacrificing to them (Acts 14:14 - 15, 18, HBFV).

Surviving a Stoning

In a short time, Jews from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium arrive in Lystra and succeed in turning people against the two evangelists. After being stoned, some people drag Paul's dead body out of the city. Some believers find his body and as they stand around it, he comes back to life! Amazingly, He re-enters the city.

Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and after persuading the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, supposing that he was dead. But while the disciples were standing around him, he arose; and he went into the city with them. And the next day, he departed with Barnabas to Derbe (Acts 14:19 - 20, HBFV).

After leaving Lystra Paul and Barnabas travel to Derbe where they preach the gospel. They then retrace their steps through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in order to strengthen the brethren. From Pisidian Antioch they travel to Perga and then to Attalia, where they catch a ship to sail back to where their missionary journey started (Acts 14:21 - 26).

Fall 46 A.D. to Late Summer 49 A.D.

Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch for almost three years, from the Fall of 46 A.D. to the late summer of 49 A.D. (Acts 14:26 - 28).

Series References The Life and Epistles of St. Paul by Conybeare and Howson Holy Bible in its Original Order, Second Edition, Chronology V

Quotes in this series taken from Holy Bible in Its Original Order (HBFV) unless noted.

Man Discovers 900-Year-Old Stone Carving Beneath His House in Germany

The rare picture stone may depict Otto of Bamberg, the bishop who helped spread Christianity throughout the region

Julia Binswanger

Daily Correspondent

During a recent home renovation in Klotzow, Germany, a man stumbled upon something unexpected: a three-foot-long bildstein , or picture stone, dating to the 12th century.

The boulder features a carved figure draped in robes with a cross in front of his body. Experts think it may represent  Otto of Bamberg , the bishop and missionary credited with spreading Christianity to the region. It’s also the only known picture stone to depict a figure with a cross.

Klotzow is a village located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a state in northern Germany. According to a statement from the state’s culture ministry, a resident named Peter Wittenberg discovered the stone while working on his home’s foundations. The large artifact was buried just a few centimeters below the surface.

Wittenberg, who knew he had found something special, reported his discovery to officials. Experts moved it to the city of Schwerin, where researchers could conduct a careful examination.

“The significance of this find cannot be overestimated,” says Detlef Jantzen , Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s chief archaeologist, in the statement. “The new find from Klotzow is the only one that could depict a Christian dignitary. Now, we are going to try to learn more about the stone’s original location.”

Carved picture stones first appeared in the 4th century and were produced through the 12th century. They featured a rich variety of artistic styles, and many of them served as memorials to individuals who had died. According to the culture ministry, picture stones that reveal evidence of Christianization are especially rare.

Born in 1060, Otto of Bamberg dedicated his life to converting populations in an area known as Pomerania , located in parts of present-day Germany and Poland. According to some accounts , the number of people he baptized may be in the tens of thousands.

“With this exceptionally significant find, we can add another important piece to the mosaic of our country’s history,” says Bettina Martin , Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s culture minister, in the statement. “Bishop Otto of Bamberg undertook his first missionary journey to Pomerania in 1124. The fact that a picture stone from this period has now been found exactly 900 years later is an extremely fortunate circumstance.”

There are only around 20 known picture stones in the region today, as Jantzen tells  Live Science ’s Laura Geggel. He thinks the figure’s shawl and cross could be a pallium , a religious cloth worn by the pope, archbishops and some bishops.

“Otto received the pallium from  Pope Paschalis II ,” Jantzen adds. “When Otto was traveling in Pomerania in 1124 and 1128, he was the first and only possible bearer of a pallium at that time in that area.”

Specialists in Schwerin are currently examining and documenting the stone artifact. When they’re done, officials hope to display it in Klotzow, where it was found.

“The finder deserves thanks and the highest recognition for reporting his discovery immediately,” says Martin in the statement. “The experts from the State Office for Culture and Monument Preservation and the local monument protection authority will now take care of securing and further examining this one-of-a-kind find.”

