With Priscilla and Aquila, Paul travels to Ephesus where he leaves the couple, and as always, he goes to the synagogue and speaks there. They want him to remain, but he must go to Jerusalem, then on to Antioch for a short time, then on to visit the Churches in Galatia and Phrygia. We now meet Apollo, a powerful preacher for Jesus, but he does not know the full story, so Priscilla and Aquila more fully instruct him. Apollo goes to Corinth where he continues boldly declaring Jesus.

Paul travels to Corinth where he meets a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, who left Rome due to an edict by the emperor Claudius. He speaks in the synagogue as usual and again runs into trouble, yet many believe and are baptized. In the midst of the turmoil, Paul has a vision where Jesus encourages him to continue with the work and that he will be protected. Troubles continue, and Paul is brought before the Roman governor who refuses to engage in the charges made against him.

Paul addresses the “men of Athens” and notices a shrine dedicated “To the unknown god.” He describes this God as the Creator of all things, who does not live in temples made by humans, is sovereign over all things, is not distant but present, and cannot be represented by gold and silver. Paul announces that God has overlooked the days of ignorance and now calls for all people to repent or change their mind about just who God is. Some mock Paul, some want to hear more later, and some believe.

Alone in Athens—the home of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—Paul is both grieved and amazed at shrines and temples of gods and goddesses, up to 30,000 of them. He speaks in the synagogue at first and is then invited to the Areopagus to present his “philosophy.” Those belonging to the Epicureans and Stoics are especially interested in Paul’s presentation, since he speaks of Jesus and the resurrection (anastasia in Greek), which they misinterpret to be two different gods.

Despite political and religious opposition Paul and company begin a church in Thessalonica. Berea is about 50 miles away, and joining Paul and Silas there is Timothy, whom Paul sends back to Thessalonica to care for its new gathering of believers. The Bereans are serious Bible students who study it to find the truth of Jesus there. Opposers soon show up to again stir up trouble. Paul is forced to flee again, this time to Athens. Silas and Timothy remain in Berea.

Paul and Silas leave Philippi and walk 95 miles to Thessalonica, a city of 200,000, capital of Macedonia. At a synagogue, Paul presents the gospel message. Some listeners are converted, provoking jealousy from the others who stir up trouble. They seize Jason, who is hosting Paul and company, forcing him to post a bond to ensure the missionaries will leave, so they travel to Berea.

Paul and Silas are in prison singing and praying. An earthquake strikes, the doors of the prison open, the restraints of the prisoners drop off. The jailer rushes in and is about to kill himself, when Paul calls out to him that no one has escaped. The jailer asks how to be saved, and Paul tells him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Converted, the jailer and household are baptized. Paul insists that the magistrates come themselves to release them.

Philippi is the first city the missionaries visit in Europe. There was no synagogue there, but some women gather on the Sabbath beside the River for prayers. Lydia from Thyatira hears Paul speak, and God “open[s] her heart.” She is baptized along with her household. Later, Paul and Silas encounter a slave girl who gives fortunes and cast a demon out of her. Her owners cause a commotion, and Paul and Silas land in prison after a terrible beating.

Paul and Silas start a 2nd missionary journey and revisit churches begun before. Silas, is described as a prophet, a preacher, a leader, a Roman citizen—perfect to connect with Gentiles. Likely in Derbe, Timothy joins them. For strategic reasons, Paul has Timothy circumcised, though they deliver the proclamation that Gentiles are not required to be circumcised. In a dream, Paul sees a man from Macedonia who calls out for help. For the first time, the Gospel will be presented in Europe.

James’ points are written up and sent to other churches newly formed in Gentile areas. The letter encourages Gentiles to refrain from certain activities that Jews find repugnant, so fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians would be possible. Note that pagan practices common in the Graeco/Roman world were unholy and against the Scripture. Paul and Barnabas propose a new evangelistic venture but have a sharp disagreement over bringing Barnabas’ cousin Mark.