Mediterranean Travels

Paul’s travels from the close of the book of Acts to his death about 5 years later are not outlined in the Scriptures. Some theologians debate whether an official “journey” actually took place. But the evangelistic and pastoral nature of the Apostle to the Gentiles makes it difficult to believe that he stayed still and silent during those years. With glimpses from traditions and historians, as well as hints in his own writings, it is possible to construct a possible sketch of his activities.

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Early church historian, Eusebius, writing in the fourth century, recorded that the most prominent church traditions had Paul released from imprisonment in Rome only to be re-arrested several years later. The second arrest led to his martyrdom under the direction of Emperor Nero.

Paul himself suggested he desired his travels to include visiting Spain (Romans 15:24). There is no proof in any of his letters, but traditions in Spain as well as other early church fathers claimed that Paul did travel to Spain. We spoke of this journey in last week’s lesson, On to Spain.

In his letter to the Corinthians, church father Clement of Rome affirmed that Paul “had gone to the extremity of the west.” At the time, such a phrase was used in Rome as travels to the country of Spain. Fourth-century father John of Chrysostom mentioned, “For after he had been in Rome, he returned to Spain, but whether he came thence again into these parts, we know not.” Cyril of Jerusalem (also writing in the fourth century) wrote that “Paul carried the earnestness of his preaching as far as Spain.”

Possible Chronology of the Travels

It is probable that Paul left his imprisonment in Rome and immediately set sail for Spain. His travels would have eventually brought him back to the middle of the Mediterranean where Paul made several stops. He finally was re-arrested and taken back to Rome for the final time.

Theologian B.B. Warfield believed that after Paul’s release he first made a trip East to visit Philippi and Colossae, traveled West to fulfill his cherished dream to preach in Spain, and finally a return trip East. During this trip, soldiers arrest Paul for the final time.

Regardless of the chronology, there are other locations that Paul seems to have been focused upon to visit. Let’s look at them briefly.

Travels to Philippi and Colossae

Paul seems to have wanted to visit the churches of Macedonia. Visiting these churches would have included a stop with the Philippians. Throughout Paul’s writings, it is evident that the Philippians held a special place in the Apostle’s heart (Philippians 1:7-8; Philippians 4:15-16; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4). Along with Philemon (Philemon 22) Paul indicates that he wants to visit the Philippians (Philippians 2:24). As he writes in 1 Timothy 1:3, it appears that he did in fact enter into Macedonia

It seems likely that stops in Greece would have been convenient at the time of travels to Macedonia. We know of his ministries in Corinth and Thessalonica.

After travels in Macdeonia, Paul seems to have been heading to Colossae and its nearby Ephesus. Timothy was known to be in Ephesus and Philemon, his dear friend, is traditionally located in Colossae.

The Bible Journey website offers a possible route for Paul after he returns from Spain.

Concluding Comments

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