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Julia Binswanger | READ MORE

Julia Binswanger is a freelance arts and culture reporter based in Chicago. Her work has been featured in WBEZ,  Chicago magazine,  Rebellious magazine and  PC magazine. 

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Remembering the missionary martyrs of Papua New Guinea

September 7, 2024 Catholic News Agency News Briefs 1 Print

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Sep 8, 2024 / 00:01 am (CNA).

During Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to Papua New Guinea, the pope reflected on the profound sacrifices made by early Catholic missionaries and martyrs in the region who ventured deep into the unexplored rainforests to bring the Gospel to “the ends of the Earth.”

Speaking to Catholics from across the island gathered at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Port Moresby, the pope honored the enduring legacy of those who brought Christianity to the Pacific island.

“Missionaries arrived in this country at the middle of the 19th century, and the first steps of their ministry were not easy. Indeed some attempts failed. However, they did not give up,” Francis said.

“With great faith, apostolic zeal and many sacrifices, they continued to preach the Gospel and serve their brothers and sisters, starting again many times whenever they failed,” he said, highlighting how missionaries, through their “starts” and “restarts,” courageously laid the foundation for the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea.

Christianity was introduced to Papua New Guinea by Marish missionaries who arrived on Woodlark Island in 1847, only to be forced to withdraw the following year. They were followed five years later by missionaries from the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions, but they, too, were forced to leave after three years of work on the island. The first Mass would be offered in Papua New Guinea more than 30 years later on July 4, 1885, by French missionaries on Yule Island.

The legacy of these missionaries includes both those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their faith and those whose lives of heroic virtue are being recognized through the Church’s beatification process.

During World War II, 197 Roman Catholics were executed during the Japanese invasion of Papua New Guinea in 1942 and 1943, according to researchers at the University of Papua New Guinea.

The brutal occupation saw many lives lost, including those of missionaries who steadfastly upheld their faith in the face of oppression. The leading candidate for Papua New Guinea’s first native saint was among those martyred during the Japanese occupation.

Here is a closer look at three remarkable individuals who shaped the Catholic mission in Papua New Guinea:

Blessed Giovanni Battista Mazzucconi (Italy)

Father Giovanni Battista Mazzucconi, an Italian missionary, was one of the early martyrs of the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea.

Born on March 1, 1826, in Italy, Mazzucconi was ordained in May 1850 and joined the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions.

He arrived in Australia in March 1852, before embarking on his mission to Woodlark Island in Milne Bay Province. Despite his efforts to immerse himself in the local culture and his initial struggles with illness, Mazzucconi remained dedicated to his mission. Tragically, on Sept. 7, 1855, he was ambushed and killed by locals while attempting to continue his work. He was beatified in 1984 for being killed “in odium fidei” (in hatred of the faith), and his canonization awaits the confirmation of a miracle.

Pope Francis encouraged devotion to Mazzucconi when speaking to the roughly 35,000 Catholics gathered for his stadium Mass in Port Moresby.

“May Blessed John Mazzucconi accompany you on this journey, for amid much difficulty and hostility he brought Christ into your midst, so that no one would remain deaf before the joyful message of salvation, and that all might loosen their tongues to sing of God’s love. May this indeed be so for you today,” the pope said.

Blessed Peter To Rot (Papua New Guinea)

Blessed Peter To Rot, a native of New Britain province in Papua New Guinea, is celebrated for his steadfast faith and bravery in standing up for the truths of Church teaching.

Born in 1912, To Rot served as a catechist in his village, taking on the responsibility of catechizing after the local priest was taken by the Japanese army. During the Japanese occupation, which imposed strict laws against religious practice, To Rot was a fierce defender of Christian values, including the sanctity of marriage. His refusal to comply with Japanese rules restricting religious practice led to his arrest and imprisonment in a manual labor camp.

