488 – Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

SEMESTER 6

488 – Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY VI LESSON # 88
PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY

INTRODUCTION:

1. Though I, by the Scriptures read, imply the end of this journey at Jerusalem, to say so would be inaccurate.
2. No doubt, Paul, planned to, from here, return to Antioch, as he had on his other two journeys.
3. Persecution interrupted his schedule and providence took him all the way to Rome.
4. For the purpose of this lesson, we shall consider only the part in which Paul went as he was led.

I. THE BEGINNING OF PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOUR­NEY

1. It is not said how much time elapsed between the second and third journeys, just “some time.” (Acts 18:23)
2. He went over all Galatia and Phrygia, in order, strengthening the disciples.
3. This, necessarily, would take something of the route of the second journey. Note “in order.” (Acts 18:23)
4. His visit to Phrygia, in which was Colosse, is particularly mentioned on this trip.
5. It is during this trip that Paul shall meet with problems caused by Appolos. (Acts 18:24 – 19:1)

II. THE CHANGE OF DIRECTION ON THE THIRD JOUR­NEY

1. On the second journey, Paul went west from Galatia to Troas.
2. On this journey, He turned southwest from Galatia to Ephesus.
3. Could it be the Holy Spirit so led, to turn the error of Appolos into opportunity for Paul? (Acts 19:1-8)
4. It appears that a problem had been created by Appolos and the solution to it was an entry ticket into the synagogue.

III. PAUL’S FINAL VISITS TO THE CHURCHES

1. From Ephesus, Paul turned north through Troas, on to Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and by ship to Corinth. (Acts 20: 1-15)
2. From Corinth, by land, back to Berea and new areas west of Berea, back to Thessalonica, Philippi, Neapolis, Troas, Assos, Mitylene, Trogyllium, Miletus. (Acts 20:1-3)
3. From Miletus, he called the elders of Ephesus to bid them a final goodbye. (Acts 20:17-19)
4. From Miletus, he returned by ship, by Coos and Rhodes and Patara to Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea and by land to Jerusalem.

IV. A BRIEF LOOK AT PAUL’S TRAVELS

1. The longest distance (straight line) Paul ever traveled from Jerusalem on his missionary trip was to Corinth – 800 miles.
2. This, however, was a great distance, considering that Jesus’ greatest distance from Jerusalem would have been 90 miles.
3. The time and discomfort of his travel would make any travel today, by comparison insignificant.