Thematic Bible: Missionary journeys

after he had stay'd there some time, he departed and pass'd through all Galatia and Phrygia, where he encourag'd the disciples. In the mean time a Jew, nam'd Apollos, born at Alexandria, a man of letters, and vers'd in the scriptures, arriv'd at Ephesus. he had been instructed in the doctrine of the gospel, and being full of zeal, he harangued with great assiduity about what related to Jesus, though he had been only instituted in the baptism of John. read more.
having talk'd with great freedom in the synagogue, Aquila and Priscilla, who had heard him, invited him home, and gave him a more distinct view of the gospel. and being determin'd to pass into Achaia, the brethren who advis'd him to it, writ to the disciples to receive him. when he was arrived, he was, by the divine favour, very useful to those, who had receiv'd the faith. for he strenuously disputed with the Jews in publick, proving from the scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. Whilst Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having pass'd through the upper provinces of Asia, arrived at Ephesus, where finding some disciples, he said to them, did you receive the holy spirit, when you made profession of your faith? they answer'd, we have not so much as heard of a holy spirit. what baptism then, said he, did you receive? they replied, the baptism of John. upon which Paul said, John indeed administer'd the baptism of repentance, but with this admonition, that they should believe in him, who was to come after, that is, in Jesus the Messias. when they heard this, they were initiated by baptism into the christian profession. and Paul having given them imposition of hands, the holy spirit came upon them, and they spoke foreign languages, and prophesied: the number of them being about twelve. At length Paul went to the synagogue, where he spoke with great freedom, and for three months he conferr'd with them to persuade them of the truth of the evangelical kingdom. but some of them being such obdurate infidels as to inveigh against the institution before the populace, he retired, and taking the disciples with him, he instructed them daily in the school of one Tyrannus. this he continued for two years; so that the Jews and proselytes of that part of Asia heard the doctrine of the Lord Jesus. the miracles which God wrought by the ministry of Paul being of such an extraordinary nature, that by applying the handkerchiefs, or aprons that had touch'd his skin, to the distemper'd, they were cured, and the evil spirits came out of the possessed. Upon this, certain vagabond Jews, who were exorcists, pretended to cure demoniacs by pronouncing the name of the Lord Jesus: their form being this, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches." these practitioners were seven in number, the sons of Sceva a Jew, one of the chief priests. but the evil spirit said to them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" the man who was possess'd immediately leapt upon them, got the better, and used them so roughly, they were forc'd to fly out of the house, cover'd with nothing but their wounds. this was known to all the Jews and Greeks, that liv'd at Ephesus, who were all seiz'd with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was exalted. many that believed came to confess, and give an account of their past actions. many that had practis'd magical arts, brought the books and publickly threw them into the fire: the value by computation amounting to fifty thousand pieces of silver. thus the christian doctrine flourish'd and prevail'd. after this, Paul had a design to pass thro' Macedonia and Achaia in his way to Jerusalem: purposing when he had been there to make a visit to Rome. he sent therefore Timothy and Erastus, two of his assistants in the ministry, before to Macedonia; but stay'd himself in Asia for some time. It was then a tumult happen'd at Ephesus upon account of the christian sect. for one Demetrius, a silver-smith, who made little models of Diana's temple, and so furnish'd a deal of employment to the workmen in that trade, summon'd the company, and thus address'd them, "tho' you know, sirs, it is by this craft that we are in such plight, yet your own eyes and ears have inform'd you, that not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul by his persuasions has turn'd the heads of a world of people, asserting, that these are Gods of our own making, and not really such. so that not only our profession runs the risk of being vilified; but the temple of the great goddess Diana will be depreciated, and her majesty, so rever'd thro' all Asia, and the whole world, will be discarded." at these words, they were fir'd with indignation, and cry'd out, "great is Diana of the Ephesians." and the whole city was fill'd with confusion: all crouded in a body to the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, both of Macedonia, who had travell'd with Paul. upon this Paul was bent upon going. to the populace, but was prevented by his disciples, and by the primates of Asia, who were his friends, and sent to desire he would not venture to the theatre: there the mob were in the utmost riot, some bawling out in one cry, some in another, and the greatest part at a loss to know why they were met. at last Alexander was disengag'd from the croud, and accus'd by the Jews. then he waved his hand, desiring to make his defence before them all. but when they knew he was a Jew, they cry'd out one and all for the space of two hours, "great is Diana of the Ephesians." at length the town-clerk appeased the people, and thus began, "who is there, O Ephesians, that does not know, that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Diana, and of her statue, which fell from heaven: since this is incontestible, it behoves you to be easy, and free from any rash conduct: for the men you have brought here, have neither plunder'd your temples, nor inveigh'd against your goddess. if Demetrius and the other artists, that are with him, can lay their action against any man, the law is open, and the proconsul is near; let them begin their process. but if the contest be about other matters, it may be decided in a regular assembly. for we run the risk of being answerable for this day's sedition: there being no justifiable occasion for such a commotion." having thus harangued them, he broke up the assembly. This disturbance being over, Paul sent for the disciples, took his leave and departed for Macedonia. after having visited the faithful in those parts, and given them many exhortations, he went to Greece. there he stay'd three months; and then the Jews conspiring to surprize him at his embarkation for Syria, it was thought adviseable he should return thro' Macedonia. Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derby and Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus both Asiatics, all accompanied him to Asia, and then advanc'd before and waited for us at Troas. after the feast of unleaven'd bread we sail'd from Philippi, and in five days we join'd them at Troas, where we stay'd seven. on the first day of the week we assembled to break bread, when Paul, who was to depart on the morrow, gave them a sermon, which lasted till midnight. in the upper chamber where we were assembled, several lamps were burning: and as Paul continued his discourse a great while, a young man, named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, was seiz'd with a deep sleep, which quite o'er-came him; so that he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead. so Paul went down, and stooping over him, he embraced him, and said, don't trouble your selves; for his life is in him. then Paul went up again, and having broken bread and eaten, he reassumed his discourse till break of day, and then departed. but the young man was brought in alive and well, to the joy of the whole assembly. As for us, we embark'd, and sail'd to Assos, where by appointment Paul was to be taken aboard, designing himself to go thither by land. meeting with him at Assos, we took him in and arriv'd at Mitylene: from thence we bore away: the next day we came off Chios, and the day after we pass'd by Samos, landing at Trogyllium, and arrived at Miletus the next day. for Paul had determined not to go ashore at Ephesus, to avoid losing time in Asia: because he was eager to get to Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of pentecost. At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him: and when they were arriv'd he told them, you know how I have always behav'd towards you from the first day of my arrival in Asia: how I have serv'd the Lord with all resignation, with tears, and trials occasion'd by the insidious practices of the Jews: that I have conceal'd nothing that might be useful to you, but have inform'd you of it, and instructed you therein, both in publick and in private: remonstrating both to Jews and Gentiles the advantages of a sincere repentance, and of believing in our Lord Jesus Christ. but now I am fix'd in my resolution to go to Jerusalem, without any apprehension of what may befal me there: save what the holy spirit in every city declares, "that bonds and afflictions wait for me." things that little affect me, nor is life so much my concern, as to finish my course, and the charge I receiv'd from the Lord Jesus, to attest the declaration of the divine favour. and now I am persuaded you will none of you see my face any more: whilst I have been among you, I have proclaim'd the kingdom of the Messias: I therefore declare to you at this present time, that I am not responsible for the ruin of any: for I have acquainted you with the whole dispensation of God without reserve. be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. for I know when I am gone, you will be oppress'd by wolves, that will not spare the flock. nay, among your own body some will start up to vent their intricate conceits, and draw a number of followers. be then upon the watch, and remember, that for three years I have not ceased by night, or by day to warn every soul of you, even with tears. and now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to his gracious dispensation, which is able to improve you, and secure to you the inheritance with those who are sanctify'd. I have not desir'd to get from any one either silver, or gold, or apparel. you yourselves can witness, that what was necessary for myself and those who were with me, these very hands have supply'd. my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive." After this discourse, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. then melted into tears, they fell upon his neck and kissed him, being more particularly afflicted at his having said, "they should see his face no more." and then they conducted him to the ship. After we were parted from them, and clear of land, we made directly for Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from thence to Patara: where finding a vessel bound to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and put off. having made Cyprus, leaving it to the North, we took our course to Syria, and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unlade her cargo. we staid seven days with the disciples we met there: who told Paul from the holy spirit, that he should not go to Jerusalem. that time being ended, we departed, being conducted by them in a body with the women and children quite out of the city, where we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. then having taken our leave of one another, we embark'd and they went home. From Tyre we sail'd to Ptolemais, which ended our voyage. we saluted the brethren there, and staid a day with them. on the morrow we set out, and arriv'd at Cesarea, and went to the house of Philip the evangelist, with whom we lodg'd: he was one of the seven deacons, and had four daughters all virgins, prophetesses. after we had been there several days, a prophet arriv'd from Judea, one Agabus, who made us a visit. when taking Paul's girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, "thus saith the holy spirit, so shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man, that owns this girdle, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles." upon hearing this, we and some of the city intreated him not to go to Jerusalem. but Paul replied, what do you mean by afflicting me thus with your tears? I am not only ready to meet my chains, but even to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. he being then inflexible, we desisted, saying, the will of the Lord be done. after this we prepar'd for our journey to Jerusalem.

