Give an account of the missionary journeys of St.

Paul

Introduction
The missionary journeys of Paul the Apostle are some of the most pivotal events in
early Christian history. Through these travels, Paul established Christian
communities, spread the gospel, and laid the foundation for Christianity's
expansion beyond the Jewish community into the Gentile world. His journeys are
detailed in the Acts of the Apostles and his own epistles, which provide a firsthand
account of the challenges, successes, and spiritual guidance he experienced.
Paul embarked on three major missionary journeys, each covering a wide
geographical area and having significant theological implications for the growth of
Christianity. His journeys were not merely a physical traversal but were deeply
intertwined with the theological developments that would shape early Christian
doctrine.

St.Paul's Conversion and Early Life

Before delving into Paul’s missionary journeys, it’s crucial to understand his
background. Born Saul of Tarsus, Paul was initially a staunch opponent of the
Christian movement. He was a Pharisee, educated under the prominent rabbi
Gamaliel, and was well-versed in Jewish law. His early life was marked by zeal for
Jewish tradition, which led him to persecute early Christians.1
His life took a dramatic turn when he experienced a powerful encounter with the
risen Christ on the road to Damascus. This event transformed him from a
persecutor of Christians into one of the faith’s most fervent advocates. After his
conversion, Paul spent some time in Arabia and later returned to Damascus, where
he began preaching about Jesus. Eventually, Paul traveled to Jerusalem to meet
with the apostles, marking the beginning of his new mission: to spread the gospel
far beyond the confines of the Jewish community.

First Missionary Journey (AD 46-48)

Paul’s first missionary journey is recorded in Acts 13-14 and began shortly after he
and Barnabas were commissioned by the church in Antioch. This journey marked

1
F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1977), 93-94.
the beginning of Paul’s efforts to evangelize non-Jewish communities, bringing the
message of salvation through Jesus Christ to the Gentiles2.
Antioch of Pisidia
Paul and Barnabas initially traveled to Cyprus, where they preached in synagogues
and performed miracles. From Cyprus, they journeyed to Asia Minor (modern-day
Turkey), specifically to Antioch of Pisidia. It was here that Paul delivered one of
his first recorded sermons, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.
While many Jews rejected Paul’s message, the Gentiles responded enthusiastically,
leading to tensions between the Jewish and non-Jewish communities.3
Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe
Paul and Barnabas continued their journey to Iconium, where they once again
preached in the synagogue. Though they experienced some initial success,
opposition soon arose, forcing them to flee to Lystra. In Lystra, Paul performed a
miraculous healing, which led the local population to mistake him and Barnabas
for gods. Despite this misunderstanding, Paul used the opportunity to preach about
the true God. However, opposition followed them, and Paul was eventually stoned
and left for dead outside the city. Remarkably, Paul survived and continued his
journey, undeterred by the persecution.
Return to Antioch
After visiting Derbe, Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps, revisiting the cities
where they had preached, strengthening the newly established Christian
communities. Upon their return to Antioch, they reported the success of their
mission, particularly the significant number of Gentiles who had embraced the
faith. This journey was a turning point in early Christian history, as it demonstrated
the growing inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian community, leading to the first
significant theological debate regarding the necessity of following Jewish law.4

The Jerusalem Council

Between Paul's first and second journeys, the early Christian movement faced a
critical theological challenge: should Gentile converts be required to follow Jewish
customs, particularly circumcision? This question became so divisive that a council
2
William L. Lane, "The Missionary Journeys of Paul," in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia,
ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1988), 234-236.
3
Eckhard J. Schnabel, Early Christian Mission: Paul and the Early Church (Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 2004), 270.
4
F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1977), 103
was convened in Jerusalem to address the issue. Paul and Barnabas attended the
council, where they argued that Gentiles should not be burdened with the
requirements of Jewish law. The council ultimately agreed with Paul, stating that
Gentile converts were not obligated to observe circumcision or other ceremonial
aspects of the Mosaic Law. This decision was crucial for the future of Christianity,
as it opened the door for the gospel to be preached freely to all people, regardless
of their ethnic or religious background.5

Second Missionary Journey (AD 49-52)

St.Paul's second missionary journey, detailed in Acts 15:36-18:22, built upon the
success of his first journey, but it also involved new challenges and opportunities.
This journey was marked by a significant expansion of Paul's ministry into
Europe.6
Asia Minor and Macedonia
After parting ways with Barnabas, Paul chose Silas as his new companion and
revisited the churches established during his first journey. Along the way, they
recruited Timothy, a young disciple from Lystra, to join them. Together, they
traveled through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit prevented them from
preaching in certain regions, guiding them instead toward Macedonia.7St.Paul’s
decision to enter Macedonia came after a vision in which a man from Macedonia
pleaded with him to come and help them. This marked the first time the gospel
would be preached on European soil, and it led to the establishment of several key
churches.
Philippi
One of the first cities Paul visited in Macedonia was Philippi, where he and his
companions met Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth, who became one of the first
converts in Europe. Paul's time in Philippi was marked by both success and
hardship. After casting out a demon from a slave girl, Paul and Silas were arrested
and beaten. However, while in prison, they sang hymns and prayed, leading to a
miraculous earthquake that opened the prison doors. The jailer, impressed by
Paul’s faith, became a Christian, and Paul was released.

