Paul's Missionary Journeys — Taking the Gospel to the World

Memory Verse "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." — Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Learning Objective

Students will learn about Paul's missionary journeys and how the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to cities across the Roman Empire.

Lesson Content

After his conversion, Paul felt called by God to bring the Gospel to people who had never heard about Jesus. The church in Antioch prayed for Paul and his friend Barnabas, and sent them out on the first missionary journey.

Paul made three great missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. He traveled by foot and by ship to places like Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. In each city, he would go to the synagogue first, then preach to anyone who would listen — Jews and Gentiles alike.

Paul's journeys were full of danger and hardship. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, thrown in prison, and chased out of cities. But nothing stopped him from preaching. In every city, new believers came to faith and new churches were started.

Paul also wrote letters to the churches he started, encouraging them and teaching them how to live for Christ. Many of these letters became books of the New Testament — Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and more. Through Paul's obedience, the Gospel spread from a small group in Jerusalem to the entire known world.

Hands-On Activity

On a map of the Roman Empire, trace Paul's three missionary journeys using three different colors. Label the major cities he visited: Antioch, Cyprus, Ephesus, Philippi, Corinth, Athens, and Rome. Write the name of a letter Paul wrote to each city.

Discussion Questions

  • What dangers did Paul face on his missionary journeys?
  • Why do you think Paul kept going even when it was hard and dangerous?
  • How do Paul's letters still help Christians today?
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