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Journey

Paul’s Third Journey

Paul spends about three years in Ephesus, revisits Macedonia and Greece, and returns to Jerusalem with a collection.

Teaching slide on Paul in Ephesus, where new believers burn their books of magic and a riot breaks out in the theater, with Acts 19:19–20 and a summary.
Teaching slide. Scripture is quoted from the Berean Standard Bible, a public-domain translation. The artwork is an illustrated reconstruction, not a photograph. Select the image to view it full size.
Teaching slide on Paul returning to Jerusalem, where he is arrested and claims his Roman citizenship, with Acts 21:13 and a summary.
Teaching slide. Scripture is quoted from the King James Version, a public-domain translation. The artwork is an illustrated reconstruction, not a photograph. Select the image to view it full size.

What the sources say, and how sure we are

  • The text says

    Paul stays in Ephesus about three years, passes through Macedonia to Greece, spends three months there, and sails back via Troas, Miletus, Tyre, and Caesarea to Jerusalem.Acts 19:8–10; Acts 20:31; Acts 20:1–3; Acts 21:1–17

  • Outside evidence

    Ephesus has been excavated, including its great theatre and the site of the temple of Artemis. Inscriptions use the title “temple keeper” for the city, as Acts 19:35 does.Acts 19:23–41; Acts 19:35

  • Debated

    Paul’s letters mention imprisonments and hardships not told in Acts, and some scholars propose a stay in prison at Ephesus during this period.2 Cor 11:23; 1 Cor 15:32

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