1. From Antioch to Ephesus (Acts 18. 23). He went through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting churches already founded. Some think that this indicates a fourth visit to Lycaonia and Pisidia, as those lands were loosely regarded as belonging to Galatia; but this is not certain.
2. Three years in Ephesus. (Acts 19. 1-20.) In this metropolis of Asia Minor Paul made a stay longer than in any other place during his ministry. As results, churches arose in all that region: Colossæ (Col. 2. 2; 2. 1), Hierapolis (Col. 4. 13), and "the seven churches of Asia" (Rev. 1. 11).
3. Macedonia and Greece revisited. We can tell what places he would visit in this journey through former fields, although they are not named—the four or five cities wherein he had already planted churches: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea (Athens?), Corinth. One of his errands on this journey, not mentioned in Acts, is frequently referred to in the epistles of this period, his collection for the poor Christians in Judea. See Rom. 15. 26, 27. 1 Cor. 16. 1-3. 2 Cor. 9. 1-4. Probably the care of these funds was one reason for the large number of disciples accompanying Paul on his return journey (Acts 20. 4).
4. Epistles of this Period. These were the following:
1.) First Corinthians, written from Ephesus, perhaps about 57 A. D. Its occasion (1 Cor. 1. 11, 12). Its purpose, to set forth a true church-life.
2.) Second Corinthians (57 A. D.), probably written from Macedonia. (2 Cor. 7. 5; 8. 1); its purpose, mainly a defense of Paul's apostolic authority.
3.) Galatians, also probably from Macedonia (57 A. D). Its occasion, the influence of Judaizing teachers on Paul's churches in Galatia (Gal. 1. 6, 7). "Galatia" may refer to the regions in Lycaonia and Pisidia (according to Ramsay); but most expositors refer it to Galatia Proper, north of those provinces. The theme of this book is "Salvation by faith only."
4.) Romans was written from Corinth perhaps in 58 A. D. See Rom. 16. 1, a reference to the seaport of Corinth. Its subject is "Justification by Faith." Notice how important were the writings of this period.
5. The return journey (Acts 20. 6-21, 17). Note the route and places, which should be traced on the map. 1.) Philippi (Acts 20. 6). 2.) Troas (Acts 20. 6-13). What took place at Troas? 3.) Voyage to Miletus (Acts 20. 14, 15). 4.) At Miletus, a touching address (Acts 20. 17-38). 5.) Voyage to Tyre (Acts 21. 1-6). 6.) Ptolemais (Acts 21. 7). 7.) Cæsarea (Acts 21. 8-15.) A remarkable meeting. 8.) Jerusalem (Acts 21. 17). Paul's errand to Jerusalem was to present the contribution of the Gentile churches; seeking to reconcile them with the mother church in Jerusalem, which was exceedingly bigoted in its zeal for the law (Acts 21. 20, 21).