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Updated:2020-08-30

Paul’s Missionary Journey Map

Apostle Paul’s third missionary journey didn’t start here. However, we could learn much about our confidence in Christ Jesus from this leg of his third missionary expedition.

Paul had thought about going into Macedonia but now the time has come for him to act.

“And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia” (Acts 20:1).

Below, note how Luke didn’t place much emphasis on Paul’s trip to “those parts” but highlight Greece.

“And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece” (Acts 20:2).

Additionally, observe that one of the main purposes of this trip of Paul is “exhortation”.

In other words, he was affirming the belief of the brethren in those parts. He was actively strengthening their belief in Jesus Christ with the Word of God.

“And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia” (Acts 20:3).

So, he stayed three months in Greece. But the unbelievers weren’t about to give up easily.

These Seven Waited at Troas

They wanted to bushwhack Paul. But this apostle had a team of dependable Believers with him.

“And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus” (Acts 20:4).

Even though they were all brethren there was an inner circle of disciples or apostles who were always with Paul.

Luke emphasises this separation with the following verse-of-scripture:

“These going before tarried for us at Troas” (Acts 20:5).

His usage of “these” and “us” in the sentence above conveyed this special group of apostles.

Additionally, “we” and “them” in the verse immediately below reinforces this point.

“And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days” (Acts 20:6).

Paul’s third missionary journey reveals much. On this trip, Scriptures show that he had an inner circle of apostles. They were always with him.

What Does Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Reveal About Attending Church on Sunday?

Nevertheless, here is a case for Sunday-Church. Apostle Paul and his traveling companions had church not on the Sabbath but on Sunday evening.

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7).

The first thing worthy of note is the fact that he was with a mixed-group and he was preaching to a diverse assembly of Believers.

Secondly, Paul and his inner-circle of comrades were Jews. Yet they chose to worship together, at Troas, (as the Church of Jesus Christ), on a Sunday afternoon.

“And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together” (Acts 20:8).

To explore further the mixed nature of Paul’s company and audience read the next scripture-verse.

The Case of Eutychus Falling to his Death

“And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead” (Acts 20:9).

For the name Eutychus is Greek. Similarly, so too are all the names of The Seven who waited or “tarried” for Paul and the remainder of his entourage at Troas, (Acts 20:4-5).

However, I often say, “The boldest on earth is not the lion or any other beast but the Believer in Jesus Christ.”

Just imagine the confidence it takes to speak to the dead. And Paul was very bold. He exudes confidence in God. Although Eutychus was dead, through his authority as a Believer in Christ Jesus, God honors Paul’s words.

He confidently, inform them that Eutychus was not dead but alive. And he was!

Consequently, “Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him” (Acts 20:10).

What Influences Your Confidence in God?

Never allow how the world thinks or its systems to influence your confidence in the Lord God.

The world would say he’s dead and there’s nothing that we could do. But a Believer, who has been born again according to the true Word of God, thinks otherwise.

If such a one asks in faith, steadfastly, such a one knows that God honors his or her words. So, when others see death, we should see life; when they see sickness; we should perceive sound health and speak it with all confidence knowing that heaven backs up our words.

Such was the case of Eutychus and Paul.

What Does Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Reveal?

Paul was long in preaching but the resurrection of Eutychus extends further his exhortation.

“When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed” (Acts 20:11).

And observe how happy everyone was for the Word of God and for the resurrection of Eutychus.

Not to mention the food.

“And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted” (Acts 20:12).

How is your confidence in the Lord God? Do you believe His Words? Have you deliberately and consciously spoken to a situation, a person, or a problem and witness God honoring His Words according to your pronouncement?

That demonstrates faith in God!

Allow nothing to shake your faith in God, not even death. Believe in Him by embracing His Words and never, never let them go!

Do You Believe His Words?

He wants us to speak to everything in our lives and all would obey. But we must be born again.

I challenge you. Speak to something in your life today. This is your “mountain” speak the Word of God to it and watch it disappear.

We all have different mountains. For some, it is ill health. But for others, it is financial difficulties, yet another group has relationship issues.

In closing, whatever is your problem by faith speak to it, your heart’s desires, and watch Christ Jesus accomplish it for you.

Share with us in the comments below, how God has accomplished that which you have spoken!

Blessings.