5
F.F. Bruce, The Book of Acts (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1988), 297
6
William L. Lane, "The Missionary Journeys of Paul," in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia,
ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1988), 249
7
E. Earle Ellis, Pauline Theology: Ministry and Society (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2005), 101
Thessalonica and Berea
After leaving Philippi, Paul traveled to Thessalonica, where he preached in the
synagogue. Some Jews and a large number of Gentiles accepted his message, but
others opposed him, leading to civil unrest. Forced to flee the city, Paul next
traveled to Berea, where he found a more receptive audience. The Bereans were
noted for their diligence in studying the scriptures to verify Paul's teachings, but
opposition from Thessalonica eventually followed him, forcing Paul to leave for
Athens.
Athens and Corinth
In Athens, St.Paul engaged with the city’s intellectuals and philosophers,
delivering his famous sermon at the Areopagus. He used the Athenians’ altar to an
unknown god as a starting point to preach about the true God. While his message
was met with mixed reactions, a few people, including Dionysius the Areopagite
and a woman named Damaris, became believers.From Athens, Paul moved to
Corinth, where he spent a significant amount of time. Corinth was a major
commercial hub, and Paul's work there resulted in the establishment of a strong
Christian community. He met Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers who became
important co-laborers in his ministry. Despite facing opposition from the Jewish
community, Paul’s work in Corinth flourished, and he stayed there for 18 months,
teaching and strengthening the church.

Third Missionary Journey (AD 53-57)

St.Paul’s third and final recorded missionary journey, found in Acts 18:23-21:17,
was primarily focused on revisiting and strengthening the churches he had
established. However, it also included significant theological and pastoral
developments.8
Ephesus
One of the most significant stops on this journey was Ephesus, where Paul stayed
for nearly three years. Ephesus was a major center of commerce and pagan
worship, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World. Paul's time in Ephesus was marked by both great success and intense
opposition. He performed many miracles, and his preaching led to the conversion
of a large number of people, causing a decline in the sale of idols. This, in turn, led
8
William L. Lane, "The Missionary Journeys of Paul," in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia,
ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1988), 253
to a riot instigated by the local silversmiths, whose business was being affected by
the spread of Christianity.9
Macedonia and Greece
After leaving Ephesus, Paul traveled through Macedonia and Greece, revisiting the
churches he had established during his second journey. His time in Greece
included a brief visit to Corinth, where he wrote several of his epistles, including
the letters to the Corinthians and Romans. These letters provide deep theological
insights into Paul’s understanding of Christian doctrine, particularly regarding
justification by faith, the role of the law, and the relationship between Jews and
Gentiles in the church.
Return to Jerusalem
Paul’s third journey concluded with his return to Jerusalem. Despite warnings from
fellow believers that he would face imprisonment, Paul felt compelled by the Holy
Spirit to return to the city. Upon his arrival, Paul was arrested by the Jewish
authorities, marking the beginning of his final journey to Rome.10
Theological Significance of Paul’s Journeys
Paul’s missionary journeys had a profound impact on the development of Christian
theology and the spread of the faith. His journeys marked the transition of
Christianity from a primarily Jewish movement to a global religion. His insistence
on the inclusion of Gentiles without requiring adherence to Jewish law laid the
foundation for the universal nature of the Christian gospel. His writings on topics
such as salvation, grace, the nature of the church, and the role of the Holy Spirit
continue to shape Christian doctrine to this day.11

Conclusion
The missionary journeys of Paul represent a crucial chapter in the history of early
Christianity. Through his travels, Paul established key churches, spread the gospel
to both Jews and Gentiles, and developed theological insights that would shape the
future of the Christian faith. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and
hardship, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, ultimately leaving a legacy that
would influence generations.

9
N.T. Wright, Paul: A Biography (New York: HarperOne, 2018), 123
10
F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1977), 109
11
William L. Lane, "The Missionary Journeys of Paul," in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia,
ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1988), 262
 Bibliography

1. F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free ,Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 1977
2. William L. Lane, "The Missionary Journeys of Paul," in The International
Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley ,Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 1988
3. Eckhard J. Schnabel, Early Christian Mission: Paul and the Early
Church,Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2004
4. F.F. Bruce, The Book of Acts ,Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1988
5. E. Earle Ellis, Pauline Theology: Ministry and Society ,Eugene, OR: Wipf
and Stock, 2005
6. N.T. Wright, Paul: A Biography ,New York: HarperOne, 2018
 The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary
Vettickal

Assignment
Topic: Give an account of the missionary journeys of Paul

Submitted To Submitted By
V. Rev. Adai Jacob Corepiscopo Akhil Binoy
MSOT Seminary BD 2nd Year
Vettickal MSOT Seminary