Second Missionary Journey

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 51 A. D.

Scripture: Acts 15:36-18:11

NOTE:

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Missionary Journey

PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY TRIP

TIME, 51–54 A. D. 3 YEARS

Introduction:

While Paul undoubtedly enjoyed his work at Antioch, it was not long before (God was ready) he was ready to take another journey...

He was concerned about the churches established on the first journey - Ac 15:36
He also had the goal of preaching Christ in places where the gospel had not yet been proclaimed - cf. Ro 15:20-21

And so begins Paul’s second missionary journey...

That will allow him to visit churches established on the first trip
With new traveling companions
Taking him to a new continent and he will establish new churches, experience more persecution, and begin writing more letters that will become part of the New Testament.

[As with the first missionary journey, the second journey begins in...]

ANTIOCH

Paul and Barnabas separate. (Acts 15:36-40)

[While the separation of Paul and Barnabas was unpleasant, it did not keep both men from their service to God. Paul eventually was reconciled with both men (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:6; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24), and this temporary separation provided the opportunity for others to become involved in the work of spreading the gospel. With Silas at his side, Paul proceeded to travel to...]

PAUL AND BARNABAS SEPARATE...

They disagree over whether to take John Mark - Ac 15:37-38

Barnabas was determined to take John Mark (his cousin) - cf. Co 4:10
Paul insisted that he was not reliable - cf. Ac 13:13

Their contention required them to separate - Ac 15:39

Barnabas took John Mark and went to Cyprus
Where Barnabas was from, and which was visited on the first journey - cf. Ac 4:36; 13:4-12

PAUL AND SILAS BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY...

Paul selected Silas to accompany him - Ac 15:40

One of the two men sent by Jerusalem with the letter regarding circumcision - Ac 15:22-23,27
Who himself was a prophet - Ac 15:32
Who had stayed in Antioch - Ac 15:34

They pass through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches - Ac 15:41

From which Paul was from - Ac 22:3
Where he had spent time preaching before - Ga 1:21
To whom Paul and Silas likely delivered the letter addressed to them - Ac 15:23

SYRIA and CILICIA

Paul and Silas in Syria and Cilicia. (Acts 15:41)

DERBE and LYSTRA

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas (Acts 16:1-3)

Where Paul healed a lame man, and was stoned on his first journey - Ac 14:6-20
Paul desires Timothy to go with him - Ac 16:1-3

Whose mother was a Jew, his father a Greek - cf. 2 Ti 1:5; 3:15-16
Who had a good reputation among the brethren
Whom Paul had circumcised in deference to the Jews. The circumcision of Timothy at Lystra. The Decrees were delivered to the churches.

The decrees from the conference in Jerusalem were delivered - Ac 16:4-5

PHRYGIA and GALATIA

Churches are Strengthened (Acts 16:4-5)

They next went throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia - Ac 16:6
This likely included the churches in Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia
They were forbidden by the Spirit to preach the word in Asia, i.e., to head southwest toward Ephesus - Ac 16:7

MYSIA and TROAS

The vision of Macedonian Call (Acts 16:6-10)

Near Mysia they were not permitted by the Spirit to head north toward Bithynia - Ac 16:8
They arrive in Troas - Ac 16:9-10

Where Paul has a vision, a man of Macedonia asking him to help them
Understood as the Lord sending them in that direction
Note the use of “we” -- Luke joins Paul as a companion. "We" v. 10

Luke, author of Acts, now joins Paul and his company
He was a physician (Co 4:14), author also of the gospel which bears his name, and was with Paul in his last days - 2 Ti 4:11

[From Troas they cross over to Samothrace, and then to Neapolis (Ac 16:11). They have now entered the continent of Europe, and come into...]

SAMOTHRACIA and NEAPOLIS (v. 11)

THE REGIONS OF MACEDONIA AND ACHAIA (52-53 A.D.)

PHILIPPI

The first European church was founded. (Acts 16:12-40)

The arrival in the city. A chief city of Macedonia, and Roman colony - Ac 16:12
Paul’s companions in Philippi: Euodias, Syntyche, Syzygus, Clement.
The conversion of Lydia and her household. (vv. 12-15)
The healing of the demoniac girl. (vv. 16-18)
Paul and Silas in prison. "Singing In The Slammer"

They are beaten and imprisoned. (vv. 19-24) Paul refers to this in his letter to the Thessalonians - 1 Th 2:2. Also in his letter to the Philippians - Ph 1:30
The earthquake. The conversion of the jailer and his family. (vv. 25-34)
Paul and Silas are released and depart from Philippi. Luke remains. (vv. 35-40)

Not before pointing out the serious mistake made by the magistrates beating Roman citizens (not only Paul, but evidently Silas was a Roman citizen also)
Not before going to the house of Lydia and encouraging the brethren

The church at Philippi...