In 1945, he was executed by lethal injection. Beatified in 1995 by Pope John Paul II, To Rot’s legacy is a testament to his purity of faith and his commitment to his community under dire circumstances.

In Pope Francis’ meeting with Catholics in the remote Diocese of Vanimo on Papua New Guinea’s northern coast, the pope recalled To Rot’s “witness to love.”

“Blessed Peter To Rot, spouse, father, catechist, and martyr of this land gave witness to love by word and example. He gave his life precisely to defend the unity of the family in the face of those who wanted to undermine its foundations,” the pope said.

Venerable Bishop Alain de Boismenu (France)

Bishop Alain Marie Guynot de Boismenu, born on Dec. 27, 1870, in France, is remembered as a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church’s mission in Papua New Guinea.

Ordained a priest and a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Boismenu arrived in Papua New Guinea in 1897. He was appointed Apostolic Vicar of Papua in 1908, a role he held until his retirement in 1945.

During his tenure, he significantly expanded the Church’s reach, establishing new missions, schools, and training centers for catechists. He also founded the Handmaids of the Lord, a religious congregation for women.

Although he is not a martyr, the beatification process for Boismenu based on his heroic virtues was initiated in 1984, and he was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2014. His dedication to pastoral care and education left an indelible mark on the region.

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APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO INDONESIA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, TIMOR-LESTE AND SINGAPORE (2-13 September 2024)

MEETING WITH BISHOPS, PRIESTS, DEACONS, CONSECRATED PERSONS, SEMINARIANS AND CATECHISTS

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Dili, Timor Leste) Tuesday, 10 September 2024

[ Multimedia ]

___________________________

Dear brother Bishops, Dear priests, deacons, consecrated persons and seminarians, Dear catechists, brothers and sisters, good morning!

Many of the youngest – seminarians, young religious – remained outside. And now, when I saw the bishop, I told him that he has to enlarge the cathedral because it is a grace to have so many vocations! Let us thank the Lord and let us also thank the missionaries who came before us. When we saw this man [Florentino de Jesús Martins, 89 years old, to whom the Pope said that he “had competed with the apostle Paul”], who was a catechist his whole life, we can understand the grace of the mission entrusted to him. Let us thank the Lord for this blessing to this Church.

I am happy to be with you during this journey in which I am a pilgrim in the lands of the East. I thank Bishop Norberto de Amaral for his words, and for reminding me that Timor-Leste is a country “at the edge of the world”. I also come from the ends of the world, but you more than me. And I like to say it – precisely because it is at the edge of the world, it is at the centre of the Gospel! This is a paradox that we have to learn: in the Gospel, the peripheries are the centre and a Church that has no capacity for peripheries and that hides in the centre is a very ill Church. Instead, when a Church thinks beyond, sends out missionaries, it goes into those peripheries that are the centre, the Church’s centre. Thank you for being at the peripheries, for we know well that in the heart of Christ the “existential peripheries” are the centre. Indeed, the Gospel is full of people, figures and stories that are on the margins, on the borders, but are called by Jesus to become protagonists of the hope that he came to bring us.

I rejoice with you and for you, for you are the Lord’s disciples in this land.  Thinking of your efforts and the challenges you are called to face, I was reminded of a very evocative passage from John’s Gospel, which tells us of a tender and intimate event that happened in the home of Jesus’ friends, Lazarus, Martha and Mary (cf. Jn 12:1-11). At a certain point during dinner, Mary “took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (v. 3).

Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with nard, and the whole house is filled with that fragrance. I would like to reflect with you on this fragrance, the fragrance of Christ, the fragrance of his Gospel. This is a gift that you have, a gift that was given to you freely, but which you have to preserve and which all of us together are called upon to spread. Preserving the fragrance , this gift of the Gospel that the Lord has given to the land of Timor-Leste, and spreading the fragrance.

