Missionary Journeys and Expansion into Gentile Territories

Introduction

The conversion of Paul set the stage for one of the most dramatic expansions of faith in human history. Acts 13–21 narrates how Paul and his companions carried the Gospel beyond Jerusalem and Judea into the heart of the Gentile world. Luke depicts these journeys not merely as historical travels but as a theological unfolding of God’s plan, fulfilling Jesus’ commission in Acts 1:8: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Paul’s missionary journeys reshaped Christianity. What began as a small movement within Judaism became a transnational faith, rooted in diverse communities across Asia Minor and Greece. These journeys reveal how the Spirit empowered the church to cross cultural, linguistic, and religious boundaries. They also show the challenges of persecution, theological disputes, and cultural negotiation.

This chapter explores the missionary journeys in detail. We will examine Paul’s three major journeys, the theology of mission that undergirds them, and their implications for the spread of Christianity.

Part 1: The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13–14)

1. Commissioning at Antioch

The church at Antioch, already a multiethnic hub, becomes the launching point for mission. During worship and fasting, the Spirit commands: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (13:2). The community prays, lays hands on them, and sends them out.

This commissioning highlights two key elements:

• Mission originates in God’s Spirit, not human initiative.

• The local church plays a vital role in discernment and support.

2. Cyprus

Paul and Barnabas first travel to Cyprus, Barnabas’ homeland. They encounter opposition from Elymas the magician, whom Paul rebukes. The proconsul Sergius Paulus believes, illustrating Luke’s theme of the Gospel penetrating Roman officialdom.

3. Pisidian Antioch

In Pisidian Antioch, Paul delivers a synagogue sermon (13:16–41) that becomes a model of apostolic preaching: recounting Israel’s history, identifying Jesus as fulfillment of prophecy, and calling for faith. While some Jews respond, opposition arises, and Paul turns increasingly to Gentiles: “We are turning to the Gentiles” (13:46).

4. Lystra and Derbe

In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man, leading the crowd to mistake him and Barnabas for gods. When Paul preaches against idolatry, opposition turns violent, and he is stoned. Yet he survives and continues preaching. This episode highlights the challenges of cross-cultural mission: misunderstanding, syncretism, and hostility.

5. Return and Report

After revisiting new churches, Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch and report “all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles” (14:27).

Part 2: The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)

The expansion into Gentile territories raised pressing questions: Must Gentile converts be circumcised and obey the Mosaic law? The Jerusalem Council convened to resolve this.

Peter testifies that God gave the Spirit to Gentiles apart from law (15:8–11). James affirms that Gentile believers should not be burdened with circumcision but should abstain from idolatry, sexual immorality, and blood (15:19–20).

The council underscores two themes:

• Salvation is by grace through faith, not law.

• The church must balance unity and diversity in cross-cultural contexts.

Part 3: The Second Missionary Journey (Acts 16–18)

1. Team Expansion

Paul selects Silas as his companion, later adding Timothy in Lystra and Luke in Troas (the narrative shifts to “we” in 16:10). The team represents diverse backgrounds, modeling inclusivity.

2. The Macedonian Call

In Troas, Paul sees a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading, “Come over… and help us” (16:9). This marks the Gospel’s entrance into Europe.

3. Philippi

In Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, a wealthy merchant, whose household becomes the first European converts. Later, Paul and Silas are imprisoned but miraculously freed, leading to the conversion of the jailer. The church at Philippi later becomes one of Paul’s closest partners.

4. Thessalonica and Berea

In Thessalonica, Paul faces opposition from Jews but plants a church. In Berea, the Jews are described as more noble, examining Scriptures daily. These contrasting responses illustrate diverse receptions of the Gospel.

5. Athens

Paul’s address at the Areopagus (17:22–31) is a highlight. Engaging philosophers, he speaks of the “unknown god” and calls for repentance in light of the resurrection. His sermon exemplifies contextual theology: beginning with shared cultural points before proclaiming Christ.

6. Corinth

Paul spends 18 months in Corinth, preaching and establishing a church amid opposition. Here he meets Aquila and Priscilla, who become important co-workers. Despite challenges, God assures Paul, “I have many people in this city” (18:10).

