Paul's Four Missionary Journeys: The Complete Guide

Overview

• Apostle Paul played a crucial role in spreading the gospel across the known world despite facing persecution.
• Paul's missionary journeys were a fulfillment of God's command in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples of all nations.

Missionary Journeys

• First Journey: Cyprus, Pamphylia, Galatia.
• Second Journey: Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia.
• Third Journey: Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, Achaia, ending in Jerusalem.
• Fourth Journey: Less documented, possibly included Spain, Crete, Asia, Achaia, and Macedonia.

Timeline

• A.D. 37: Conversion on the road to Damascus.
• A.D. 45-46: First missionary journey with Barnabas.
• A.D. 51: Start of second missionary journey.
• A.D. 54: Start of third missionary journey.
• A.D. 61-63: House arrest in Rome, possible launch of fourth journey.
• A.D. 67-68: Martyred under Nero.

Background

• Known as Saul of Tarsus before conversion, he was a pious and educated Pharisee.
• Became a Christian after a supernatural encounter with Jesus.

Partnership with Barnabas

• Barnabas recruited Saul (Paul) to teach and lead in Antioch, Syria.
• Together, they traveled on missionary journeys.

First Missionary Journey Highlights

• Traveled to Cyprus, faced opposition but converted the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus.
• Saul becomes known as Paul.
• John Mark deserts Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia.
• Preached in synagogues, faced significant opposition, but also many conversions.

Second Missionary Journey Highlights

• Travel through Cilicia and Galatia, met Timothy and circumcised him to prevent hindrance to the gospel.
• Restricted from preaching in Asia; vision of Macedonian man led them to Philippi.
• Imprisoned in Philippi; converted the jailer and others.
• Preached in Thessalonica and Berea, faced opposition, and traveled to Athens and Corinth.
• Stayed in Corinth for 18 months, writing letters to Thessalonians.

Third Missionary Journey Highlights

• Spent three years in Ephesus, performed miracles, and faced opposition.
• Dealt with issues in Corinth through letters.
• Traveled through Macedonia and Achaia, writing to Romans.

Arrest and Trials

• Arrested in Jerusalem, held in Caesarea for two years.
• Trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.
• Appeals to Caesar, leading to transportation to Rome.

Journey to Rome

• Described as a tumultuous journey with a shipwreck on Malta.
• Paul reaches Rome around 61 A.D., under house arrest for two years.

Possible Fourth Missionary Journey

• Not well-documented but inferred through Paul's letters.
• Mentions travels through Asia, Achaia, Crete, and Macedonia.

Legacy

• Known as the greatest missionary evangelist, Paul's contributions to Christianity remain unparalleled.
• Endured hardships to spread the Gospel and establish churches.
• Executed under Emperor Nero's persecution.

Recommended Resources

• Books and commentaries by Thomas R. Schreiner, N.T. Wright, R.C. Sproul, and others.

Featured illustrations and images are credited to various sources as noted in the original article.