First, preserving the fragrance . We always need to return to the origin, to the origin of the gift we have received, of our being Christians, priests, religious or catechists. We have received the very life of God through his Son Jesus, who died for us and gave us the Holy Spirit. We have been anointed with the oil of gladness, and the apostle Paul writes, “we are the aroma of Christ to God” ( 2 Cor 2:15).

Dear sisters and brothers, you are the fragrance of Christ! This metaphor is not foreign to you, for here in Timor sandalwood grows in abundance, with its fragrance that is highly valued and also sought after by other peoples and nations. The Bible itself praises its value when it recounts that the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon and offered him a gift of sandalwood (cf. 1 Kings 10:12). I do not know if the Queen of Sheba, before reaching Solomon, stopped in Timor-Leste and, perhaps, brought the sandalwood from here.

Brothers and sisters, you are the fragrance of Christ, a fragrance much more expensive than French perfumes! You are the fragrance of Christ, you are the fragrance of the Gospel in this country. Like a sandalwood tree, evergreen and ever strong, which grows and produces fruit, you are missionary disciples who bear the fragrance of the Holy Spirit in order to “intoxicate” the lives of the holy faithful people of God.

Yet, let us not forget that the fragrance received from the Lord should be carefully preserved , preserved very carefully, as Mary of Bethany had kept the nard aside precisely for Jesus. In the same way, we must preserve the love – do not forget this phrase, we must preserve the love with which the Lord has anointed us, so that it does not fade and lose its fragrance. What does this mean? It means being aware of the gift received – everything we have is a gift, remember that – it means reminding ourselves that the fragrance is not for beautifying ourselves but for anointing the feet of Christ, proclaiming the Gospel and serving the poor. It means being vigilant about ourselves because a lukewarm spiritual mediocrity is always lurking. Something Cardinal De Lubac said about mediocrity and worldliness comes to mind: “The worst thing that can happen to women and men of the Church is to fall into worldliness, spiritual worldliness”. Be attentive; preserve that fragrance which gives us so much life.

Here, I would add one further thought. We rightly look back with gratitude on our preceding history, to the seed of faith sown here by missionaries. These three spoke to us about this: the nun who spent her entire consecrated life here; the priest who knew how to accompany his people in difficult times of foreign domination; and the deacon who never stopped proclaiming the Gospel and baptizing. Let us think of these three examples who are representatives of the history of our Church, and let us love our history, for it is the seed scattered here; as are the schools established for the training of pastoral workers and so many other things. But is this enough? In reality, we must always fan the flame of faith. That is why I wish to say to you: do not forget to deepen your knowledge of the Gospel’s doctrine; do not forget to mature in spiritual, catechetical and theological formation. All this serves to proclaim the Gospel in your culture and, at the same time, to purify it in the face of archaic and sometimes superstitious practices. The preaching of the faith must be inculturated in your culture and your culture must be evangelized. And this is the case for all peoples, not only for you. If a Church is incapable of enculturating the faith, then it is incapable of expressing the faith in the values proper to a land, it will be a Church that is moralistic and fruitless.  There are many beautiful things in your culture. I think especially of the belief in the resurrection and in the presence of the souls of the dead. All of this, however, must always be purified in the light of the Gospel and the doctrine of the Church. Please, take up this responsibility since “each culture and group needs purification and growth”.

Now we come to the second point: spreading the fragrance . The Church exists to evangelize , and we are called to bring to others the sweet fragrance of life, of the new life of the Gospel. Mary of Bethany does not use the precious nard to beautify herself, but to anoint Jesus’ feet, and in this way she spreads the fragrance throughout the house. Indeed, Mark’s Gospel specifies that Mary, in order to anoint Jesus, breaks the alabaster jar containing the fragrant ointment (cf. 14:3). Evangelization occurs when we have the courage to “break” the jar containing the fragrance, breaking the “shell” that often closes us in on ourselves, of leaving behind a lazy and comfortable religiosity that only serves our personal needs. I very much liked the expression that Rosa used, when she said: a Church on the move, a Church that does not stand still, does not revolve around itself – no, it does not revolve around itself – but burns with passion to bring the joy of the Gospel to all.