Included Lydia and the jailer, along with their families
Luke, who stayed behind (note the use of “they”, Ac 16:40;17:1)
Euodia, Syntyche, Syzygus (“true companion”), and Clement - Ph 4:2-3

AMPHIPOLIS, APOLLONIA, and THESSALONICA

Teaching in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9)

Passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they come to Thessalonica - Ac 17:1
Paul visits the synagogue - Ac 17:2-4

5 key verbs in vs. 2-4. Paul...

REASONED
EXPLAINED
PROVED
PROCLAIMED
PERSUADED

Paul and Silas preach in the synagogue and reasons with the Jews for three Sabbaths. Jason is brought before the magistrates. (Acts 17:5-9)

Proclaiming Jesus as the Christ
Some of whom were persuaded, along with a great multitude of Greeks
Unbelieving Jews gather a mob, and attack the house of Jason - Ac 17:5-9
Paul and Silas sent away by the brethren - Ac 17:10
Elsewhere, we learn the following about Paul’s stay in Thessalonica...

He supported himself, aided by the Philippians - 1 Th 2:9; 2 Th 3:6-10; Ph 4:16
The dedicated nature of his ministry - 1 Th 2:1-10
The faithfulness and love of the Thessalonians - 1 Th 1:1-8; 2:13-16; 4:9-10

The account in 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians and Philippians.

Paul supports himself by work, the Philippians alone aiding him.
Paul’s fidelity in preaching.
The faithfulness and charity of the Thessalonians.

BEREA

Good Reception at Berea. (Acts 17:10-12) "More Noble Character"

Paul and Silas preach in the synagogue. Jews from Thessalonica oppose them.
The Jews are more fair-minded than those at Thessalonica - Ac 17:11-12

They received the word with all readiness
They searched the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true
Many believed, along with prominent Greeks

Jews from Thessalonica came and stirred up the crowds - Ac 17:13
Paul was sent away by the brethren, but Silas and Timothy stay - Ac 17:14
Paul departs from Berœa. Silas and Timothy remain. Timothy is sent later to Thessalonica.

Application:

5 Steps to Becoming a Berean

Be an EAGER and ENTHUSIASTIC student of God’s word.
Carefully Listen to the message with an OPEN Bible in hand
Take NOTES and write down questions so you can TEST what is scripture
Spend quality time in God’s word EVERY DAY.
Give the Bible FINAL SAY in all matters of life and doctrine.

ATHENS

The arrival seems to be by himself to start. Then Paul sends for Silas and Timothy - Ac 17:15
Moved by the idolatry, Paul disputes with both Jews and Greeks philosophers - Ac 17:16-17

In the synagogue with Jews and other devout persons
In the market place daily

Invited by the Epicurean and Stoic to speak at the Areopagus - Ac 17:18-21
Paul’s sermon on “The Unknown God” - Ac 17:22-34 "Reaching Brainiacs For Christ"

Proclaiming the One True God
Proclaiming the need to repent, the coming Judgment, and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead
The reaction was varied: some mocked, others agreed to hear more, and some believed

At some point, Timothy is sent back to Thessalonica - cf. 1 Th 3:1-2

To encourage the brethren there
Some scholars believe Timothy may have been sent from Berea

Paul’s Six-Point Sermon (vs. 24-31)

1. God is not MADE with the MAKER (vs. 24-25)

2. God has guided HISTORY (v. 26)

3. God has made us to SEEK and FIND Him (vs. 27-28)

4. The days of IGNORANCE are over. It’s time to wake up and REPENT (vs 29-30)

5. The day of JUDGMENT is coming (v. 31)

6. Jesus’ RESURRECTION proves it (v. 31)

CORINTH. “A year and six months.”

"18 Months in Sin City"

A Bird’s-eye View of Corinth

Corinth was a STRATEGIC city.

Because of commerce through trade routes

Corinth was a BIG city.

200,000 residents

Corinth was a WICKED city.

Rich merchants with cash in their pockets.
Bars on every corner.
Part of the city is 2,000 feet high.