Part 4: The Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23–21:16)

1. Ephesus

Paul’s longest ministry takes place in Ephesus, lasting nearly three years. Highlights include:

• The Spirit’s power demonstrated in miracles (19:11–12).

• Public renunciation of magic as converts burn scrolls (19:19).

• Conflict with idol-makers whose trade is threatened (19:23–41).

Ephesus emerges as a strategic center, from which “all the residents of Asia… heard the word of the Lord” (19:10).

2. Pastoral Encouragement

Paul revisits churches in Macedonia and Greece, strengthening believers. His farewell speech to Ephesian elders (20:17–38) emphasizes servant leadership, vigilance against false teaching, and generosity.

3. Journey to Jerusalem

Despite warnings of imprisonment, Paul resolves to return to Jerusalem, demonstrating his commitment to God’s call regardless of cost.

Part 5: Theological Themes of Paul’s Mission

1. The Spirit’s Guidance

At every stage, the Spirit directs mission: commissioning in Antioch, forbidding entry into certain regions (16:6–7), and calling to Macedonia. Mission is Spirit-led, not self-directed.

2. The Gospel for All

Paul insists the Gospel is for Jews and Gentiles alike. The turning to Gentiles (13:46) fulfills Isaiah’s vision of light to the nations (49:6).

3. Contextual Witness

Paul adapts his message to audiences: Scripture-centered in synagogues, philosophical in Athens, Christ-focused in Corinth. This contextualization demonstrates flexibility without compromising truth.

4. Suffering as Integral

Mission involves suffering: imprisonment, beatings, rejection. Paul embodies the cruciform pattern of discipleship, revealing that witness often entails sacrifice.

5. Community Formation

Paul’s goal is not only converts but communities. Churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus testify to the communal nature of mission.

Part 6: Implications for Today

1. Mission as Spirit-Led

Church mission must begin in prayer and discernment, relying on the Spirit’s direction.

2. Gospel Across Cultures

The expansion into Gentile territories models cross-cultural engagement. Today’s church is likewise called to contextualize without compromising.

3. Unity in Diversity

The Jerusalem Council shows the church’s capacity to hold unity amid cultural difference. Modern churches must embody the same.

4. Courage in Opposition

Paul’s perseverance amid hostility encourages believers to endure suffering as part of faithful mission.

5. Formation of Communities

Mission should prioritize sustainable communities of disciples, not merely individual conversions.

Suggested Assignments

1. Exegetical Paper on Acts 13–14

   • Write a 3,000-word essay analyzing Paul’s synagogue sermon in Pisidian Antioch and its implications for mission.

2. Comparative Study of Sermons

   • Compare Paul’s Areopagus address (Acts 17) with his synagogue preaching (Acts 13). Write a 2,500-word essay on contextual theology.

3. Theological Essay on the Jerusalem Council

   • Write a 2,500-word paper on Acts 15, exploring grace, law, and unity in diversity.

4. Mission and Suffering

   • Trace accounts of Paul’s hardships in Acts 13–21. Write a 2,000-word essay on the role of suffering in mission.

5. Creative Assignment

   • Write a 1,000-word first-person narrative from Lydia’s perspective as the first convert in Philippi. Reflect on her experience of community and mission.

References

Barrett, C. K. (1994). A critical and exegetical commentary on the Acts of the Apostles (Vols. 1–2). T&T Clark.

Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of Acts (NICNT). Eerdmans.

Dunn, J. D. G. (1998). The theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans.

Gaventa, B. R. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles. Abingdon.

Johnson, L. T. (1992). The Acts of the Apostles. Sacra Pagina. Liturgical Press.

Keener, C. S. (2012–2015). Acts: An exegetical commentary (Vols. 1–4). Baker Academic.

Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts (TNTC). IVP.

Sanders, E. P. (2015). Paul: The Apostle’s life, letters, and thought. Fortress Press.

Witherington, B. (1998). The Acts of the Apostles: A socio-rhetorical commentary. Eerdmans.

Wright, N. T. (2012). Paul: In fresh perspective. Fortress Press.