Your country, rooted in a long Christian history, also needs a renewed impetus toward evangelization, so that the Gospel’s fragrance may reach everyone, a fragrance of reconciliation and peace after suffering years of war; a fragrance of compassion, which will help the poor get back on their feet and inspire a renewed commitment to revive the economic and social wellbeing of the country; a fragrance of justice against corruption. Be vigilant, please! Corruption can so often enter our communities, our parishes. In particular, the fragrance of the Gospel must be spread in order to counter anything that humiliates, disfigures or even destroys human life; to counter those plagues that cause inner emptiness and suffering such as alcoholism, violence, and disrespect for women. The Gospel of Jesus has the power to transform these dark realities and generate a new society. The message that you consecrated women give in the face of the phenomenon of the lack of respect for women is that women are the most important part of the Church because they take care of the most needy: they heal them, they accompany them. I have just come from a visit to a beautiful welcoming house for the poorest, the most needy [Irmãs Alma school for children with disabilities]. Dear Sisters, be mothers of the people of God, be encouraged to “give birth” to communities, be mothers. That is what I ask of you.

Dear sisters, dear brothers, since this “spark” of the Gospel is needed, there is also need today for clergy, consecrated persons and catechists who are passionate, prepared and creative. Creativity is necessary for mission. In this regard, I am grateful for the uplifting testimony of Mr Florentino, a catechist who has dedicated a good part of his life to this beautiful ministry. To priests especially, I would like to say: I learned that the people address you with great affection by calling you Amu , which is the most important title here, meaning “lord”. However, this should not make you feel superior to the people. You come from the people, you are born from mothers of the people, you have grown up among the people, so do not forget the culture of the people that you have received. You are not superior. Neither must you fall into the temptation of being prideful or feeling powerful. Do you know how the temptation to power begins? You understand, right? My grandmother used to tell me, “The devil always enters through our pockets”. In this way the devil enters, always through our pockets. Please, do not think of your ministry as bringing social prestige. No, ministry is a service. And if any of you do not feel like you are a servant of the people, go and ask a wise priest to help you to have this important dimension. Let us remember that with fragrance we anoint the feet of Christ, which are the feet of our brothers and sisters in the faith, starting with the poorest. The most privileged are the poorest, and with this fragrance we have to care for them. The gesture that the faithful make here when they meet priests is meaningful: they take your consecrated hand and bring it close to their foreheads as a sign of blessing. It is beautiful to see in this gesture the affection of God’s holy people, for the priest is an instrument of blessing. A priest should never, never take advantage of this role. You should always bless and console; always be a minister of compassion and a sign of God’s mercy. And perhaps the sign of all of this is a poor priest. Love poverty as your spouse.

Dear friends, a Portuguese diplomat of the 1500s, Tomé Pires, wrote the following, “Malaysian merchants say that God created Timor for sandalwood” ( The Suma Oriental , London 1944, 204). We, however, know that there is also another fragrance, in addition to sandalwood, there is another, which is the fragrance of Christ and the Gospel, a fragrance that enriches life and fills us with joy.

You, priests, deacons, religious sisters, do not be discouraged! As Father Sancho reminded us in his moving testimony, “God knows well how to take care of those he has called and sent on his mission”. In times of great difficulty think of this: He accompanies us. Let us allow ourselves to be accompanied by the Lord in a spirit of poverty and in a spirit of service. I bless you from my heart. And I ask you, please, do not forget to pray for me; but please pray for me, and not against! Thank you.

And I would also like to end with a thank you, a big thank you for your elderly – elderly priests who have spent their lives here, elderly nuns who are here, who are extraordinary, who have spent their lives here. They are our model. Thank you!

Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Pope Francis in Singapore: visiting a small but influential Catholic Church

Pope Francis’ final stop on his 12-day journey is the island nation of Singapore, where he touched down on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Francis is the second pope to visit Singapore. John Paul II came on Nov. 20, 1986, stopping by for five hours to celebrate Mass in the national stadium as a part of an Asia-Pacific tour.

