Third Journey

Acts 18:19-22 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.
 
WHEN Paul left Corinth he concluded what is known as Paul’s Second Missionary Journey. As he traveled toward Caesarea, Paul left Aquila and Priscilla to remain in Ephesus. Apparently Paul wanted them to develop a fellowship of believers who will look to them as trusted leaders.
   When Paul landed at Caesarea, he was back in Israel, about 70 miles – 115 kilometers – from Jerusalem. Some believe Paul was moving quickly to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. But Luke does not tell us Paul went to Jerusalem.
   Instead, Luke launches Acts next section - Paul’s Third Missionary Journey with the simple statement: then he went down to Antioch. This was a significant journey of 440 miles – 710 kilometers – from Caesarea. We refer to this distance to help you understand Paul’s determination to minister to the dispersed Jews and the Gentiles of the Roman world. We must remember very primitive transportation required a good deal of time and energy. Plus one was susceptible to many safety and health threats. Upon arrival in Antioch, Paul continued his work:
 
Acts 18:23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
 
Paul and Barnabas had spent a good amount of time in Antioch. It must have been encouraging to see the churches there growing and people learning the gospel. Perhaps this was a respite from a ministry of trial and confrontation. Paul had friends there, and he would have found comfort and strength to continue his work. He returned, also, to Galatia and Phrygia. Paul, Silas and Timothy had worked here before the Spirit called them to Philippi. Paul returns to strengthen the churches with a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and of God’s amazing salvation by grace through faith. The Galatian culture had a long history of division and warfare between three main tribes. To have people united in Christ with such antagonistic backgrounds was obviously a significant challenge. We can hear what Paul taught of Jesus’ sacrifice when we read his epistles.
   Meanwhile Priscilla and Aquila were faithfully holding the truth, responding to opportunities to develop more leaders. Active leaders activate a church.