Paul’s second missionary journey is described in Acts 15:36–18:22. During this journey, Paul worked with Silas and traveled to many new places. This journey helped spread Christianity into Europe and strengthened many churches.
Separation of Paul and Barnabas
After some time in Antioch, Paul suggested visiting the churches they had planted during their first journey. Barnabas agreed, but he wanted to take his nephew, John Mark, with them. Paul disagreed because John Mark had left them earlier in Pamphylia The First Missionary Journey of Paul.
Because of this disagreement, Paul and Barnabas decided to go separate ways. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul chose Silas as his companion and traveled by land through Syria and Cilicia. Along the way, they visited churches and encouraged believers to remain strong in their faith.
Timothy Joins the Journey
Paul and Silas continued to Derbe and Lystra, near modern-day Konya. In Lystra, Paul met a young believer named Timothy. Timothy was well respected by the local Christians. Paul invited him to join the mission team.
Paul circumcised Timothy because of the Jews in that region, not for salvation, but to avoid unnecessary trouble while preaching. The team then traveled through Phrygia and Galatia, strengthening the churches and sharing the decisions made by the Council in Jerusalem.
The Call to Macedonia
When Paul and his companions reached Troas, God guided them in a new direction. Paul had a vision during the night. In the vision, a man from Macedonia asked him to come and help them. Paul understood this as God’s call to preach in Macedonia Daily Sofia Tour.
At this time, Luke, the writer of the Book of Acts, likely joined the group. From this point forward, Luke began using the word “we,” showing that he was traveling with Paul.
Ministry in Philippi
The missionaries sailed to Samothrace, then to Neapolis, and finally reached Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. There, they met a woman named Lydia, a seller of purple cloth. She worshiped God and listened carefully to Paul’s message. Lydia and her household believed and were baptized. She invited Paul and his companions to stay in her home.
While in Philippi, Paul healed a slave girl who was controlled by an evil spirit. She had made money for her owners by telling fortunes. After she was healed, her owners lost their income. Angry, they brought Paul and Silas before the city officials. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison.
The Philippian Jailer
At midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God. Suddenly, a strong earthquake shook the prison. The doors opened, and the prisoners’ chains fell off. The jailer feared that the prisoners had escaped and was ready to kill himself. Paul stopped him and told him that everyone was still there.
Paul and Silas shared the gospel with the jailer and his family. That same night, they believed in Jesus and were baptized. The next day, the magistrates ordered Paul and Silas to be released and publicly apologized to them.
From Thessalonica to Athens
The team traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and arrived in Thessalonica. Paul preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths. Some Jews and many Greeks believed, but others caused trouble. Paul and Silas left the city at night and went to Berea.
In Berea, the people listened carefully and examined the Scriptures daily. Many believed. However, trouble followed again when Jews from Thessalonica arrived. Paul then traveled to Athens.
In Athens, Paul saw many idols and spoke with philosophers. He preached at the Areopagus, explaining the true God. A few people believed, but many mocked him.
Ministry in Corinth and Return
Paul later traveled to Corinth, a large and important city. He stayed there for one and a half years, teaching many Jews and Greeks. God encouraged Paul through a vision to continue speaking without fear.
When Jews accused Paul before the Roman governor Gallio, Gallio refused to judge the case. Paul later sailed to Ephesus, stayed briefly, traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover, and then returned to Antioch, ending his second missionary journey.
