St Paul
In the Footsteps of St Paul
Mosiac of St Paul in the St Paul Memorial Museum in Tarsus
St Paul is often referred to as the Apostle of the Gentiles. Even though he was not one of the twelve hand-picked by Christ and did not know Christ in the flesh, it did not stop him from being one of the most influential figures in all of mankind to spread the Gospel.
Saint Paul is considered by many to be the second most important Apostle in the history of Christianity, second only to Saint Peter. And many hold him as important as Saint Peter. That's a bold claim albeit not without merit.
On our three-week road trip through Antalia in Western Turkey, we were privileged to walk down some of the very same Roman roads as St Paul did over 2000 years earlier in Antioch (Antakya), Tarsus (Mersin), Iconium (Konya), Ephesus (Epfe), Miletus (modern Balat, Aydın), Laodicea (Eskihisar), Pergamum (Bergama), Sardis (Sard), Smyrna (Izmir), Philadelphia (Alasehir), Priene (Güllübahçe), Miletus (Balat) and Didyma (Didim) in the key Roman provinces like Galatia, Asia, and Cilicia, which are all in the Anatolia region of Western Turkey ... let's take a closer look at his life.
St Paul is often referred to as the Apostle of the Gentiles. Even though he was not one of the twelve hand-picked by Christ and did not know Christ in the flesh, it did not stop him from being one of the most influential figures in all of mankind to spread the Gospel.
Saint Paul is considered by many to be the second most important Apostle in the history of Christianity, second only to Saint Peter. And many hold him as important as Saint Peter. That's a bold claim albeit not without merit.
On our three-week road trip through Antalia in Western Turkey, we were privileged to walk down some of the very same Roman roads as St Paul did over 2000 years earlier in Antioch (Antakya), Tarsus (Mersin), Iconium (Konya), Ephesus (Epfe), Miletus (modern Balat, Aydın), Laodicea (Eskihisar), Pergamum (Bergama), Sardis (Sard), Smyrna (Izmir), Philadelphia (Alasehir), Priene (Güllübahçe), Miletus (Balat) and Didyma (Didim) in the key Roman provinces like Galatia, Asia, and Cilicia, which are all in the Anatolia region of Western Turkey ... let's take a closer look at his life.
Childhood years
Saint Paul (also Saul) was born in Tarsus, a major city in the Roman province of Celicia, then part of Syria Asia Minor, around 8 AD or so into a strict Jewish family that was fairly well-to-do, which allowed him to get a good education.
Saul's father was a Roman citizen and probably of some means. This allowed Saul to claim dual citizenship, both Tarsus and Rome, which was of great help in his later life when he was afforded a proper trial before being condemned to death in Rome.
Saul was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the first 12 tribes of Israel from which the first king of Israel, King Saul, also came. He was a Jew and his Jewish name was Saul, while Paul was his Roman name. It wasn’t uncommon in those days to have two names.
Tarsus, at that time, was known as a place of culture and learning and by the age of five Saul was probably studying the Hebrew language as well as the Torah. Tarsus was under the influence of the Greeks, so he probably also learned the Greek language at an early age.
Saul loved to work with his hands and also chose to learn tentmaking in his youth - a skill that helped him earn money while spreading the Gospel. He was a bright, intelligent boy and learned well. He was also full of life and had boundless energy, all of which served him well when he entered his adult years.
Saul goes to Jerusalem
Saul was educated in Jerusalem and studied under a great teacher, Gamaliel. It was also thought that he was a member of the Sadducees, who were associates of the High Priest and ultimately the chief persecutors of the Christian movement in Jerusalem.
It is possible that he believed that (1) Jewish converts to the new 'Christian' movement were violating Jewish law, (2) that they mingled with the Gentile converts too much, (3) and that he did not believe that God chose Jesus to be the promised Messiah, raising Him from the dead.
Saul voluntarily travelled from synagogue to synagogue urging the punishment of those who believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the punishment was ostracism, flogging, or both. He began his persecutions in Jerusalem, and he might have been present at the stoning of the first Christian martyr St Stephen outside the gates of Jerusalem.
