Third Missionary Journey. (Acts. 18:33-21:17).  How long Paul remained at Antioch at the close of the second journey is not known.  But when he had finished his visit he set out again to revisit some of the places formerly touched and to cultivate some new fields.  The outline and work of this journey may be put down as follows:  (1) He passes through Galatia and Phrygia strengthening the disciples. (2) His work of nearly three years at Ephesus. (3) The trip through Macedonia and Greece. (4) The return trip through Macedonia to Jerusalem.  Luke seems to desire to narrate only what is new and most important.  He, therefore, goes fully into the work at Ephesus. (1) There was the incident of the work of Apollos and the baptism of some of John’s disciples. (2) Three months work among the Jews. (3) Two years of teaching in the school of Tyrannus. (4) A “season” after he sent Timotheus and Etastus into Macedonia.  The success of this work is seen especially in two incidents. (1) The burning of the books of the Jewish exorcists which were valued at over $31,000. (2) The checking of the sale of images of the idol, Diana, which resulted in a great tumult.

After this tumult at Ephesus Paul departed into Macedonia and seems to have visited the principal cities and finally arrived at Corinth where a plot to kill him was formed.  Upon discovering this plot he set out on his return trip to Jerusalem, going back through Macedonia.  This trip is notable for several things. (1) The seven days stay at Troas which was significant because of an all night service and the accident to Eutychus. (2) The conference at Miletus with the Elders of Ephesus in which he reviewed his work among them and indicated to them that they would see him no more. (3) A week’s stay at Tyre where he was persuaded not to go to Jerusalem. (4) Many days spent at Caesarea during which Agabus, who had formerly told them of the coming drouth, predicted that the Jews of Jerusalem would bind Paul and deliver him to the Gentiles. (5) The arrival at Jerusalem where he was kindly received by James and the elders.

This journey also was marked by the writing of some of Paul’s most notable epistles. (1) The First Letter to the Corinthians.  He wrote this letter while at Ephesus just before leaving for Macedonia. (2) The Second Letter to the Corinthians.  After Paul came into Macedonia he met Titus with tidings from the Corinthians whereupon he wrote them this second letter, probably from Philippi. (3) The Letter to the Romans.  From Macedonia Paul went into Achaia where he stayed three months and while staying with Gaius in Corinth (Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14) he wrote this great epistle.  The occasion, purpose, outline and other information concerning these epistles may be found in “The Bible Book by Book”.