This is part of a continuing look at the life of the apostle Paul. It was written by Wayne Jackson and appeared in the December, 1978 edition of the Christian Courier. The paper was published by the East Main Street Church of Christ in Stockton, California and was edited by Jackson.
No devotee of ancient Christianity has made such an impact upon world culture as Paul the apostle. He was a tireless traveler and indefatigable worker for the cause of his Christ in the antique world of the Roman empire. His ministry spanned approximately thirty years and his, "known travels totaled some 12,000 miles" (National Geographic Magazine, December 1956, p. 710).
The Early Years - Immediately after his remarkable conversion, Paul began to proclaim Christ as the Son of God in the Jewish synagogues of Damascus (Acts 9:20). Subsequently, he journeyed to Arabia and then returned to Damascus (Galatians 1:17). Forced to flee Damascus, he went to Jerusalem (Acts 9:23) where he stayed for fifteen days (Galatians 1:18). While praying in the temple, he was warned to quickly leave the city and to go, "forth far hence to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:17-21). He thus went to his native Tarsus (Acts 9:30) where he remained for some eight to ten years. Later he came to Antioch of Syria, where he and Barnabas labored for a year (Acts 11:25-26).
The Missionary Journeys - All serious Bible students are familiar with Paul's three missionary journeys. The first (Acts 13:4-14:26) took them west to Cyprus and northward into Asia Minor. This tour lasted possibly some two years. Some scholars believe that the churches of Antioch (Pisidia), Iconium, Lystra and Derbe were the churches of Galatia addressed in the Epistle to the Galatians. Upon completing that first trip, Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem where, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28), the issue regarding the observance of the law of Moses as a means of salvation was settled (see Acts 15).
For the second journey (Acts 15:40-18:22), the apostle's companion was Silas. Along the way westward through Asia Minor, they were joined by Timothy (Acts 16:1-3) and Luke (see "we" in 16:10-11). For the first time the gospel entered Europe (16:12ff). The apostle labored in such prominent European cities as Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth (where he stayed 18 months and from which he wrote First and Second Thessalonians). The second campaign probably spanned approximately four years of time.
The third journey (18:23-21:17) sees Paul once more leaving Antioch of Syria and traveling westward through Asia, "establishing all the disciples" ( Acts 18:23) and urging a contribution for the poor saints in Jerusalem (I Corinthians 16:1-2). The apostle established a church in Ephesus and continued to labor there for two to three years (Acts 19:8, 10; 20:31) so that all of Asia heard the word. During this time he wrote I Corinthians. He then went over to Macedonia, where he was joined by Titus (II Corinthians 7:5-6) and possibly Timothy (I Timothy 1:1) from whence he penned II Corinthians. He then proceeded to Greece (Corinth) where he stayed three months and wrote to the saints in Rome (Romans 1:7). Accompanied by friends, Paul went to Philippi where he was joined by Luke (Acts 20:6) and from thence they sailed to Asia. Finally, this third tour of duty was concluded in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17), having consumed some three to four years.
The Final Years - At Jerusalem, Paul was accused by Jewish enemies and arrested (Acts 21:33). Under heavy guard, the apostle was taken to Caesarea where he was unjustly imprisoned for two years (Acts 24:27). Even here Paul likely evangelized, at least indirectly, for his friends could visit him freely (Acts 24:23). Eventually, the great apostle appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:9-12). And so, in the company of Luke (Acts 27:1), Paul embarked for Rome under guard. The long and dangerous journey is picturesquely described by Luke (Acts 27:1-28:16). In Rome the apostle was imprisoned in his own rented dwelling for two years. Here he wrote the epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Eventually he was released. There are some historical indications that he went to Spain (cf. Romans 15:24; Letter of Clement, 95 A.D.). During this period be penned I Timothy, Titus and finally just before his death (c. 67 A.D.), II Timothy.
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