Temple of Aphrodite

With up to 1,000 temple prostitutes

Cultural terms:

Korinthiastes = a prostitute
Korinthiazomai = to engage in sexual immorality

===========

Paul arrives and lives with Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:1-4

He worked together with them as a tentmaker - cf. 1 Co 9:6-15
He also received support from Philippi - cf. 2 Co 11:7-10; Ph 4:15
He reasoned with the Jews every Sabbath - cf. 1 Co 2:1-5

Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia - Ac 18:5; 2 Co 1:19

With good news regarding the church at Thessalonica - 1 Th 3:6-7
Prompting Paul to write First Thessalonians (52 A.D.) - 1 Th 1:1

Purpose:

To praise them for their steadfastness under persecution
To instruct them concerning holy living
To correct any misunderstanding, especially about the second coming of Christ

Theme: Holiness In View Of The Coming Of Christ
Brief Outline:

Personal reflections - 1 Th 1:1-3:13
Apostolic instructions - 1 Th 4:1-5:28

Paul leaves the synagogue and preaches next door - Ac 18:5-7
His success in Corinth - Ac 18:8; 1 Co 1:14-16

Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believes with his household and is baptized
Many of the Corinthians believe and are baptized
Gaius is baptized and later becomes the host of the church - cf. Ro 16:23
The household of Stephanas is baptized - cf. 1 Co 16:15

Paul’s vision from the Lord - Ac 18:9-11

Not to be afraid, nor remain silent
The Lord has many people in the city
So Paul remains a year and six months (52-53 A.D.)
During this he writes Second Thessalonians (53 A.D.) - 2 Th 1:1

Purpose:

To encourage them in their steadfastness under persecution
To correct their misunderstanding about the imminence of the Lord's return
To instruct the congregation on what disciplinary action to take toward those who refused to work

Theme: Steadfastness While Waiting For The Coming Of Christ
Brief Outline:

Encouragement In Persecutions - 2 Th 1:1-12
Enlightenment About The Coming Of The Lord - 2 Th 2:1-17
Exhortations To Christian Living - 2 Th 3:1-18

Paul before Gallio - Ac 18:12-17

The Jews bring Paul up on charges before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia
Gallio refuses to heed them, the Greeks beat Sosthenes, ruler of the synagogue

Paul remains in Corinth for a good while - Ac 18:18a

3 Important Lessons

There is no excuse for being LAZY. Every Christian needs to WORK. (2 Thessalonians 3:9-13)
God has called you to be a WATCHMAN on the wall, warning those around you of the coming JUDGEMENT.
Do not be AFRAID. Keep on SPEAKING. Do not be SILENT. For God is with you

[After such a long and successful stay (comparatively speaking) in Corinth, Paul begins the backward leg of his journey and his...]

CENCHREA, EPHESUS, CÆSAREA, JERUSALEM Fourth visit, and ANTIOCH

RETURN TO ANTIOCH IN SYRIA (54 A.D.)

FROM CORINTH TO EPHESUS...

Joined by Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:18
Cut his hair in Cenchrea (near Corinth), for Paul had taken a vow - Ac 18:18; cf. Ro 16:1
In Ephesus - Ac 18:19-20

Left Aquila and Priscilla there
Reasoned with the Jews for a short time in the synagogue, who wanted him to stay longer

FROM EPHESUS TO JERUSALEM...

Anxious to get to Jerusalem in time for the feast (Passover?) - Ac 18:21
Sailed from Ephesus to Caesarea - Ac 18:21-22
Went “up” (elevation-wise) to Jerusalem and visited the church - Ac 18:22

FROM JERUSALEM TO ANTIOCH…

He went “down” (elevation-wise) to Antioch - Ac 18:22
He spent “some time” in Antioch of Syria - Ac 18:23a

CONCLUSION

On this second journey, Paul was able to...

Encourage churches like those in Syria, Cilicia, Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch
Establish churches like those in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth

It was a journey that saw the beginning of long-lasting relationships...

Silas and Timothy
The physician Luke, the brethren at Philippi (Clement, Euodia, Syntyche)
Aquila and Priscilla, the brethren at Corinth (Gaius, Crispus, the household of Stephanas)

This was a journey that provides much historical background to the New Testament...

Describing churches to whom letters were later written (Galatians Philippians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Corinthians)
Introducing key persons whose impact is felt in the New Testament (Luke, who wrote the gospel and the book of Acts; Timothy, to whom Paul wrote two epistles)

It was also a journey with several notable examples of conversion (Lydia, the Philippian jailer, the Corinthians). We also saw the worthy example of the Bereans in how they listened to Paul, and searched the Scriptures daily. May such examples encourage us in our devotion to the Lord!

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:

Kevin's Kommentary

Monday, March 6, 2023

Life of Paul - The Second Missionary Journey