About 2000 years ago, a man named Saul traveled to Damascus with the plan of rounding up Christians and taking them as prisoners to Jerusalem, so they could be persecuted for their beliefs.
He detested Christians. As he got closer to Damascus, which is a journey of about 150 miles from Jerusalem, he was engulfed in blinding light and encountered the resurrected Jesus.
The light blinded Saul and remained unable to see for three days. He converted to Christianity and became its best-known evangelist. His name was changed to Paul and he since has been known and referred to as Paul the Apostle and Paul the Evangelist.
Paul's encounter with the resurrected Jesus transformed his life. He went from trying to bring an end to Christianity to traveling roughly 10,000 miles throughout western Asia and parts of Europe to preach about Jesus and Christianity.
And he did so at risk to himself, as Christianity was not a legal religion within the Roman Empire at that time.
Below are descriptions and maps of each of the four evangelical journeys that Paul undertook during his life, after becoming a Christian. These journeys, and other details of Paul's life, are described in the Book of Acts, which is in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.
From about 46 AD to 48 AD (more than 1900 years ago), Paul the evangelist undertook his first mission journey. He traveled from Syrian Antioch to Derbe, and back again. This journey is described in the Bible's book of Acts, chapters 13 and 14. Click on any of the map markers and more information about that place will pop up.
The places that Paul visited during his first missionary journey are listed below in chronological order.
Saul (Paul) begins his first mission journey. He and Barnabas eventually travel hundreds of miles from Antioch to Derbe, and then back again. The first part of their journey takes them to Seleucia. Acts 13:1-4. (View on map)
From Antioch, Paul and Barnabas go to Seleucia, where they sail to Salamis in Cyprus. Seleucia, also known as Seleucia Pieria, now falls within the modern boundaries of Turkey, near Syria. Acts 13:4-5. (View on map)
In Salamis, Paul and Barnabas preach the word of God in Jewish synagogues. (There were many Jewish communities scattered throughout the Roman Empire). They then travel across the island to Paphos. Acts 13:4-7. (View on map)
In Paphos, Paul and Barnabas are sought out by a community leader named Sergius Paulus. A false prophet unsuccessfully tries to prevent Paul and Barnabas from evangelizing. The false prophet becomes blind during his confrontation. Acts 13:6-12. (View on map)
From Paphos, Paul and Barnabas sail to Perga on their way to Pisidian Antioch. Acts 13:13. (View on map)
In Pisidian Antioch, Paul tells people in a synagogue that Jesus Christ is the Messiah who was promised in the Old Testament. Many people turn against Paul and Barnabas. They leave for Iconium. Acts 13:14-52. (View on map)
In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas are met with great resistance to the Gospel. They learn that there is a plot to have them killed. They flee to the nearby towns of Lystra and Derbe. Acts 14:1-7. (View on map)
In Lystra, a man who had never been able to walk is miraculously healed through Paul. The town's people proclaim that Paul and Barnabas are gods. Paul and Barnabas correct them. Paul is later stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead. He recovers and travels to Derbe. Acts 14:8-20. (View on map)
Through the preaching of Paul and Barnabas, many people in Derbe learn about Jesus and become disciples. Paul and Barnabas later return to Lystra. Acts 14:20-21. (View on map)
After returning to Lystra, Paul and Barnabas meet with the new disciples, encouraging them to remain true to the faith. Acts 14:21-22. (View on map)
Paul and Barnabas return to Iconium to strengthen the new disciples there. Acts 14:21-22. (View on map)
Paul and Barnabas return to Pisidian Antioch to encourage and strengthen the new disciples there. Acts 14:21-22. (View on map)
Paul and Barnabas preach the Gospel in Perga before heading to Attalia. Acts 14:24-25. (View on map)
In Attalia, Paul and Barnabas sail back to the Syrian Antioch, the city from which they had begun this mission journey. Acts 14:26. (View on map)
In Antioch, Paul and Barnabas meet with fellow Christians and give a report about their mission journey. Paul and Barnabas stay in Antioch for a while, spending time with disciples. Acts 14:27-28. (View on map)
Paul's second missionary journey took place between 49 AD and 52 AD, more than 1900 years ago. He traveled through part of Asia and Europe. This journey is described in the Bible's book of Acts, chapters 15, 16, 17 and 18. Click on any of the map markers and more information about that place will pop up.
The places that Paul visited during his second missionary journey are listed below in chronological order.
