From Antioch to The Destruction of Jerusalem.
Acts 13-28 and all the rest of the New Testament except the epistles
of John and Revelation.
The Changed Situation. We have now come to a turning point in the
whole situation. The center of work has shifted from Jerusalem to
Antioch, the capital of the Greek province of Syria, the residence of
the Roman governor of the province. We change from the study of the
struggles of Christianity in the Jewish world to those it made among
heathen people. We no longer study many and various persons and their
labors but center our study upon the life and labors of Paul.
The Divine Call. Certain prophets of the church at Antioch were
engaged in solemn prayer and worship when the Holy Spirit instructed
them to send Paul and Barnabas to do the work to which they were
called. Here, then, the Holy Spirit takes charge of the movement. He
inaugurates, directs and promotes this work. When the call came it is
probable that Paul had but little idea of the magnitude of the work
which he was to do. He was not aware that his work and teaching would
change the religion and philosophy of the whole world.
The Time and Extent of Paul's Journeys. The most of his work was
accomplished during three great missionary journeys. The time occupied
for these great journeys with the distance traveled has been estimated
as follows: the first journey 1400 miles and three years; the second
journey 3200 miles and three years; the third journey 3500 miles and
four years; or a total of 8100 miles representing ten years of labor.
To this must be added his journey to Rome which required a whole
winter and was about 2300 miles and many side trips of which we have
no record. It is also commonly thought that he was released at the end
of two years at Rome and again entered upon mission work that probably
lasted four years and carried him again into Macedonia, Asia Minor,
Crete and Spain.
The First Missionary Journey. (Acts, chs. 13-14). The company
consisted of Saul and Barnabas and John Mark. They went by way of the
isle of Cyprus and at Paphos the capital of the island the governor
was converted and Saul was afterward called Paul. They reached
Pamphylia and Pisidia in Asia. John Mark left them in Pamphylia and
returned home. In the cities of Pisidia Paul was persecuted and
opposed. At Antioch he made a complete break with the Jews and at
Lystra they stoned him until they thought he was dead. From Derbe the
missionaries retraced their steps except that they did not go through
Cyprus on the return to Antioch. Their stay at Antioch was marked by
an important church council at Jerusalem, Acts 15:1-35. At this
council it was decided that Gentile Christians were not bound by the
requirement of the Jewish law. This decision was instrumental in
determining that Christianity was not simply a new branch of Judaism
but was a new religion.
Second Missionary Journey. (Acts. 15:36-18:22). Paul proposed that he
and Barnabas visit the brethren in every city "where he had already
preached," but he declined to yield to the wish of Barnabas to take
Mark with them and in consequence separated from Barnabas. He took
Silas and went overland through Syria and Cilicia to the scene of his
former labors. At Lystra he was joined by Timothy. He was restrained
by the Holy Spirit from further work in Asia and called into Europe by
the "Macedonian call" while at Troas. While in Europe he labored at
several places, the most conspicuous service being rendered at
Philippi, Thessalonica and Corinth. Strong churches grew up at each of
these places to which he later wrote letters. He returned to Antioch
by way of Ephesus where he spent a little time, and Caesarea, from
whence he probably visited Jerusalem.
While on this Journey during his long stay at Corinth Paul wrote First
and Second Thessalonians and probably the book of Galatians also. If
the time to be devoted to this course will allow, these epistles
should be read at this point. The author's "The Bible Book by Book"
will furnish an outline guide for such reading.
