Paul's Third Missionary Journey

Base cities

Inland stops

Ports & islands

Outbound leg

Return leg

Antioch (Syria) (Acts 18:22–23)

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul sets out on his third journey.

Galatia & Phrygia (Acts 18:23)

Paul goes “through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.”

Ephesus (Acts 18:24–19:41)

Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus. 1 Corinthians is written here.

The Center of the Asian Mission

• Apollos: Before Paul arrives, Priscilla and Aquila teach Apollos the way of God more accurately.
• John's Disciples: About twelve disciples who knew only John's baptism are baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit.
• Two Years in the School of Tyrannus: “all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord.”
• Special Miracles: Handkerchiefs and aprons from Paul's body heal the sick.
• Sons of Sceva: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?”
• Books Burned: Magic books worth “fifty thousand pieces of silver” are burned publicly.
• The Riot: Demetrius the silversmith stirs up the city, and a crowd rushes into the theater.
• The Collection: Paul gathers a collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1–4).

Troas (Acts 20:6–12)

Paul passes through on the way north (2 Corinthians 2:12–13), and on the way back Eutychus is restored to life.

Eutychus Raised

During Paul's long discourse, Eutychus falls asleep in a window, falls from the third story, and is “taken up dead.” Paul embraces him and says, “Make ye no ado; for his life is in him.”

Philippi (Macedonia) (Acts 20:1–6)

Paul goes through Macedonia with much exhortation, and 2 Corinthians is written there. On the way back he sails from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread.

Greece (Corinth) (Acts 20:2–3)

Three months in Greece; the Letter to the Romans is generally dated to this stay.

Winter in Corinth

As Paul is about to sail for Syria, a plot is laid against him by the Jews, so he returns overland through Macedonia instead.

Assos (Acts 20:13–14)

Paul goes by land while the others sail ahead; they take him aboard at Assos.

Mitylene (Acts 20:14)

The chief city of Lesbos.

Chios (Acts 20:15)

They come over against Chios.

Samos (Acts 20:15)

The next day they touch at Samos.

Miletus (Acts 20:15–38)

Paul sails past Ephesus and delivers a farewell address to its elders here.

Charge to the Ephesian Elders

“For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God.” Paul warns that “grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock,” and tells them they will see his face no more.

Cos (Acts 21:1)

A straight course to Cos.

Rhodes (Acts 21:1)

Patara (Acts 21:1–2)

They find a ship crossing over to Phoenicia.

Tyre (Acts 21:3–6)

Leaving Cyprus “on the left hand,” they land at Tyre. The disciples tell Paul “through the Spirit” not to go up to Jerusalem.

Farewell on the Beach

After seven days, the disciples, with wives and children, escort Paul out of the city, and they kneel down on the beach and pray.

Ptolemais (Acts 21:7)

The voyage from Tyre ends here; they greet the brethren and stay one day.

Caesarea (Acts 21:8–14)

They stay with Philip the evangelist. Agabus prophesies Paul's arrest.

The Prophecy of Agabus

Agabus binds his own feet and hands with Paul's girdle: “So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle.” Paul answers, “I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Jerusalem (Acts 21:15–19)

The brethren receive them gladly, and Paul reports to James and the elders what God had done among the Gentiles.

Troas: An Open Door (2 Corinthians 2:12–13)

On his way to Macedonia, Paul finds “a door was opened unto me in the Lord” at Troas, but goes on because Titus was not there.

Into Macedonia

Back Through Macedonia (Acts 20:3–6)

Avoiding the plot, Paul returns overland and sails from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread.

Sail to Troas

On Foot to Assos

Across to Tyre, South of Cyprus

Final Arrival in Jerusalem

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