Paul’s first and second missionary journeys, recorded in Acts 13–18, show the rapid spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities into the wider Gentile world. On his first journey, Paul and Barnabas were sent from Antioch and traveled through Cyprus and Asia Minor (including Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe) preaching the gospel, performing miracles and establishing new churches despite strong opposition and persecution. After returning to Antioch Paul later began his second journey this time with Silas, revisiting many of the same cities to strengthen the believers. Guided by the Holy Spirit they were called to Macedonia marking the gospel’s first entry into Europe. In cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth. Paul boldly shared the message of Christ often facing resistance but also gathering many new converts. Together, these journeys laid the foundation for the early Christian church and spread the message of Jesus across vast new regions.
Paul’s third missionary journey and his journey to Rome described in Acts 18–28, highlight his deep commitment to strengthening the early church and spreading the gospel despite increasing danger. During his third journey, Paul revisited many of the communities he had founded especially in Ephesus, where he spent several years teaching, performing miracles and guiding new believers. His ministry faced opposition from idol makers and religious leaders but his influence continued to grow. After returning to Jerusalem, Paul was arrested for preaching about Jesus and falsely accused by Jewish authorities. As a Roman citizen, he appealed to Caesar which led to his long and perilous journey to Rome. Despite shipwrecks, imprisonment and trials, Paul continued to preach boldly even under house arrest in Rome proclaiming the message of salvation through Christ to both Jews and Gentiles fulfilling his mission to take the gospel “to the ends of the earth.”