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Road to Damascus
St. Paul’s conversion to Christianity is one of the most important events in history. This monumental event occurred during his travel to Damascus en route to persecute errant Christians.He was travelling on horseback on the road to Damascus when suddenly he had a vision that changed his life, his views, and his purpose in life. He saw the Lord who came to him in a blinding light.
Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. (Acts 9:4-8)
Saul was temporarily blinded by this light, which was so brilliant. He believed that his vision proved that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God who would return on the last Day of Judgement. He believed that this divine encounter set him aside by Christ himself to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.
At this point, he travelled to Arabia where he spent three years in solitude contemplating the Word of God (Gal. 1:17–18), then to Damascus where he remained for three years when the Holy Spirit was preparing him for his true purpose in life - after which he went to Jerusalem, no longer as a rabid persecutor but as an ardent witness, to meet and get to know the leading Apostles there (Gal. 1:18). It was after this that he began his famous missions of spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews).
Partnership with Barnabas
As a consequence of the incessant persecution of the Christians in Jerusalem, some early Christians ended up living in the city of Antioch - an important Roman city in Asia Minor. They practised and 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 preaching for a while in Antioch, Barnabas travelled to Tarsus to find Saul and recruited him 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 AD and served as one of the church leaders there.
Barnabas and Saul would become ministry travelling partners for the next few years, including at least one earlier trip to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30) to bring a famine relief offering to the Christians in Jerusalem (likely sometime between 45 and 46 AD).
First Missionary Journey of St Paul with Barnabas
John Mark
Before Barnabas and Saul officially left on their first missionary journey, they recruited a young man named John Mark, from Jerusalem, to go with them. John Mark was the son of a woman named Mary (mentioned in Acts 12:12, not to be confused with the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene or Mary mother of Salome since Mary was quite a common name at that time). This person owned the house where the Christians were meeting in prayer 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 and is said to be the Evangelist who wrote the Gospel of St Mark.
Cyprus
Barnabas and Saul sailed from Seleucia to the island of Cyprus, approximately 100 miles off the coast of Syria. They began by preaching to Jewish people in the synagogues of Salamis. In Kition, present-day Larnaca, they appointed Lazarus, who Jesus had raised from the dead as Bishop. They evangelised in several parts of the island until they reached the port city of 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, who scholars believe was from Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:6-12).
Pamphylia and Galatia
Barnabas, Paul, and John Mark then travelled across the Mediterranean Sea to Perga in Pamphylia. Here 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 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 who 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 who 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 believe in Jesus (Acts 13:14-44).
Unfortunately, Barnabas and Paul faced significant opposition there too due to the jealousy of certain Jews as large crowds of Gentiles were showing up at the synagogue to hear the Gospel. Soon the Jews became jealous and started to contradict what Paul had to say; the Gentiles meanwhile were more willing to hear what Paul had to say, so 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, while troubled the Jews even more and they eventually drove Barnabas and Paul out of Antioch in Pisidia.
Iconium
After leaving Antioch in Pisidia, they travelled eastward, further into the Galatian region, arriving at the city of Iconium where they preached and performed 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
Barnabas and Paul 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 the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes. 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, to stir 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, and walked back into the city (Acts 14:19-20).
Barnabas and Paul then continued on to 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 backtrack through Galatia. Barnabas and Paul intentionally travelled 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. The journey through these cities for a second time allowed them to teach doctrine, establish elders in the churches, and pray with the believers.They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch in Pisidia, 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
After this, Barnabas and Paul 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 the home base of Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:24-28).
Return to Antioch
Barnabas and Paul returned back home to Antioch in Syria after the trip for “a long time” (Acts 14:28). They had travelled 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 they established.Jerusalem Council in 50 AD
On the return to Antioch in Syria, 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, 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 heretical Judean faction. Eventually, this debate, about this false Gospel reached the Apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2). This led to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:3-35), which most likely took place in 50 AD.
While travelling to Jerusalem for the council, Barnabas and Paul made stops along the way throughout Phoenicia and Samaria, encouraging believers wherever they went.
