In Acts 18–20, Paul concluded his second missionary journey in Corinth where he met Priscilla and Aquila and stayed 1.5 years. Due to the ongoing opposition of the Jews, Paul pivoted and turned to preaching to Gentiles exclusively. "Some time" later, he set out on his third and final journey spending 2 years in Ephesus. There he did "extraordinary miracles" and confronted idol worship. Even though the townspeople rioted against "the Way," the number of believers increased. Paul then continued throughout Macedonia and Greece to encourage the believers there. This section ends with his farewell address to the Ephesian elders and a tearful goodbye.
Paul
Acts 16–17: The Second Missionary Journey
After the Jerusalem Council recorded in Acts 15, Paul sets out again, taking Timothy with him on his second missionary journey (Acts 16–17). "As they traveled from town to town [in Macedonia and Greece], they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey" (16:4). They witnessed the daily growth of the church as they strengthened them in the faith (16:5).
Exploring Acts 13–15: The First Missionary Journey
In Acts 13–14, we journey with Paul and Barnabas (and Mark) on their first missionary journey. We travel to town after town witnessing the signs and wonders God did and the many who believed in the word of God. Opposition arose yet they persevered, strengthening and encouraging the new church. In Acts 15, the church overcame the first major threat to the good news of salvation and reiterated that Gentiles are accepted as believers and do no need to become Jews first.
Exploring Acts 7–9: God’s People
I continue my study of the book of Acts with snippets of thoughts and insights. In these chapters we meet Stephen, Philip, Simon, Saul, Ananias, Barnabas, and Dorcas. We see the church continue to grow despite opposition.