Paul begins his second mission journey. Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and other evangelists, first travel from Jerusalem to Antioch. Acts 15:22. (View on map)
Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement. They part ways. Barnabas goes to Cyprus. Paul and Silas travel through Syria and Cilicia. Acts 15:36-41. (View on map)
Paul travels through Cilicia, which includes the city of Tarsus. Acts 15:36-41. (View on map)
Paul travels to the towns of Derbe and Lystra, both of which he had visited during his first mission journey. Acts 16:1-5. (View on map)
In Lystra, Paul meets Timothy, who becomes an evangelist. Acts 16:1-5. (View on map)
It is possible that Paul travels through Iconium, on his way to Troas, given the information in Acts 16:1-6. (View on map)
It is possible that Paul travels through Pisidian Antioch, on his way to Troas, given the information in Acts 16:1-6. (View on map)
After arriving in Troas, Paul has a vision telling him to go to Macedonia and evangelize there. Acts 16:6-10. (View on map)
Paul and Silas sail from Troas to Neapolis, en route to Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Acts 16:11-12. (View on map)
Paul evangelizes to Lydia, a successful businesswoman. "The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message." - Acts 16:14. Lydia becomes the first known Christian in Europe. Her family converts, too. Paul and Silas are wrongly imprisoned. An earthquake destroys the prison. Paul and Silas comfort the jailer. The jailer and his family become Christians. Acts 16:16-40. (View on map)
After being released from prison, Paul and Silas pass through Amphipolis and Apollonia on their way to Thesalonica, which has a Jewish community. Acts 17:1. (View on map)
After being released from prison, Paul and Silas pass through Amphipolis and Apollonia on their way to Thesalonica, which has a Jewish community. Acts 17:1. (View on map)
In Thessalonica, Paul preaches in a Synagogue. Some Jews and Greeks are brought to faith. Later, a mob tries, unsuccessfully, to capture Paul and Silas. Acts 17:2-9. (View on map)
In Berea, Paul again preaches in a Synagogue. Many Jews and Greeks convert to Christianity. Others, angered by Paul, seek to harm him. Paul's associates send Paul out of town to protect him. He goes to Athens. Acts 17:10-15. (View on map)
In Athens, Paul is distressed by the extent of idol worship. He preaches about Jesus and the resurrection. Some oppose him. Others become believers, including a man named Dionysius and a woman named Damaris. Acts 17:16-34. (View on map)
From Athens, Pauls travels to Corinth and evangelizes. He meets a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla, who moved to Corinth after Roman Emperor Claudius ordered Jews to leave Rome. Acts 18:1-4. (View on map)
Paul leaves Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla, ang goes to Cenchrea (or Cenchrae) and has his hair cut off. He does this to fulfill a vow, but we are not told what that vow was. He later sails to Ephesus. Acts 18:18. (View on map)
Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, sail to Ephesus. Paul evangelizes at a synagogue. Paul leaves for Caesarea. Priscilla and Aquila stay behind in Ephesus. Acts 18:19-21. (View on map)
From Caesarea, Paul travels to Jerusalem, which is inferred from verse 22, before traveling to Antioch, from where he later would begin his third mission journey. Acts 18:22. (View on map)
Paul's 3rd missionary journey took place between 54 AD and 58 AD, more than 1900 years ago. He traveled through parts of Asia and Europe. This journey is described in the Bible's book of Acts 18:23-28; Acts 19; Acts 20; through Acts 21:17. Click on any of the map markers and more information about that place will pop up.
The places that Paul visited during his third missionary journey are listed below in chronological order.