At the Jerusalem Council, leaders of the Church, including the 12 Apostles, met in Jerusalem to discuss issues relating to the law of Moses, Gentile conversion, and the obligations of faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ.
They concluded that Jewish dietary laws and other specific rituals, including the rules concerning the circumcision of males, were not necessary to become followers of Christ, showing that the scriptures in and of themselves are not the ultimate source of knowledge, but what precedes it comes by revelation.
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
Barnabas and Paul immediately began planning their second missionary journey. They believed it was essential that they go throughout the Gentile world of the Roman Empire to proclaim the good news that Gentiles were now welcome into the faith, as proclaimed by the Jerusalem 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 travelled independently by land (Acts 15:39-41).
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey with Silas
Cilicia
Paul and Silas started by travelling northwestward by land through the region of Cilicia. The Roman road that they would have used went directly through Paul’s hometown of Tarsus. 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 started 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 met a young man named Timothy from that region. He had a good reputation, so Paul asked Timothy to 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 was because he had an uncircumcised friend (Timothy). This event also gives us great insight into Timothy’s commitment to advance the Gospel.
Paul’s Ministry Restricted by the Holy Spirit
Paul and his team travelled 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 or diverted by the Spirit from doing so multiple times.They then travelled 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 coast of the Aegean Sea.
Luke Joins the Team
In Troas, Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, joins their missionary crew. Throughout most of the Book of Acts, Luke speaks in the third person. However, starting in Acts 16:10, Luke begins to speak in the 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 hence the Book of Acts contains great details of the diseases and illnesses of those cured. Luckily for us, Luke also functioned as an investigative journalist. He eventually wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
Macedonian Call and Travel to Philippi
While at Troas, Paul had a vision 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 travelled 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 Caesarea Philippi
While in Caesarea 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 be 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 sang 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 be a witness to the jailer but also all the prisoners listening to their hymns and prayers throughout the night. Paul went to the jailer's 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 magistrate 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 team 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
Berea
Paul and his crew went to Berea, where Paul preached 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 faithful but Silas and Timothy stayed behind (Acts 17:13-14).
Traveling in Achaia
Paul was then escorted by some faithful for 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 sermons (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 travelled 53 miles southwest to Corinth. By this point in his second missionary journey, Paul had travelled more than 1,500 miles.Paul probably arrived in Corinth approximately 8 to 12 months after the start of the second missionary journey, therefore, it’s likely that he got there sometime late in 51 AD or early in 52 AD. 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 AD
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, 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 teachings 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 and they 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 team travelled 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).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 travelled from Ephesus to Caesarea. Once there, he visited with the believers in the region and preached the Gospel in various towns and places. He briefly visited Jerusalem and then travelled back home to Antioch in Syria.
Paul’s second missionary journey lasted between two and a half years and three years, and likely ended in Antioch sometime in the fall of 53 AD or maybe early 54 AD.
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
Paul likely left for his third missionary journey in the spring of 54 AD. This third missionary journey was probably four years or longer and ended with Paul in Jerusalem in 58 AD.
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 he likely began by travelling through the region of Cilicia and through the city of Tarsus, on the way toward Galatia.He spent several months travelling to the churches throughout the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, “strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:23). Paul passed through the “inland” route through Asia and travelled west to Ephesus (Acts 19:1).
Three Years in Ephesus
Paul spent three labour-intensive years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). Paul was likely in Ephesus from the fall of 54 AD to the fall of 57 AD.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 who knew 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 travelling 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.Other business owners 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 the crowd and calmed the riot. Shortly after these riots, Paul set sail for Macedonia (Acts 19:21, Acts 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. Paul immediately changed plans and left Ephesus for Corinth.
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 a 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 travelled to Macedonia to find Titus (2 Cor. 2:13).
Paul travelled 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; 2 Cor 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 travelled 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 AD or early 58 AD. While in Corinth, Paul wrote his theological masterpiece, the Letter to the Romans.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 who 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, 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 travelled through Macedonia (Acts 20:4-5).
Throughout the spring of 58 AD, Paul travelled 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 travelled 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. other than travelling for more than 30 miles through dangerous and mountainous terrain.