Some time after, Paul said to Barnabas, let us return to visit all those cities, where we have preach'd the word of the Lord, to see what condition the brethren are in. upon which Barnabas propos'd to take John surnam'd Mark, with them. but Paul did not think it proper to take one that had quitted them at Pamphylia, refusing to accompany them in their ministry. read more.
and the contention was so sharp between them, that they separated: so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus. but Paul chose Silas, and having been recommended by the brethren to the favour of God, he departed, and passing through Syria and Cilicia, he settled the churches there. Paul arrived then at Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish convert, but his father a Greek. as the brethren of Lystra and Iconium gave him a good character, Paul had a mind he should accompany him. so he took him and had him circumcised, out of regard to the Jews of that country, who all knew his father was a Greek. as they pass'd through the cities, they recommended it to the faithful to observe the decisions, made by the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem. thus were the churches established in the faith, and daily grew more numerous. but after they had travers'd Phrygia and Galatia, they were order'd by the holy spirit not to preach the gospel in Asia: being therefore arrived in Mysia, they essayed to go into Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus would not allow it: so they pass'd by Mysia, and came to Troas. there Paul had a vision in the night. a Macedonian appear'd to him, and thus address'd him, "pass on to Macedonia, and come to our relief." immediately after he had had this vision, we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, concluding from thence, that the Lord had called us to publish the gospel there. we embark'd therefore at Troas, and sail'd directly to Samothracia, and the next day landed at Neapolis. from thence we marched to Philippi, the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. having stopp'd there some days, we went out of town on the sabbath towards the river, where the Jews were allowed to have an oratory. so we took our places, and convers'd with the women, that came there. one of them was nam'd Lydia of Thyatira, a trader in purple, and a Jewish proselyte. she heard us: and the Lord inclin'd her heart to attend to what Paul said. so that having been baptized with her family, she made us this request, if you think me sincere in my profession, pray come and lodge at my house; and she prevail'd upon us. One day as we went to the oratory, we happen'd to meet a slave, who had the spirit Python, and was very gainful to her masters by telling of fortunes. as she followed Paul and the rest of us, she cried out, these men are the servants of the most high God, who show you the way to salvation. this she did for several days, till Paul tir'd with it turn'd about, and said to the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to quit her; and instantly he came out. her masters finding they had lost such a prospect of gain, seized upon Paul and Silas, and hawl'd them to the publick place before the magistrates. having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims, as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise. upon this the populace rose upon them, and the Officers order'd them to be stript and scourg'd. after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe. in consequence of this order he thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard: when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners. the jayler waking, and seeing the prison-doors open, drew his sword, designing to dispatch himself from the apprehension that the prisoners had escaped. but Paul call'd to him aloud, and said, do thy self no harm, for we are all here. then having called for a light, he ran in, and with trembling fell down before Paul and Silas; and bringing them out, he said, sirs, what must I do to be saved? believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family. then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family. at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him. then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God. When it was day the officers sent their serjeants to bid the jayler let the men go. so the jayler told Paul, the magistrates had order'd them to be discharg'd. depart then, said he, and go in peace. but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us. the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans. so they came, and by persuasions brought them out, and desired them to leave the city. then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed. Having pass'd thro' Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arriv'd at Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue. Paul, as was his custom, us'd to go there, and for three sabbath-days discours'd to the Jews from the scriptures, explaining them, and setting it to view, that the Messiah was to suffer and rise again from the dead: and that Jesus, whom he denounc'd to them, was that very Messiah. Some of them believed, and join'd themselves to Paul and Silas, besides a great number of Greek proselytes, and several women of distinction. but the unbelieving Jews thro' envy, by the assistance of some loose strolers, rais'd a mob, set the whole city in an uproar, and attack'd Jason's house, thinking to find them there, and deliver them up to the populace. but not finding them, they dragg'd Jason and some of the brethren to the magistrates, crying out, these that have been every where the disturbers of the publick peace, are come hither also, and have been entertain'd by Jason. they all act in defiance of the edicts of Cesar, pretending there is another king, one Jesus. the people, and the magistrates upon hearing this were alarm'd: however having oblig'd Jason and the rest to give security, they let them go. Immediately the brethren sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea, where