After visiting three impoverished countries—Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Indonesia—Francis now arrives in a very wealthy country; Singapore is the world’s number three financial hub and the first financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Pope Francis is “popular among Catholics here, but may also be [seen as] influential among the general public, which sees him as an international leader for peace, harmony and equality,” Francis Lim, S.J., the regional superior of the Malaysia-Singapore Region, told America .

The pope will then be driven by car to the Jesuit-run St. Francis Xavier retreat center, where he will reside during his sojourn here. That evening, he will have a private conversation at the center with the 11 Jesuits working in Singapore.

The first Jesuit community in this city-state was established in 1954; the Jesuits opened the retreat center in 1997. It is perhaps significant that Francis, the first Jesuit pope, has opted to reside at the center dedicated to St. Francis Xavier and not at the Holy See’s nunciature in the city-state, which was like too small to host the pope and those who need to be with him. St. Francis Xavier arrived on the island of Ambon in the Indonesian archipelago, about 1,700 miles from Singapore, in 1546 and preached the Gospel in the area for almost a year before moving on to other parts of Asia. This missionary Jesuit pope, who has made several visits to Asia, is today following in the footsteps of that first great Jesuit missionary to Asia.

On Thursday, the pope will meet with Singapore’s president and prime minister before addressing an audience of 1,000 people from the state authorities, representatives of civil society and the diplomatic corps.

Later, Francis will celebrate Mass at the city-state’s national stadium. The stadium holds 55,000, which, according to Father Lim, amounts to “one-third of the number of Catholics that go to church weekly, so there has been much demand for tickets.”

On his final morning, Friday, Sept. 13, Pope Francis will meet with Bishop William Seng Chye Goh, Singapore’s first cardinal, as well as clergy and religious. Afterward, he will visit a group of the sick and elderly and then address an interreligious meeting with young people in one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world.

Following a farewell ceremony at the airport, he will make the over-12-hour flight back to Rome. En route, he will hold a press conference.

The birth of a first-world city-state

Singapore is a city-state at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula in Asia, between the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea, 85 miles north of the equator. It is composed of the main island, Singapore Island, which is approximately 280 square miles, and more than 60 smaller islands.

The name “Singapore” comes from “Singa Pura,” which means “Lion City” in Sanskrit, but today the state is also known as “Garden City” because of its elaborate parks and tree-lined streets.

It has a population of some 5.7 million, of whom just over three million are citizens. Most are ethnically Chinese (74 percent), Malay (13.5 percent) or Indian (9 percent), while a smaller number are other Asians and Europeans. It has one of the highest standards of living in the world and very good education and health care systems. Singapore also has many strict rules, and Transparency International ranks it as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

It has four official languages, reflecting the country’s multicultural identity and heritage: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, but English is the first language taught in schools and the language used by the government.

Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by the British colonial official Stamford Raffles as a trading post of the British Empire. The British built a large naval base there after World War I. Japan took over the island state in 1942, but the British regained control after World War II. Singapore started to govern itself in 1959, and British colonial rule ended in 1963. After briefly joining the newly created federation of Malaysia, Singapore became independent on Aug. 9, 1965, and adopted a British-style parliamentary system of government.

Lee Kuan Yew ruled the country as prime minister with a strong hand from 1959 to 1990 and oversaw its rapid economic growth and development. Singapore helped start ASEAN in 1967 and joined the Non-Aligned Movement in 1970.

Lee Kuan Yew was considered a dictator by many, but others credit him for Singapore’s rapid economic growth. José Magadia, S.J., the Filipino-born general counselor for the Asia-Pacific region at the Jesuit Curia in Rome, told America : “He made Singapore into a first-world country despite the fact that it had no natural resources, and depends on exports, imports and especially the financial sector. It is an economic hub today.”

