Paul continued
Second missionary journey
Paul and Barnabas separated, with Paul taking Silas with him, followed shortly by Timothy. Timothy was circumcised in order to prevent any difficulties that he might have had working with the Jews. Luke joined them when they sailed in to Macedonia. Eye witnesses gave account of Lydia’s conversion, deliverance of a demon possessed slave girl and there were subtle changes against the imprisonment of Paul and Silas. They left Luke at Phillippi, went on to Thessalonika, but were forced to flee to Berea. Paul then went on to Athens to preach in the synagogue and daily in the market. However the pagan philosophers did not allow him to mention the resurrection, so he considered this a failure.
However Corinth proved to be a definite success, lasting 18 months. It was a city of commerce, wealth, squalor and gross immorality. He found employment for his trade, and was cheered up by the coming of Silas and Timothy to join him. This resulted in a church formulated mainly from the lower levels of society.
Third missionary journey
Paul started a fruitful ministry at Epheus which lasted almost three years. It was an influential city in the East and at the heart of Greco – Roman civilization. Streams of people came in contact with the Gospel, many were converted and spread the message throughout the province, although there was always constant and fierce opposition. He then moved through Corinth and into Macedonia, where he met Titus.
The planned move to Jerusalem had to be cancelled, as Paul’s life was threatened. So they went via Troas and Macedonia. Paul received repeated warnings about what awaited him at Jerusalem (Acts 21 v1-16). Paul interpreted these warnings not as prohibitions, but as willingness to suffer for the Lord and the Church.
Paul the prisoner
Although he was cordially received by James and the elders, he created tension in the church because he was teaching the Jews. Some Jews falsely charged him with defiling the Temple, but he was rescued by Romans and some soldiers. The Jews listened to him on the castle steps, but riots broke out when he mentioned his commission to the Gentiles. He avoided scourging by mentioning his Roman citizenship. The Lord appeared to him that night commending his witnessing and assured him he would go off to Rome. Paul was sent to Caesarea under a large protective guard. (Acts 32 v17-35).
The trial before Felix at Caesarea made clear that the charges were spurious, but they postponed a decision to stop antagonising the Jews. When a new governor was appointed,. Festus, there were renewed efforts by the Jews to get Paul condemned. Paul saw no justice from Festus so he used his Roman citizenship and appealed to Caesar, removing jurisdiction from the lower courts.
Paul was sent to Rome in about A.D.60 under a centurion named Julius. The adverse weather conditions as described by Luke (who accompanied him), resulted in a typhonic storm lasting 14 days and a totally wrecked boat on Malta Island.
After 3 months in Malta they journey on to Rome, where they were lenient on him. He had his own hired house and soldier guarding it, so he was able to receive all, exercise important ministry as well as being able to write and meditate.
His closing years.
There is uncertainty over Paul’s release, but there is strong evidence that he was released after 2 years. Paul went East and visited Epheus, stationing Timothy there. He then left Titus to complete his work at Crete.
Paul became a prisoner in Rome again and was executed in AD 66 or early 67. Tradition has it that he was executed on the Ostian way.
Final part next time reflecting on his character and legacy.
Heather