Paul's 4th Missionary Journey (19 gen 62 anni – 22 agos 64 anni)

Descrizione:

The fourth missionary journey is disputed. Some argue that Paul's journey to Rome constituted his fourth missionary journey, and then afterwards proceeded on a fifth journey - however, we will operate with the understanding that his trip to Rome was not a mission trip, but that a fourth one occurred after his release from prison.

Unlike the previous three journeys, no immediate account of a fourth (or fifth) exists. However, various bits of information from his letters and extra-biblical sources indicate that Paul did indeed undergo a fourth missionary journey. Various routes have been suggested, but the most common route will be shown here.

Though no biblical record exists of Paul actually going to Spain, he did mention a desire to minister there (see Romans 15:22-24). Clement of Rome (a disciple of Paul's who worked in Corinth for some time [see Philippians 4:3]) mentions in a letter to the church in Corinth that Paul "reached the farthest bounds of the West", an early Roman reference to Spain (see 1 Clement 5:5-6). The Lost 29th Chapter of Acts and the 2nd century Acts of Peter describe Paul as boarding a ship in the Roman port of Ostrium and sailed west into Spain, accompanied by Luke and Aristarchus.

While in Spain, Paul preached and performed many miracles. He likely headed for the large Jewish colony of Cordova, entering the synagogues and preaching to the Jews there. Paul also visited the cities of Toledo and Saragoss before eventually makinghis way to the town of Armorica, where he set off and sailed from there to Britannia (Britain).

Paul landed by ship in the port of Raphinus, where he stayed fro three months in the house of a fellow Hebrew. He stood on Mount Lud and preached the gospel of Christ to all who heard him in the streets. Some druids approached Paul, eager to show him that they were the descendants of Israelites who had escaped Assyrian captivity, having fled into Egypt and then into Britannia. Paul believed them and gave them the kiss of peace. After three months in Raphinus, Paul and his companions set sail for Gaul (France).

Landing in Atium, Paul preached to the Roman garrison in the city. after some time, some people from Belgae (Belgium) approach him to inquire about the gospel message. While in Gaul, it is possible that Paul established a church in Lyon, though aside from tradition, there is little evidence to support this. A 2nd century bishop named Irenaus ministered in Lyon, with the church already being considered old by this time. The question remains: if Paul did not deliver the gospel there, who did? After some time, Paul left Gaul and headed into Helvetia (Switzerland).

While in Helvetia, Paul visited Mount Pilatus, where Pontius Pilate had committed himself to suicide. As he stood on the mountain, a stream of water gushed out the mountainside and into a nearby lake. Paul prayed for a sign to show that Pilate had indeed died there. Immediately, there was an earthquake, and the form of a man formed upon the waters of the lake. And a voice from heaven spoke to Paul, telling him that Pilate had escaped his judgment because he washed his hands at the shedding of Jesus' blood. Paul continued in his journey to Mount Julius, wherein stood two large pillars built by Caesar Augustus. standing between the pillars, Paul declared they would remain standing until the Holy Spirit went all throughout the earth and into every tribe and nation. From there, "they went forth and came unto Illtricum, intending to go by Macedonia into Asia" (Acts 29:26).

Paul's work in Britannia and Gaul is up for much debate. Aside from tradition and what is written in the Lost 29th Chapter of Acts, there is little evidence to support the claim that Paul ever did go to Britannia or Gaul. If Paul did go to Britannia, and Gaul he likely headed back to Rome before visiting the other churches.

While in Rome, Paul probably collected funds and prepared to visit some of the believers in areas he had previously ministered to. Taking Luke, Trophimus, Erastus, Titus, (and possibly Aristarchus?), he leaves Rome and sets sail for the island of Crete.

While in Crete, Paul leaves Titus there to establish the church by ordaining elders (see Titus 1:5). After spending time in Crete, he leaves for Miletus.

While in Miletus, Trophimus becomes sick; so sick that Paul felt it best to leave him there (see 2 Timothy 4:20). Paul then travels up to Ephesus.

While in Ephesus, Paul ministers to the believers there with the help of Onesiphorus (see 2 Timothy 1:18). Paul faced much opposition there; Alexander the metalworker opposed his message (see 2 Timothy 4:14) and many false teacher emerged. He may have also visited Tychicus in Ephesus if he was still there at the time (see Ephesians 6:21-22 & 2 Timothy 4:12). When Paul left Ephesus, he left Timothy there to lead the church and correct false teaching (see 1 Timothy 1:3).

It is likely that he left for Colossae to visit the church there, just as he had promised Philemon (see Philemon 1:22). While in Colossae, he may have visited Onesimus who was there, possibly with Tychicus who may have may have recently left Ephesus to work there (see Colossians 4:7-9 & Ephesians 6:21-22). He may have also made a quick stop in Laodicea to visit the believers there.

After this, Paul left for Troas, where he left his cloak and books with Carpus (see 2 Timothy 4:13). He then departed for Macedonia.

While in Macedonia, he probably visited the churches in Thessalonica, Berea, and Philippi. After some time in Macedonia, he travelled down to Corinth.

While in Corinth, Paul visits the church there. Here he also composed his letters to Titus (who is in Crete) and Timothy (who is in Ephesus). Before leaving, he instructs Erastus to stay behind and lead the church in Corinth (see 2 Timothy 4:20). He also made a promise to send either Artemas (from Lystra) or Tychicus (from Colossae or Ephesus) to relieve Titus on Crete. He also sent Zenas and Apollos there as well (see Titus 3:12-13). Apollos presumably arrived from Corinth. St. Jerome wrote that Apollos was so dissatisfied with the division at Corinth that he left for Crete with Zenas; and that once the schism had been healed by Paul's letters to the Corinthians, Apollos returned to the city and became one of its elders.

Paul then left Corinth to go spend the winter months in Nicopolis, where he hoped Titus would join him again (see Titus 3:12) .

It is possible that Paul visited Ephesus once again (see 1 Timothy 3:14 & 4:13), though we do not know with any measure of certainty when this would have occurred. Paul is arrested while in Nicopolis and taken to Rome during the winter months (which explains why he asks Timothy to bring his cloak from Troas to Rome when he comes to visit him), thus concluding his fourth missionary journey.

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