Paul's Third Missionary Journey: A Concluding Apostolic Endeavour
Paul's Third Missionary Journey, chronicled primarily in the book of Acts from Acts 18:23 to Acts 21:17, represents a pivotal and concluding phase of the Apostle Paul's extensive missionary work. Spanning approximately four years (circa A.D. 53-57), this journey was characterized by a sustained focus on strengthening existing churches, confronting doctrinal error, enduring fierce opposition, and preparing for his eventual return to Jerusalem and subsequent imprisonment. It was a period of intense spiritual warfare, profound teaching, and miraculous demonstrations of God's power, laying a robust foundation for the burgeoning Gentile church and shaping much of the New Testament's theological landscape.
Commencement and Early Stages: Strengthening the Disciples
The journey commenced with Paul departing from Antioch in Syria, the launching point for his previous missionary expeditions. His primary objective, as stated in Acts 18:23, was "to go over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples." This initial phase highlights Paul's pastoral heart and his commitment to nurturing the churches he had previously planted. He understood that conversion was but the beginning; sustained spiritual growth required consistent teaching and encouragement. This methodical approach ensured that the foundational truths of the Gospel were deeply rooted in the lives of the believers, preparing them for future challenges and enabling them to stand firm in their faith.
Ephesus: The Hub of Ministry and Spiritual Warfare
The most significant portion of Paul's third journey was spent in the bustling, idolatrous city of Ephesus, a major commercial and religious centre of the Roman Empire. Before Paul's arrival, the eloquent Apollos had ministered there, teaching "diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John" (Acts 18:25). Aquila and Priscilla, Paul's faithful companions, "took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:26), demonstrating the importance of sound doctrine and mutual edification within the early church.
Upon Paul's arrival, he encountered twelve disciples who had only known John's baptism. Understanding the vital role of the Holy Ghost in the believer's life, Paul asked them, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" (Acts 19:2). After explaining the true baptism in Jesus' name, "when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied" (Acts 19:6). This event underscored the distinction between John's preparatory ministry and the full outpouring of the Spirit through Christ.
For three months, Paul taught boldly in the synagogue, disputing and persuading concerning the kingdom of God. When some hardened their hearts, he separated the disciples, "disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus" (Acts 19:9). This extended period of two years ensured that "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks" (Acts 19:10). During this time, God worked "special miracles by the hands of Paul" (Acts 19:11), to the extent that:
From his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
This powerful demonstration of divine authority directly challenged the prevalent magical practices in Ephesus. The incident with the seven sons of Sceva, who attempted to exorcise demons "by Jesus whom Paul preacheth" (Acts 19:13), backfired spectacularly, leading to their public humiliation and a deep fear falling upon all. As a result, many who practiced curious arts "brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver" (Acts 19:19). This dramatic turning from idolatry and magic testified to the overwhelming power of the Gospel. "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed" (Acts 19:20).
However, the success of the Gospel provoked a fierce reaction from those whose livelihoods depended on idolatry. Demetrius, a silversmith who made shrines for Diana, incited a riot, crying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians" (Acts 19:28). The city was filled with confusion, and Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, were seized. The riot was eventually quelled by the townclerk, who warned against unlawful assemblies. After this tumult, Paul "departed for to go into Macedonia" (Acts 20:1).
Macedonia and Greece: Pastoral Care and Strategic Planning
Leaving Ephesus, Paul traveled through Macedonia, visiting the churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, strengthening them and collecting aid for the poor saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26). It is during this period that Paul likely penned his second epistle to the Corinthians, addressing issues within that church and defending his apostleship. From Macedonia, he proceeded to Greece, spending three months, most likely in Corinth. Here, he wrote his masterful epistle to the Romans, outlining the comprehensive doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, a testament to the theological depth born out of his missionary experiences.
While in Greece, a plot by the Jews against Paul's life necessitated a change in his travel plans. Instead of sailing directly to Syria, he decided to "return through Macedonia" (Acts 20:3), accompanied by several brethren representing the churches that had contributed to the offering for Jerusalem. This strategic change underscored the constant dangers Paul faced and the providential care of God over his life.
Return Journey to Jerusalem: Farewell and Prophetic Warnings
The return journey was marked by significant events and poignant farewells. In Troas, during a protracted sermon that lasted until midnight, a young man named Eutychus, overcome by sleep, fell from a third story window and was taken up dead. Paul, demonstrating his apostolic authority and God's power, "went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him" (Acts 20:10). Eutychus was miraculously restored to life, providing comfort and reassurance to the believers.
From Troas, Paul journeyed by foot and ship, eventually arriving at Miletus, where he sent for the elders of the Ephesian church. His farewell address to them in Acts 20:18-35 is one of the most moving and instructive passages in the New Testament. Paul recounted his blameless conduct among them, his diligent teaching "publickly, and from house to house" (Acts 20:20), and his unwavering proclamation of "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). He then spoke of his impending journey to Jerusalem, knowing that "bonds and afflictions abide me" (Acts 20:23), yet declaring:
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Paul then issued a solemn warning about future dangers to the church, specifically the rise of false teachers: "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:29-30). He exhorted them to be vigilant and commended them "to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32). His final words encouraged them to labor and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Their emotional parting underscored the deep bond between Paul and these spiritual leaders.
The journey continued with stops at various ports, including Coos, Rhodes, Patara, and Tyre. In Tyre, disciples warned Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4). After a brief stop in Ptolemais, they arrived at Caesarea, where they stayed with Philip the evangelist. Here, the prophet Agabus took Paul's girdle, bound his own hands and feet, and prophesied, "So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles" (Acts 21:11). Despite the fervent pleas of his companions and the local believers, Paul remained resolute, declaring, "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21:13). His unwavering commitment to Christ's call, even unto suffering, stands as a profound example of faith and obedience.
Finally, Paul and his company arrived in Jerusalem, where they were "gladly received of the brethren" (Acts 21:17).
Conclusion: Legacy and Impact
Paul's Third Missionary Journey was a culmination of his apostolic ministry, showcasing his relentless dedication to spreading the Gospel, strengthening the churches, and confronting spiritual darkness. It was a period of intense theological development, as evidenced by the epistles written during or immediately after this journey. The challenges faced—from demonic opposition and magical arts to Jewish plots and mob violence—only served to highlight the prevailing power of God's word and the unwavering resolve of His apostle. The journey concluded with Paul's determined return to Jerusalem, fully aware of the impending trials, yet resolute in his commitment to Christ. This journey not only solidified the foundations of the early church but also prepared Paul for the next phase of his ministry: imprisonment, legal appeals, and ultimately, his journey to Rome, where he would continue to bear witness to the Lord Jesus Christ even in chains.