being arriv'd, they went into the synagogue. the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures. so that many of them believed, besides a considerable number of women of distinction, and of men, that were Greeks. but when the Jews of Thessalonica were inform'd that Paul had preached the word of God at Berea, they went thither to stir up the populace. Upon this the brethren immediately sent Paul away to the sea-coast, but Silas and Timothy staid there. however Paul's guides attended him to Athens: where they left him, after having received his orders for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed. While Paul was expecting them at Athens, he was grieved to the soul to see the whole city o'er-spread with idols. he disputed therefore in the synagogue with the Jews, and the proselyted Greeks: and in the publick place daily with those he met. there certain Epicurean and Stoick philosophers encountred him: "what does this mountebank mean?" said some: "he seems to proclaim some strange deitys," said others: because he talk'd to them of Jesus and the resurrection. One day they conducted him to the Areopagus, and said to him, may we know what this new doctrine is, which you publish? for what you say sounds so very strange, we should be glad to know what it means. now the Athenians, and the foreigners residing at Athens generally amus'd themselves about nothing, but hearing and spreading of news. Then Paul being plac'd in the middle of the Areopagus, said thus, "I observe, O Athenians, that you are in a manner too devout. for considering, as I pass'd along, the deitys, which you adore, I met with an altar that had this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. now that GOD whom you worship without knowing him, is the same that I denounce to you. the GOD who made the world and every thing therein, and is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples erected by men: he receives no service from their officiousness: he is self-sufficient: it is he that gives to all their life and breath and every thing they have. he he has deduced all mankind from one parent, to inhabit the surface of the whole earth, having pre-establish'd the appointed periods, and the boundarys of their dominions: by which they might enquire, and by due reflection investigate the supreme being, although he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, are moved, and do exist: even as some of your own poets have said, WE ARE EVEN HIS OFFSPRING. since then we are the offspring of God, we should not imagine that the Deity bears any resemblance to the form which Gold, or Silver, or Stone has receiv'd from human art and industry. God has been pleas'd to over-look this state of ignorance: but now he enjoins all men every where to repent: because he has fix'd the day, when he will judge in equity, by that man, whom he has appointed thereto: of which he has given full proof to all the world, by having raised him from the dead." When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some made it a matter of ridicule: others said, we will hear you again upon this subject; upon which Paul left the assembly. however, there were some who adher'd to him, as Denis the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. After this Paul left Athens and arriv'd at Corinth: where having found a Jew nam'd Aquila, a native of Pontus, who lately came from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had order'd all the Jews to quit Rome; he went to them: and being of the same trade, he liv'd with them, and follow'd the business of tent-making. every sabbath he disputed in the synagogue, and try'd to gain upon the Jews and the Greek proselytes: and when Silas and Timothy were arriv'd from Macedonia, Paul with great concern remonstrated to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah: but as they oppos'd him with invectives, he shook his garment, and said, "you your selves be answerable for your own destruction, I am clear: and for the future I shall address my self to the Gentiles." When he had left them, he went to the house of one Justus a proselyte to Judaism, who lived near the synagogue: however Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his family, as well as many of the Corinthians, who heard Paul, and were baptized. then the Lord said to Paul in a vision by night, "be not afraid, but speak, and be not silenc'd: (since I am with thee, and no man shall lift up his hand so as to hurt thee:) for my people in this city are numerous." so he continued there a year and a half preaching the word of God among them. When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a general insurrection against Paul, and carry'd him to his tribunal. this fellow, said they, would persuade us to set up a way of worship inconsistent with our law. and when Paul was going to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "if it were a matter of some injustice or something immoral, O Jews, it would be reasonable to hear you out. but since it is about disputable matters, about names, and your own law, you may decide that among yourselves: for I won't take cognizance of such affairs." upon which he order'd them to withdraw. but the Greeks in a body fell upon Sosthenes the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the tribunal: whilst Gallio was unconcern'd about the matter. Paul still continued a considerable time at Corinth, and then taking his leave of the brethren, he set sail for Syria, with Priscilla and Aquila, who had his head shav'd in Cenchrea upon account of a vow. being arriv'd at Ephesus, he left them there, and went himself to the synagogue, where he disputed with the Jews, who desired him to stay longer with them, but he would not consent to it: for, said he, in taking his leave, I must necessarily keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem: after which I will return to you if God permit. having sail'd from Ephesus, he went ashore at Cesarea, where he saluted the church, and then proceeded to Antioch.