Paul’s Road to Rome

Paul’s ministry moves from a calling to the Gentile mission through repeated travel, arrest, legal hearings, and a final guarded arrival in Rome.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Persecutor Is Called

A Sudden Reversal The persecutor is stopped Saul travels with authority to seize followers of the Way. On the road to Damascus, the risen Jesus confronts him, and Saul becomes blind and dependent on others. A mission is entrusted Ananias of Damascus is sent to restore Saul’s sight and baptize him. The call assigns Saul a future witness among Gentiles, rulers, and the people of Israel.

First Missionary Circuit

The Mission Travels West Commission and confrontation The Holy Spirit sends Paul and Barnabas from Antioch of Syria. In Cyprus, Paul confronts Bar-Jesus, and Sergius Paulus responds to the message. A contested reception At Antioch of Pisidia, Paul tells Israel’s story as reaching its climax in Jesus. Some listeners welcome the message while others oppose it, and the missionaries turn toward Gentile audiences.

A Missionary Team Divides

Partnership Breaks and Continues Disagreement over Mark Paul and Barnabas disagree about whether John Mark should travel with them again. Their dispute ends the partnership for this journey, and Barnabas takes Mark while Paul selects Silas. Mission persists The split does not halt the work. Paul’s later route includes Timothy and eventually leads toward Macedonia, showing how the mission continues through reorganized relationships.

The Journey to Jerusalem

A Foreseen Arrest Warnings gather Paul travels toward Jerusalem despite warnings of suffering. Agabus acts out a prophecy of Paul’s binding, and companions plead with him not to go. Resolve under pressure Paul says he is prepared for imprisonment and death. His decision echoes the book’s recurring portrait of witness that proceeds despite danger rather than treating safety as its highest purpose.

The Final Arrival

Rome Becomes a Witnessing Ground A guarded destination Paul arrives in Rome after a storm, shipwreck, and winter on Malta. Roman custody has constrained him, yet the journey has brought him to the city he said he must see. An unfinished commission Paul receives visitors and proclaims the Realm. The narrative ends with his witness still active, leaving the mission’s continuation open beyond the book.

After the scattering from Jerusalem, on the road to Damascus

After the church at Antioch commissions Paul and Barnabas

Before Paul’s second missionary journey

Near the close of Paul’s third missionary journey

After the shipwreck and Malta stay