Paul started on his second missionary journey by the land route, passing through his native city of Tarsus, over the Taurus mountains and into Galatia, where he revisited the cities of Derbe and Lystra. He attempted to visit other places, but was prevented from doing so, and pressed on through many miles of wild and desolate country of northern Asia Minor until the welcome waters of the Aegean again greeted his eyes at Troas. Here he faced Europe and the great crisis of his life. In the night he saw the vision of the man and heard the cry, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." Then Paul determined upon the great step which meant so much to the world. He went on board a coaster at Troas, made "a straight run" to the island of Samothracia, and the next day came to the harbor of Neapolis, which is only a few miles from Philippi. The important Macedonian campaign included the cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea. Here his work in Macedonia abruptly ended. In danger of his life from evil persons who followed him from Thessalonica, he was hurried out of the country by his friends and journeyed by land and sea to Athens. Then he went to Corinth, where he stayed for some time preaching and working at his trade of tentmaker. Embarking on a pilgrim ship carrying Jews to Passover, Paul sailed to Caesarea and then journeyed to Jerusalem, stopping briefly on the way at Ephesus. Thus ended the second great journey.
Companions: Silas and Timothy.
Map of land around the Mediterranean Sea showing Paul's journey.
I
REVISITING THE SCENES OF FORMER VICTORIES IN PHRYGIA AND GALATIA
Paul and Barnabas Again Take the Field.
And after some time, Paul said unto Barnabas, "Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare."
And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was called Mark. But Paul thought it not good to take with them him who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.