Paul’s Second Journey, Macedonia and Achaia
Paul crosses to Europe and preaches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
After a vision at Troas, Paul crosses into Macedonia and preaches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. He then speaks in Athens and spends about eighteen months in Corinth in Achaia.Acts 16:9–10; Acts 16:11–17:15; Acts 17:16–34; Acts 18:1–18
- Outside evidence
The Gallio inscription puts Gallio’s term in Achaia at about AD 51–52 and so anchors Paul’s time in Corinth. The Via Egnatia, the main Roman road across Macedonia, links Philippi and Thessalonica. Ancient writers mention altars to unknown gods at Athens, as in Acts 17:23.Gallio Inscription; Via Egnatia; Acts 17:23
- Debated
The date of the Jerusalem council just before this journey, and Paul’s route from Berea to Athens, are debated.Acts 15; Acts 17:14–15
- Christian conclusion
Christians read this journey as the point where the gospel enters Europe, and as the setting for Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and the Corinthian letters.Phil 1:3–5; 1 Thess 1:1; 1 Cor 1:1–2