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THE KING’S BUSINESS
Paul again turns from them to the Gen tiles (18:6, cf. 13:46-49). He leaves the synagogue and preaches in a private house (18:7). The enmity o f the Jews is again aroused; but is suppressed by Gallio (18:12- 17). Paul is comforted by a vision from God (18:9-11), and so continuing in Cor inth for, eighteen months (18:11) or more (18:18), God gave him many souls, among them Crispus, the “chief ruler o f the syn agogue” (18:8). The return trip of the second missionary journey included a brief visit to Ephesus (18:19-21) with a promise to return and stay longer. Aquila and Priscilla who had accompanied him were left at Ephesus (18:18), A brief call is made on the saints at Caesarea, and from there back to Anti och, (18:22). 5- The Third missionary journey, 1 8 : 23 - 2 1 : 1 7 .' Starting again from Antioch (18:22,'23) Paul’s journey extends outward as far as Corinth, and homeward from Corinth to Jerusalem, the journey occupying about four years (S4-S8 A. D .), two or three of which were spent at Ephesus (19:10; 20:31). The itinerary o f this third missionary journ'ey was as follows: The outward jour ney beginning at Antioch touched the region o f Galatia and Phyrgia (18:23). Paul, according to promise (18:19-21), makes a protracted stay at Ephesus (19:1- 2 0 : 1 ). Here he hears o f the work o f Apollos, an influential worker and an elo quent speaker with whom Paul has much to do in future days (cf. 1 Corinthians 1-3). God greatly honors the ministry of Paul in Ephesus. Magicians, sorcerers, and the like were converted and burned their books of magic (19:13-20). The success of Paul interfered with the sale o f images of the goddess Diana. This caused a perse cution o f Paul (19:21-29).
From Ephesus the apostle made another trip to Macedonia (20:1-2). From there he returns to Greece, staying there three months (20:2, 3). Coming a second time to Troas (20:2, 5, 13) from which port he sails 'for Macedonia (Philippi, Berea, Thessalonica possibly? cf. 20:3) and Greece (probably Corinth, cf. 20:2 with 18:27). The homeward journey (20:6-21:6) was from Corinth to Philippi (20:3-6), thence to Troas (20:5, 13), Paul going on foot nineteen miles to Assos (20:13, 14) and from there to Miletus (20:17-38) at which place he meets with the elders from Ephe sus. What can surpass this parting and farewell address to the Miletus elders (20:17-38)? Spending one day at Ptole- mais (21:7), Paul and his companions are at Caesarea (2 1 :8-14) at which place Paul is warned o f the dangers that await him, should he go to Jerusalem (2 1 :10-14). And, behold, he, like Jesus, “went up to Jeru salem” (21:15), for the fifth and last time. Here he gives a report o f the great work God has done through his ministry to the Gentiles (21:18-26). 6 . The captivities o f Paul, 2 1 : 27 - 2 8 : 3 1 ,
We may name them as. threefold: (a ) in Jerusalem, 21:27-23:35.'
Before the Roman power, (21:27- 22:29). Before the Jewish Sanhedrin, (22:30-23:35),-
(b ) In Caesarea, (24:1-26:32). This lasted for two years (2 4 :27). Paul had three trials: before Felix (24:1-27); before Festus (25:1-22); before Herod Agrippa (25:23-26:32). (c ) En route to and in Rome, (27 T- 28:31). The voyage. In Rome (28:14-31).
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