Third Missionary Journey. (Acts. 18:33-21:17). How long Paul remained
at Antioch at the close of the second journey is not known. But when
he had finished his visit he set out again to revisit some of the
places formerly touched and to cultivate some new fields. The outline
and work of this journey may be put down as follows: (1) He passes
through Galatia and Phrygia strengthening the disciples. (2) His work
of nearly three years at Ephesus. (3) The trip through Macedonia and
Greece. (4) The return trip through Macedonia to Jerusalem. Luke seems
to desire to narrate only what is new and most important. He,
therefore, goes fully into the work at Ephesus. (1) There was the
incident of the work of Apollos and the baptism of some of John's
disciples. (2) Three months work among the Jews. (3) Two years of
teaching in the school of Tyrannus. (4) A "season" after he sent
Timotheus and Etastus into Macedonia. The success of this work is seen
especially in two incidents. (1) The burning of the books of the
Jewish exorcists which were valued at over $31,000. (2) The checking
of the sale of images of the idol, Diana, which resulted in a great
tumult.
After this tumult at Ephesus Paul departed into Macedonia and seems to
have visited the principal cities and finally arrived at Corinth where
a plot to kill him was formed. Upon discovering this plot he set out
on his return trip to Jerusalem, going back through Macedonia. This
trip is notable for several things. (1) The seven days stay at Troas
which was significant because of an all night service and the accident
to Eutychus. (2) The conference at Miletus with the Elders of Ephesus
in which he reviewed his work among them and indicated to them that
they would see him no more. (3) A week's stay at Tyre where he was
persuaded not to go to Jerusalem. (4) Many days spent at Caesarea
during which Agabus, who had formerly told them of the coming drouth,
predicted that the Jews of Jerusalem would bind Paul and deliver him
to the Gentiles. (5) The arrival at Jerusalem where he was kindly
received by James and the elders.
This journey also was marked by the writing of some of Paul's most
notable epistles. (1) The First Letter to the Corinthians. He wrote
this letter while at Ephesus just before leaving for Macedonia. (2)
The Second Letter to the Corinthians. After Paul came into Macedonia
he met Titus with tidings from the Corinthians whereupon he wrote them
this second letter, probably from Philippi. (3) The Letter to the
Romans. From Macedonia Paul went into Achaia where he stayed three
months and while staying with Gaius in Corinth (Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor.
1:14) he wrote this great epistle. The occasion, purpose, outline and
other information concerning these epistles may be found in "The Bible
Book by Book".
At Jerusalem. Although Paul was received kindly by the brethren and
although he took a certain precaution that he might not offend the
many thousands of Jews that were in Jerusalem at the feast, some
Asiatic Jews saw him and raised a great tumult. (1) They began to beat
him and he would no doubt have been killed had he not been rescued by
Roman soldiers. (2) As a prisoner he was being borne to the Tower of
Antonia, but on the stairway asked and obtained permission to speak to
the angry Jews. (3) When they would no longer hear him he was removed
to the castle and ordered scourged. He saves himself from this by
claiming his Roman citizenship. (4) He was brought before the Jewish
Sanhedrin which he threw into confusion by expressing his belief in
the resurrection and afterwards was put in prison. (5) On account of
the plot to kill him which was discovered by Paul's nephew he was sent
away under heavy guard to Caesarea.
Paul at, Caesarea. When Paul reached Caesarea he was under Roman
jurisdiction. He was allowed some privileges. The most important
incidents of this two years' imprisonment may be put down somewhat as
follows. (1) His trial before Felix during which he was prosecuted by
Tertullus and he himself made a speech of defense. (2) His second
hearing before Felix, no doubt in private, with his wife Drusilla
after which he held him in the hope that he would bribe Felix. (3) His
trial before Festus during which he claimed his right as a Roman
citizen and appealed to Caesar. (4) He had a hearing before Festus and
King Agrippa II during which Paul spoke.
Paul's Six Last Addresses. In connection with the story of Paul in
Jerusalem and Caesarea we have preserved for us six of his last
addresses. In the light of his imprisonment and eminent danger they
show his great faith and courage and are given here for study. (1) His
Speech before the Jewish Mob, Acts 21:1-29. (2) His speech before the
Jewish council. Acts 22: 30-23:10. (3) His speech before Felix. Acts
24:10-22. (4) His speech before Felix and his wife Drusilla, Acts
24:24-27. (5) His speech before Festus, Acts 25:7-11. (6) His speech
before Festus and King Aggrippa II, Acts 26:1-32.
