Biblical Geography

The Journeys of Paul

Journey · New Testament

Scripture first

Acts 13:2-4 · WEBU

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The Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul, and the first journey sails from Antioch's port.

Paul's journeys followed the empire's own skeleton: the Roman roads of Asia Minor and Macedonia, the sea lanes between the Aegean ports, the pilgrimage road up to Jerusalem, and the grain-ship route to Italy. 's voyage is the most detailed account of ancient seafaring that survives, and its soundings and landmarks check out.

Three missionary journeys and a voyage to Rome: Antioch to Asia Minor, Macedonia, Achaia, Ephesus, Jerusalem, and the storm to Italy.

Biblical names
Antioch, Tarsus, Lystra, Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Malta, Rome

Identification note. The routes are reconstructed from Acts and the Roman road system, and are among the best documented journeys of the ancient world.

Paul planted churches in the cities the roads passed through and the ships docked at, because those were the places letters and travellers could reach. The strategy was geographic before it was anything else.

Luke's we passages name winds, anchorages and depths that match the coasts exactly; the narrative was written by someone who sailed it.

  • The Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul, and the first journey sails from Antioch's port.
  • The Macedonian call: the gospel crosses to Europe
  • Corinth, and eighteen months of teaching
  • I must also see Rome
  • Shipwreck on Malta, and all brought safe to land
  • And so we came to Rome

What we know

Certain

  • The cities of the journeys are all securely identified, and Luke's voyage details match the coasts and sailing practice.