Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
“And after he had spent some time there [Antioch], he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:23).
The account of Paul’s third missionary journey begins with this text, somewhat inauspiciously in mid-chapter. Galatia and Phrygia would be major parts of Turkey as one travelled westward from Antioch. The account continues to the close of chapter 2O with his parting from Asia minor to come to Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost.
In the areas of Galatia and Phrygia Paul would find various classes he had a part in establishing during his first, and specially during his second, missionary journey. His first had been with Barnabas, arriving on the southern coast of Turkey by ship after passing through the island of Cyprus, then working his way northward, inland, to Antioch of Pisidia (not to be confused with Antioch of Syria, the center of Christian activity which sponsored Paul on his journey), and thereafter eastward to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. At Lystra Paul had been stoned and left for dead. Thereafter he retraced his steps and returned homeward. The intense experiences he endured during that journey were recalled many years later when he wrote what became a farewell letter to Timo- thy. “Thou hast fully known my doctrine [teaching respecting the Christian life], manner of life, purpose, faith, long- suffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Timothy 3:1O, 11).
Map of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
Paul’s second missionary journey had been with Silas, going overland northward, then westward through Turkey to revisit those classes and establish others. On that occasion they brought with them the agreements from the council at Jerusalem discussed in Acts, chapter 15. Now, on his third journey, he would retrace those steps to visit and strengthen the disciples again.
APOLLOS
While Paul was thus occupied, “a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria [where there was a large Jewish and later Christian population], an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus” – which was the center of the Roman empire in that part of the world (Acts 18:24). Aquila and his wife Priscilla, whom Paul met at Corinth on his second journey, had moved to Ephesus, were impressed with the force, godliness, and influence of Apollos, and helped him to a clearer view of Jesus and the Christian way – for Apollos had been a disciple of John the Baptist. Apollos was then disposed to journey to southern Greece – the area of Aquila and Priscilla before coming to Ephesus – so they arranged for letters of recommendation from brethren there, for his reception in Greece.
When Apollos had moved on to Corinth, Paul came into Ephesus. There he met about 12 men who knew the baptism of John, and introduced them to Jesus. They were re-baptized and received certain gifts of the holy Spirit at the hands of Paul.
PAUL AT EPHESUS
After this Paul “went into the synagogue [at Ephesus, as Apollos had done], and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8). The inevitable hardening of some of the Jews came, so Paul “separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus” – which continued for two years, until “all they which dwelt in Asia [southwest Turkey] heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:1O).
On Paul’s second journey he had tried to come southward into this area, but had been prevented. On that occasion, “When they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia … [they] were forbidden of the holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia” (Acts 16:6).
On that occasion, the Lord had other plans for his labors – very productive plans, as he responded to a dream he had to cross the water into Macedonia. That journey took him to Philippi (where he met Lydia, who was from Thyatira in Asia), Thessalonica, Berea, then southward to Athens and Corinth where Jesus said to Paul in a night vision, “I have much people in this city” (Acts 18:1O).
But now it was different. Now the Spirit of God opened a remarkable opportunity for Paul in the heart of “Asia” as the Book of Acts refers to the region. As all roads lead to Rome according to the famous saying, so all roads in Asia led to Ephesus. Outward from there the news of Paul’s ministry flowed to all who had a heart to receive it.
Various miracles were performed by Paul in evidence of the work of the holy Spirit. Others tried to imitate his works, but were rebuffed by demons who would not respect them. The experience of the seven sons of the Jewish leader Sceva, who fled naked and wounded from a demon possessed man, who admitted the authority of Jesus and Paul, further enhanced Paul’s reputation (Acts 19:13-17) – and thus the ministry of the Truth.
So great grew the influence of the Truth that people publicly burned their costly books of “curious arts” – to the sum of 5O,OOO pieces of silver (Acts 19:19).
TROUBLE AND RIOT
The work had prospered greatly here, and Paul considered it time to move forward to other areas. He sent Timothy and Erastus ahead to prepare his visits to Macedonia and Greece, with plans to join them soon (Acts 19:21, 22).
However, before he could leave, trouble broke out. So great was Paul’s influence against idolatry, that Demetrius, a silversmith, roused his fellow craftsmen who made idols for sale, to form a riotous mob in protest of Paul and his teaching. For two hours the mob gathered at a public theatre and chanted praise for the Goddess Diana. “The whole city was filled with confusion” (Acts 19:29). They caught some companions of Paul – Gaius and Aristarchus of Macedonia – as though to vent their displeasure upon them.
Theater at Ephesus, perhaps the scene of the riot of Acts 19:29
Paul was barely dissuaded on advice of brethren and chief men of the region from entering the melee in defense of his companions. At last the riot was subdued on warning from the townclerk – the uproar ceased – and Paul moved on to Greece to revisit classes there he had established on his second journey.
MACEDONIA, GREECE, AND RETURN
There he served for three months. Because of a plot against his life he sent his companions on by ship while he went overland northward through Macedonia, then by ship from Philippi to join them at Troas.
It was there, gathered with brethren on the first day of the week, reflecting the custom of remembering the day of Jesus’ resurrection, that Paul served until midnight, when the boy Eutychus fell asleep and tumbled down three levels to his apparent death, but revived by Paul. Then, passing up a night of rest, they broke bread in Christian fellowship and continued “even till the break of day” (Acts 2O:11) before Paul continued his journey.
Paul thought of revisiting Ephesus, having been away from them for three months, but time was against him if he was to make Jerusalem in time for Pentecost – where he could rekindle brotherly ties with his Jerusalem brethren, which he knew might be strained due to his service among the Gentiles.
So at Miletus, not far from Ephesus, Paul called for the elders of the Church to give them some warm, fervent, and concerned advice, fearing he may not see them again. His impassioned pleas to them on behalf of a diligent, sober, Christian life are moving (Acts 2O:28-35). His advice was underscored by his personal example, having lived among them in recent years, supporting himself and his entourage “with these hands,” through his own labors (Acts 2O:34).
“And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him” (Acts 2O:36, 37). So deep was the influence of devotion and care he left. Paul then went forward to his destiny at Jerusalem, where bonds awaited him.
– Resume, Acts 18:23-20:38.