Thessalonica

Paul's second mission trip

Over about 3 three years, Paul and his associated traveled about 2,700 miles (4,345 km). This was Paul's second mission trip. It started around AD 49. The Bible records Paul's travels in Acts chapter 15 to 18.

The trip begins

The journey began with Paul wanting to revisit churches he had established on his first mission trip. He review the good news about Jesus with others. He chose Silas, a prophet and leader in the church, to join him on his trip. The two traveled throughout what is now Turkey, visiting churches and sharing the word of God. They even encountered some divinely orchestrated roadblocks, such as when they were prevented from entering certain areas by the Holy Spirit. Despite these setbacks, the two pressed on and eventually made their way to Philippi, where they met a wealthy businesswoman named Lydia. She was so moved by their message that she and her household became the first Christians in Europe.

Paul gets beaten and thrown in prison

However, not everyone was welcoming to Paul's message. He and Silas were later arrested and beaten after casting out a spirit from a fortune-telling servant. Despite being jailed, their faith remained strong, and they sang hymns, which ultimately led to their release. From there, the two traveled to Thessalonica, where they established a thriving church, but they also faced persecution from those who were against their teachings. They then traveled to Berea, where they were welcomed with open arms, but again, opposition arose, and they were forced to leave. After leaving Berea, Paul traveled alone to Athens, where he famously preached on the Areopagus, the center of cultural and intellectual activity. His message about the "unknown God" sparked interest, and some even became believers.

Starting the church in Greece

The journey ended in Corinth. That's where Paul established a church that would become one of the most influential in the early Christian world. There were many challenges on this trip. But Paul managed to spread the message of Jesus throughout Greece and Turkey. He started several thriving Christian communities. For other Bible versions, see Bible Gateway.