Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle Paul's second missionary journey, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, marks a significant phase in the expansion of early Christianity. This journey, which took place around AD 49-52, was instrumental in strengthening the existing congregations and establishing new ones across the Roman Empire. The account of this journey is primarily found in Acts 15:36 through Acts 18:22.Background and Departure The journey begins with a pivotal moment in Acts 15:36, where Paul proposes to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing." This reflects Paul's pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being and growth of the early Christian communities. However, a disagreement arises between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, leading to their separation. Paul chooses Silas as his companion, and they are commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord (Acts 15:40). Strengthening the Churches in Syria and Cilicia Paul and Silas first travel through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (Acts 15:41). This phase of the journey underscores the importance of revisiting and reinforcing the faith of the believers, ensuring that the teachings of Christ are firmly rooted in these early congregations. Timothy Joins Paul and Silas In Lystra, Paul encounters Timothy, a young disciple well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-2). Recognizing Timothy's potential, Paul circumcises him because of the Jews in those places, as they all knew his father was a Greek (Acts 16:3). Timothy's inclusion in the mission team highlights the strategic approach of Paul in bridging cultural divides to advance the Gospel. The Macedonian Call The journey takes a significant turn when Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading, "Come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9). Interpreting this as divine guidance, Paul and his companions set sail for Macedonia, marking the Gospel's entry into Europe. This moment is pivotal, as it demonstrates the Holy Spirit's active role in directing the mission work. Ministry in Philippi In Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia, Paul and his companions encounter Lydia, a worshiper of God, whose heart the Lord opens to respond to Paul's message (Acts 16:14). Lydia's conversion and subsequent baptism, along with her household, signify the establishment of the Philippian church. However, their ministry also faces opposition, leading to Paul and Silas's imprisonment. Despite this, their faith remains unshaken, and their miraculous release from prison results in the conversion of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:25-34). Thessalonica and Berea Continuing their journey, Paul and Silas travel to Thessalonica, where they reason with the Jews in the synagogue for three Sabbaths, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead (Acts 17:2-3). While some Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks believe, others incite a mob against them, forcing Paul and Silas to flee to Berea. In Berea, they find a more noble audience, who receive the message with eagerness and examine the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). Athens and Corinth Paul's journey leads him to Athens, where he engages with the philosophers at the Areopagus, delivering a profound discourse on the "unknown god" and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:22-31). Although met with mixed reactions, some become followers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris (Acts 17:34). In Corinth, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers, and stays with them. His ministry in Corinth is marked by perseverance amidst opposition, and the Lord encourages him in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10). Paul remains in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God and establishing a strong church (Acts 18:11). Return to Antioch Concluding his second missionary journey, Paul sails from Cenchreae to Ephesus, where he briefly reasons with the Jews in the synagogue, promising to return if God wills (Acts 18:19-21). He then travels to Caesarea, greets the church, and finally returns to Antioch, where he had been commended to the grace of God for the work he had completed (Acts 18:22). Paul's second tour of the congregations exemplifies his unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, his adaptability in the face of cultural and religious challenges, and his reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through this journey, the Gospel's reach extends further, laying the groundwork for the continued growth of the early Church. Nave's Topical Index Acts 15:36And some days after Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brothers in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do. Nave's Topical Index Library Acts XV Acts XIV On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield Christianity in Rome. Acts IX The General Conference of 1808 The Baptism with the Holy Spirit. From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... The Evangelical Revival. Church Fabrics and Services. Resources Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the account of Paul and Silas? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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