After meeting with his companions in Assos, they began their trek to Jerusalem. They made brief 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 travelling 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 labouring 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 to 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 to Caesarea. There they were greeted by the believers 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 in store 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 travelled to Jerusalem and were greeted by his brothers in Christ who lived there. He told the church there was 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 Phillipi
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 to their barracks. The Romans were going to flog him but Paul appealed to his own Roman citizenship (Acts 21:37-38 - Acts 22:1-29).
On Trial Before Roman Governor 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 allowed Paul to speak before the crowd. Paul shares his story and preaches the truth. Felix was afraid of Paul’s message, so he didn’t seemingly know what to do with Paul (Acts 23:23-35; Acts 24:1-27).Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea by the Romans for two years, but was given “some freedom” and his friends were allowed to visit him “to take care of his needs” (Acts 24:23).
On Trial Before Governor Festus and King Herod Agrippa
When Festus became the Governor of the region in 60 AD (or maybe earlier in 59 AD), 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 defences 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 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 - Acts 28:1-10). 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, and 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 who opposed the Gospel.
Paul and his companions eventually made it to Rome, sometime around 61 AD (or maybe 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 can visit with friends and preach the Gospel to those who visit. During this time he also wrote 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 from his letters
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 AD.
Asia
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 who 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)
Achaia
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.
Crete
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 travelling from Caesarea to Rome, before his Roman house arrest (Acts 27).
However, Paul and the men from the shipwreck were in Crete for 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, spent time preaching, and 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).
Macedonia
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 travelled 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).Paul Beheaded by Nero
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul mentions his “first defence” 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 burned down in 64 AD, 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 AD, but it is more likely that he was executed sometime between 67 and 68 AD.
Conclusion
The legacy of St Paul is second to none in Christian history. He is the greatest missionary evangelist the world has ever seen. Paul was a man on a 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.
In his sermon 295 in the year 395, St. Augustine of Hippo said of Sts. Peter and Paul: “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labours, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith”.
With his new name and unique spiritual authority in which he held the “keys to the kingdom of heaven,” Peter emerged as the central leader of the Church after Pentecost. He spent about a decade in Jerusalem, preaching powerfully, performing miracles, and converting many. He eventually travelled to Rome where he established the Church there, becoming its first bishop.
Around the year 64, he was martyred during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero. Tradition states that Peter requested to be crucified upside down because he did not consider himself to be worthy of dying the same way Jesus died. His tomb is located under the main altar of Saint Peter’s Basilica. He is considered the patron Saint of Rome, bakers, brickmakers, masons, bridge-builders, butchers, clockmakers, cobblers, fishermen, harvesters, watchmakers, locksmiths, net makers, the papacy, and the Universal Church.
Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles, being a Roman citizen was beheaded (not crucified) a bit later. according to tradition, Paul was beheaded just outside the city of Rome. When his head fell to the ground, it bounced three times, each time giving rise to a spring of water. The place is marked today by the Abbey of the Three Fountains. St Paul is buried in Rome in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. He is considered the patron Saint of Rome, evangelists, theologians, musicians, public relations personnel, writers, publishers, and reporters; rope-, saddle-, and tentmakers; Gentiles; Cursillo movement; and Catholic Action.
Did Peter and Paul meet in real life? Yes. By some accounts on three occasions. The most notable though is their third meeting in Antioch, where Paul publicly confronts Peter's practice of refusing to eat with Gentiles to appease the early Jewish converts (Galatians 2:13) and Paul prevails with his message that Christ has come for all peoples, Jews and Gentiles alike; and faith in Christ's teaching supersedes adherence to Jewish laws (Galatians 5:1) - this meant that Christians neither required to be circumcised nor to observe the Torah aka Mosaic Law.
Reference
Ortiz, K. (2023, January 12). Paul’s Four Missionary Journeys: The Complete Guide. Theology for the Rest of Us. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://www.theologyfortherestofus.com/pauls-four-missionary-journeys-the-complete-guide/
Full disclosure: The above treatise was so compelling that I copied most of it verbatim with minor edits based on our travels and knowledge
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