Still, not everyone in the country benefited from Lee Kuan Yew’s economic policies, and when labor, justice and peace advocates challenged his policies, he had 10 collaborators of the Catholic workers’ movement arrested in 1987 under the “Internal Security Act,” including Vincent Cheng, the secretary of the church’s justice and peace commission. He also expelled Catholic journalists under threat of arrest. He accused both Catholic and Protestant bodies of acting as lackeys of Marxism and communism because of their work for social and human rights.

Father Magadia described modern-day Singapore as “a very small, highly developed, first-world class state,” and “a major crossroads for culture and for trading, with a big community of businessmen.” He said that because Singapore already had an excellent university, “the Jesuits saw no need to build their own. Instead, they run a hall of residence, a parish and a retreat house.” The pope will reside at that retreat house during his stay.

In an interview with Fides News Agency on the eve of the visit, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, said of Singapore, “It is wonderful to see a people who have reached such a level of professionalism and technological vanguard in a few years, and with limited resources, also by virtue of a sense of discipline.”

Religion in Singapore

“Religion doesn’t play a big role in modern Singapore,” Father Lim said in a Zoom conference call with journalists on the eve of the papal visit. “It is a very secularized society; 20 percent of the population profess no religion.”

According to figures provided by Vatican Media, 33 percent of Singapore’s population adhere to Buddhism, 18 percent are Christian (Catholics account for 3.5 percent of the population), Muslims 15 percent, Taoists 11 percent and Hindus 5 percent.

Commenting on the Christian presence in Singapore, Father Lim said, “Over 20 percent of the Chinese community are Christian, and almost all the Malay community is Christian, while 1 percent of the Indian community is Christian.” He also noted that “less than 50 percent of Catholics go to church every week.”

“The Catholic Church is very advanced in interreligious dialogue, and Christians organize interreligious prayer services for peace,” he added.

“The government works to weed out religious extremism in the country,” he said, “and you cannot speak out against other religions. People live together in harmony. You cannot see intolerance here. The government made a big effort in the 1960s to ensure religious harmony.”

In his interview, Cardinal Tagle said: “The government in Singapore guarantees freedoms to all communities of worshippers and protects them from attacks and disrespectful acts. Offenses against religion are severely punished.”

Father Lim said the number of migrant workers has grown in Singapore in concert with the demands of the economic system. There were more than 440,000 migrant workers in Singapore in 2023, according to the Ministry of Manpower. These workers form the backbone of Singapore’s construction and marine industries. Most come from Vietnam and Bangladesh to work in construction and gardening. Women migrants mainly come from the Philippines—20,000 of them—and they make significant contributions to parish life.

However, “there are no refugees in Singapore because of strict controls; it’s very difficult to enter the country,” Father Lim said.

Asked why the Singapore government was so keen for Pope Francis to visit, Father Lim pointed to the Catholic Church’s role in education. “Catholic missionaries came in the 1800s and started schools,” he said. “Many government officials have attended Catholic schools and are grateful for the quality education they received. Catholics also take care of elderly people. So Lee Kuan Yew was very respectful of the Catholic church for this. He introduced the two-child policy and so [there is an] aging population. But the Catholic Church was against this, and later in life he said, ‘I regret I didn’t listen to the Catholic Church.’”

The current prime minister is a Christian, Father Lim said. Having watched the government ministers who took the oath of office on a Bible, he estimates that nearly 40 percent of them are Christian, and one of them is Catholic.

The Holy See has a nunciature in Singapore, whereas the island nation has an ambassador to the Holy See, Janet Guat Har Ang, but does not have a physical office in Rome. She and the minister of culture will welcome the pope at the airport on his arrival and is expected to be there when he departs from Singapore airport for Rome on the morning of Sept. 13.

Singapore is the 65th country that Francis has visited since becoming pope, and he plans to visit two more—Luxembourg and Belgium—at the end of the month.

Gerard O’Connell is America ’s Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History . He has been covering the Vatican since 1985.

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