Paul begins his third mission journey. "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." - NIV English translation of Acts 18:23. (View on map)
Paul travels from Antioch to Ephesus. Tarsus is on the way, and based on Acts 18:23, Paul might have re-visited disciples there. (View on map)
Paul travels from Antioch to Ephesus. Iconiumn is on the way, and based on Acts 18:23, he might have re-visited disciples there. (View on map)
In Ephesus, God performs miracles of healing through Paul; many people are brought to faith. Later, idol makers who worship the goddess Artemis encourage a riot in rebellion to Paul's faithful teachings about Jesus. Acts 19:1-41. (View on map)
After the uproar in Ephesus ends, Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through as an evangelist, such as Troas. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through as an evangelist, such as Neapolis. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through as an evangelist, such as Philippi. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Amphipolis. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Apollonia. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Thessalonica. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Berea. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Athens. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Corinth. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Berea. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Thessalonica. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Apollonia. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
Paul travels through the countries of Macedonia and Greece. He might have re-visited communities that he had previously traveled to or through, such as Amphipolis. Acts 20:1-6. (View on map)
After traveling through Macedonia and Greece, Paul goes to Philippi before sailing to Troas. Acts20:6. (View on map)
Acts 20:6 informs us that Paul travels from Philippi to Troas. After leaving Philippi, it is possible that he set sail from a port in Neapolis, just south of Philippi, en route to Troas. Neapolis today is called Kavalla. Acts 20:6. (View on map)
Paul delivers a lengthy sermon in the upper chamber of a building. A young man named Eutychus was sitting on a window sill listening to Paul. Eutychus falls asleep and tumbles out of the third-floor window to his death on the ground below. Paul heals the man, bringing him back to life. Acts 20:7-12. (View on map)
Paul leaves Troas and travels by foot to Assos. Acts 20:13. (View on map)
From Assos, Paul and others sail to Mitylene. Acts 20:14. (View on map)
The day after arriving in Milylene, Paul and others set sail to Kios (Chios). Acts 20:15. (View on map)
In Miletus, Paul meets with church elders from Ephesus. He tells them, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." (Acts 20:24). Acts 20:15-24. (View on map)
From Miletus, Paul sails to Cos. Acts 21:1. (View on map)
From Cos, Paul sails to Rhodes. Acts 21:1. (View on map)
From Rhodes, Paul sails to Patara. Acts 21:1. (View on map)
From Patara, Paul and his companions find a ship that is sailing for Tyre. They pass by Cyprus, sailing south of the island, and stop at Tyre. They meet with disciples and stay with them for seven days. Acts 21:2-6. (View on map)
Paul and others continue their voyage, sailing from Tyre to Ptolemais, staying there for a day to meet with disciples. Acts 21:7 (View on map)
Paul travels to Caesarea. A prophet named Agabus tells Paul that Paul will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles if he returns to Jerusalem. Paul responds, "I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Acts 21:8-16. (View on map)
Paul arrives in Jerusalem. A riot is started by people who claim that Paul has defiled Judaism with his teachings about Christianity. Paul is bound and arrested by Roman soldiers. Acts 21:17-40 and all of Acts 22. Paul eventually is taken to Rome, as a prisoner. (View on map)
Around 59 A.D. and 60 A.D., Paul the evangelist was taken as a prisoner from Caeserea to Rome, making several stops along the way. Even as a prisoner, he continued to evangelize. This journey is described in the Bible's book of Acts, chapters 26, 27 and 28. Click on any of the map markers and more information about that place will pop up.
The places that Paul visited during his journey to Rome are listed below in chronological order.
In Jerusalem, Paul evangelizes about Jesus. This angers a group of non-believers who retaliate by starting a riot. Paul is arrested. (Acts 21:17-40; Acts 22.) He is taken to Caesarea and questioned. (Acts, chapters 23-26.) It is decided that Paul is to be taken to Rome, as a prisoner. Acts 27:1-2. (View on map)
Paul is taken as a Roman prisoner from Caesarea to Sidon, on his way to Rome. In Sidon, Paul is permitted to visit friends who reside there. Acts 27:3. (View on map)
From Sidon, Paul is taken by ship to Myra. There, Paul and other prisoners are taken to an Alexandrian ship, which is heading for Italy. Acts 27:5. (View on map)
From Myra, Paul and the other prisoners sail for Cnidus, arriving there after several days. Acts 27:7. (View on map)
From Cnidus, Paul's ship has a slow and difficult journey to Fair Havens. Acts 27:8. (View on map)
The ship sails from Fair Havens. A violent storm batters the ship. Paul is told by an angel of God that everyone will survive. After two weeks, the ship is shattered against the rocks near Malta. Everyone on board makes it to shore, safely. Acts 27:8-44. (View on map)
After three months in Malta (also known as Melita), Paul and the others are taken to another ship heading to Rome. The ship stops at a handful of ports along the way, including Syracuse. Acts 28:11-12. (View on map)
After three days in Syracuse, the ship sails for Rhegium, on the way to Rome. Acts 28:12-13. (View on map)
From Rhegium, Paul is taken to Puteoli, where Paul is permitted to visit friends. Acts 28:13-14. (View on map)
Paul is taken from Puteoli to Rome. In Rome, he is permitted to live in a rented home, under the watch of a Roman guard. The book of Acts comes to a close, informing us that Paul remains in Rome for two years, evangelizing about Jesus Christ. Acts 28:16-31. (View on map)
© Ray Konig | azbible.com
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