What happened on Paul's third missionary journey?

Paul stayed briefly in Ephesus after returning from his second missionary journey (around 51 - 54 AD; compare Acts 18:19 - 21). But on his third missionary journey (around 54 - 58 AD) he soon arrived there again and stayed there for three years (Acts 19:1 - 20:1; cf. Acts 20:31). Initially Paul preached the gospel in the synagogue, but when the resistance of the Jews became too great, he separated himself from them and taught in the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:8.9).

Paul started his third mission journey shortly after (around 54 – 58 AD; compare Acts 18:23 – 19:14). He came to Ephesus via Galatia and Phrygia in Asia Minor. This is where he remained for three years (Acts 20:31). He probably wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians towards the end of his stay there, which was in spring 57 AD. This epistle might have been handed over by Timothy (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10) but it is equally possible that Timothy went there later only (Acts 19:22). – There is a possibility that Paul wrote the Epistle to the Galatians from Ephesus, too. Actually the Apostle Paul had intended to travel to Corinth himself as soon as possible (1 Cor. 16:5-6; 2 Cor. 1:15). But he probably refrained from it because of the sad situation in Corinth (2 Cor. 1:15; 2:1) and sent Titus instead.

But then Paul left Ephesus (maybe because of the revolt described in Acts 19:22-41). He first preached the gospel in Troas (2 Cor. 2:12) but had no inner peace and proceeded to Macedonia (Acts 20:1; 2 Cor. 2:13). There he met Titus who was on his way back from Corinth (2 Cor. 7:5-6). From Macedonia Paul wrote the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the year 57 AD (2 Cor. 9:2-4) which he probably had delivered by Titus (2 Cor. 8:16-18). In Acts we read of one journey to Macedonia and Greece only (Acts 20:1-3) during which Paul obviously had been to Corinth and from where he wrote the Epistle to the Romans (57/58 AD). For in this epistle he mentions the fact that contributions had been made in Macedonia and Achaia for the saints in Judea which he now wanted to bring to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-28). These statements go hand in hand with the ones in the Epistles to the Corinthians. The mention of Phebe (Romans 16:1-2) from Cenchrea (which was the harbour of Corinth) and of Gaius (Rom. 16:23; compare 1 Cor. 1:14) would indicate that Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans shortly before leaving for Jerusalem when still at Corinth. His journey from Greece to Jerusalem is described in detail in Acts 20 to 21.

Asia Minor, Macedonia and Greece were the sphere of Paul's second missionary journey. Having differed from Barnabas, because the latter wished to take John with them (who had left them on the first journey), Paul selected Silas for his companion, and departed with the full fellowship of the brethren. During part of this journey Timothy was one of the company. He abode a year and a half at Corinth, where he wrote the two EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS. He now visited Jerusalem at the feast, and returned to Antioch. He took his third missionary journey through Galatia and Phrygia. When he visited Ephesus he separated the disciples from the synagogue, and they met in the school of Tyrannus. At Ephesus he wrote the FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, and probably the EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS. After the tumult raised by Demetrius he went to Macedonia, and there wrote the SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. He again visited Corinth and wrote the EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

The Jews seeking his life, Paul went through Macedonia, sailed from Philippi, and preached at Troas. At Miletus he gave a solemn parting address to the elders of Ephesus, and took his leave of the disciples at Tyre, where he was cautioned not to go to Jerusalem. At Caesarea also he was warned of what awaited him at Jerusalem, but he avowed that he was ready not only to be bound, but also to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.

54-56.-Paul's Third Missionary Journey. He departs from Antioch-visits Galatia, Phrygia and reaches Ephesus, where he stays two years and three months. Here Paul separates the disciples from the Jewish synagogue (Acts 19:8, 10). Epistle to the Galatians written.

In Acts 18:23 we read of the beginning of Paul's third missionary journey: "He departed (from Antioch) and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples." Men who understand Greek tell us that the words "country of Galatia and Phrygia" probably do not mean these are two different countries, but instead this country might be called either Galatia or Phrygia. Perhaps we should notice that in Acts 16:5 (and other Scriptures) we read of "the assemblies," but in this verse (Acts 18:23), we read of "disciples."

At Antioch he now spent "some time," an expression which indicates not a very long period: then he was off on his third journey, and first to scenes of former labours in order to strengthen the disciples. This is always a much needed work since there are so many influences which make for the weakening of disciples. We pick up Paul's story in the first verse of Acts 19, and verses 24-28 are a parenthesis dealing with the full enlightenment of Apollos and his happy service, in which we discover that, though Paul had passed so quickly from Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla had remained there, and through them the Lord furnished Apollos with exactly what he needed.

Paul's Third Missionary Journey A.D. 54

Having "spent some time" in Antioch, Paul leaves that Gentile centre, and commences another missionary journey. Nothing is said of his companions on this occasion. He "went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order strengthening all the disciples;" and also giving directions for the collection on behalf of the poor saints at Jerusalem. (1 Cor. 16:1-2) In a short time he reached the centre of the work in Asia.

Landing at Caesarea he went up and saluted the Church, and then went down to Antioch, distant 500 miles. After spending some time in his familiar quarters at Antioch, he started on his third missionary journey.

The intrepid earnest spirit of the Apostle urged him forward. Travelling and preaching must have become second nature by now. So we find Paul going over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening the disciples. The pioneer work of the evangelist had opened out the work in those parts; now he acts as the pastor and teacher.

Paul's help at Antioch was evidently much more appreciated and profitable than at Jerusalem. He remained some time there before then traveling through all the region of Galatia and Phrygia to confirm the work established there, strengthening the disciples by the ministry of the Word.

The apostles' work is now situated in another provincial centre in the capital of the province of Asia, which was then only the south-west canton of Asia Minor, Caria, Lycia, etc. Paul had before been prohibited from preaching the word in Asia, having been sent into Macedonia. Now, while he remains at the capital, all the province listens to the word of God. It is good to wait on God and to follow His direction; His work is then much better done, and with a certainty that human plans can never give us. Having passed through the upper portion of Asia Minor (the northern and central), Paul arrives at Ephesus. In this important city he remains nearly three years. Here also the power of his ministry is displayed in a remarkable way. It is the special subject of this chapter. We are ignorant as to how Apollos was fully introduced into the Christian position. He was doubtless baptized, and had received the Holy Ghost; but nothing is said about it. All we know is that he was instructed in the way of the Lord by means of Aquila and Priscilla through the word. It was independently of Paul, and had to be so.