Paul's Journey to Rome. Paul now takes up his long journey to Rome.
The voyage consumes most of the winter and three ships are used to
convey him. (1) From Caesarea to Myra, a city of Lycia. Their ship
touched at Sidon where Paul was allowed to visit his friends. (2) From
Myra to the Island of Malta. On this voyage they touched at Fair
Havens, tried to reach Phenice and had fourteen days of storm. (3)
They were cast the island of Malta, where they spent three months. (4)
The journey completed to Rome, going by way of Syracuse, Rhegium,
Puteoli, Apii Forum and Three Taverns.
Paul at Rome. The Roman Christians came out to meet him at Apii Forum,
forty-three miles from Rome. Several things should be noticed. (1)
Paul after three days explained his situation to the Jews and planned
another day when he would further address them. (2) Next he turned to
the Gentiles and taught them. (3) He hired (rented) a house and for
two years had liberty of speech and taught whoever would come to him.
The story of Acts closes here, but it is commonly believed that Paul
was released and visited Spain and Asia and later was rearrested and
brought to Rome again where he was put to death.
The Epistles of this Period. The epistles written during this period
may be divided into two groups: (1) Those written by Paul; (2) Those
written by others. Those written by Paul are the following: (1)
Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon. All of these were
written from Rome during Paul's first imprisonment at Rome and would
come in the years 62 and 63 A.D. (2) First Timothy and Titus. These
were probably written in Macedonia about A.D. 66. This is on the
supposition that Paul was released from the imprisonment at Rome and
made other preaching tours. (3) Second Timothy. This was written from
the Roman prison just before his death about A.D. 67 or 68. This would
have been a second imprisonment and we know nothing of this except by
tradition. (4) Hebrews. There are many eminent scholars who think some
other than Paul wrote this book, but it is put down here because it
was so long and so unanimously considered his and because the point
against his authorship does not seem fully established. It was written
some time before A.D. 70, as the temple and its worship were still in
force.
There are four other letters of the period. (1) The Epistle of James.
This epistle was probably written about A.D. 50 but some think it was
written as late as A.D. 62 and it is put in for consideration here
because of the uncertainty. (2) The First Epistle of Peter, which was
written about A.D. 66. (3) The Second Epistle of Peter, written about
A.D. 67 and certainly before the fall of Jerusalem. (4) The Epistle of
Jude, written about A.D. 66. "The Bible Book by Book" will furnish the
student with a statement concerning the occasion, purpose, outline of
contents and other introductory discussions.
Lessons of the Period. (1) One man with proper consecration can be a
blessing to all the world. (2) The same teaching sometimes wins one
and repels another. (3) The fact that one is divinely led does not
guarantee that one may not be wrongly treated by men. (4) Persecution
can not destroy one's happiness if one is conscious of doing the will
of God. (5) Strategic centers are the most fruitful fields of mission
work. (6) False religious beliefs are less tolerant than the true. (7)
God may save a whole company for the sake of one man. (8) No matter
what calamity comes to us we may in the midst of it be a source of
blessing to others.
For Study and Discussion. (1) The countries visited by Paul. Draw maps
and indicate his journeys. (2) The history and importance of the
principal cities visited by him (make a list of them and consult the
Bible dictionaries). (3) Paul's companions in the work (make a list of
them and consult the Bible dictionaries). (4) The Apostle Paul
himself: (a) His birth and childhood; (b) his education; (c) his
conversion. (5) The persecutions of Paul. (6) The miraculous or
superhuman element seen in this section. (7) The value of the Roman
citizenship to Paul. (8) Paul's letters: (a) Name them and tell where
in these journeys each comes in; (b) learn something of the occasion,
purpose and outline of each. (9) The other epistles of this period.
(10) The time and extent of Paul's journeys. (11) The church council
at Jerusalem. (12) The Roman officers met in this narrative-what sort
of men, etc. (13) Paul's speeches as given here.