At the close of our last lesson, we are assuming that the time Paul spent in Rome at the close of Acts was drawing to a conclusion. He was anticipating his release either because of the declaration of his innocence or the neglect of his accusers to arrive in Rome. Did Paul’s next steps include Spain?

Click on the pictures to visit several websites around Tarragona, Spain.

But now, finding myself with no more room in these regions, I have a great longing to come to you now at last after so many years, 24 and so to make my way to Spain. You see, I’m hoping to see you as I pass through, and to be sent on my way there by you, once I have been refreshed by you for a while.

Romans 15:23-24 NTE

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Romans 15:23-24 NASB

Romans 15:23-24 ESV

Romans 15:23-24 NCV

Romans 15:23-24 NKJV

Romans 15:23-24 NIV

Romans 15:23-24 NLT

Romans 15:23-24 MESSAGE

Romans 15:23-24 HCSB

Other than the existence of the Pastoral Epistles, the New Testament is silent about Paul’s release after the close of Acts. Traditions and documents outside of the New Testament firmly establish his release.

Assuming that he was released, chronology places about five years between the end of Acts and Paul’s death at the hands of the Roman Emperor Nero. How would Paul have filled those five years?

The Bible helps us a little with developing a travel itinerary for the Apostle. In the book of Romans , we see Paul’s intention to visit Spain after he reaches Rome (Romans 15:23-24). It seems very logical that although his circumstances in reaching Rome had changed, getting to Rome would still provide Paul with the first step toward visiting Spain.

Destinations Mentioned by Paul in His Later Epistles

  • Colossae (Philemon 22)
  • Ephesus (1 Tim 1:3, 3:14)
  • Macedonia (1 Tim 1:3)
  • Philippi (Phil 1:25; Phil 2:24)
  • Spain (Rom 15:24)
  • Crete (Titus 1:5)
  • Asia Minor (2 Tim 4:13, 20)
  • Greece (Titus 3:12, 2 Tim 4:20)
  • Rome (2 Tim 1:16-17)

Evidence of Paul’s activities after Acts is found in three early Christian documents. In AD96 Clement of Rome wrote an epistle to the Corinthians. Realistically, Clement remains identified as one of Paul’s disciples (see Philippians 4:3). In this work Clement states:

Paul had been seven times in bonds, had been driven into exile, had been stoned, had preached in the East and in the West, he won the noble renowns which was the reward of his faith, having taught righteousness unto the whole world and having reached the farthest bounds of the West.

External Evidence Includes Spain

For a Roman, “the farthest bounds of the West” was a phrase used by Roman writers to refer to Spain. The specific area of Spain would be the Iberian peninsula.

In addition, the Acts of Peter, written in the second century, informs us thoroughly about the departure of Paul from the Roman harbor of Ostia to Spain. Ostia had become a major port town for Rome. Ships sailed regularly for the Spanish ports of Cadiz and Tarragona. According to Piny the Elder, the journey to Spain from Rome took about four days.

Finally, the Muratorian Canon, (perhaps our oldest known list of the all of the books of the New Testament) compiled by an anonymous Christian around AD170, refers to the Spanish mission of Paul. This document, originally written in Green and then translated into Latin, includes the following notation connected with the book of Acts:

Luke puts it shortly to the most excellent Theophilus that several things were done in his own presence, as he also plainly shows by leaving out the passion of Peter and also the departure of Paul from town on his journey to Spain.

Strong Local Tradition in Spain

There is also strong local tradition in Spain of Paul’s presence within the Christian community. This is especially true of the town of Tarragona. An 8th century Spanish tradition relates that during his mission to the Catalans, the Apostle Paul consecrated Prosperus as the first bishop of Tarragona. Because of intense persecution by the Romans, Prosperus fled to Regium Lepidum where the people immediately accepted as him bishop of the city “because he is the successor of Paul in Tarragona.”

The Diocesan Seminary, built according to the Tarragonian traditions, stands on the site of Paul’s preaching in the city. There are two statues in the city of the Apostle Paul to commemorate his preaching and the establishment of a church there.

Concluding Comments

As we bring our thoughts about the travels that Paul made after the close of the book of Acts, here are some points to ponder about the concepts of today’s lesson.

  1. What example does Paul’s missionary journeys set for us as we think about evangelizing the world? Where does your “missionary journey” take you?
  2. How does the message of the Gospel differ depending upon the knowledge and background of the listener? How does it stay the same?
  3. Think about several good preachers that you have heard speak. What about their style and content makes them effective ministers of the gospel?

Here are some online resources to help you understand more about Paul’s travels after the end of the book of Acts.