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Galatians: 49 A.D. to 50 A.D.
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Circumcision and Salvation In 49 A.D. certain men travel from Jerusalem to Antioch and begin teaching the Gentiles that they must place themselves under the law, specifically circumcision, in order to be saved (Acts 15:1-5). Paul and Barnabas discuss this erroneous teaching with those promoting it which leads to a heated dispute. Paul, Barnabas and other church members then to travel to Jerusalem to discuss the issue with the apostles and elders face to face (Acts 15:2, Gal. 2:1-2). Upon arrival in Jerusalem Paul and Barnabas meet privately with James, Peter (Cephas) and John concerning the circumcision question (Galatians 2:4-10). The goal of the discussion is to determine whether converted Gentiles should be made to undergo circumcision in order to enjoy the full privileges of life in Christ. The discussion is then taken before the church (Acts 15:6, 12 and 22). It is ultimately decided that Gentiles do not need to be undergo circumcision in order to receive salvation (Acts 15:19). A letter supporting this decision is then issued and carried to the Gentile converts in Antioch by Paul, Barnabas, Silas and others (Acts 15:22-31). Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch for an unspecified period of time (Acts 15:35-36). They decide to revisit the cities that were previously evangelized for the purpose of encouraging them in their faith. At some point a dispute arises between the two in regards to John Mark (the son of one of Barnabas' sisters (Col. 4:10). Barnabas wants him to accompany them but Paul disagrees on the grounds that John Mark had abandoned them during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13). The argument is so heated that Paul and Barnabas part company from here. Paul takes Silas on a journey to the previously evangelized cities while Barnabas and Mark travel to the island of Cypress (Cyprus) (Acts 15:36-41). Paul's Second Missionary Journey Paul and Silas leave Antioch to travel to Tarsus in the latter part of 49 A.D. From there they travel to Derbe an on to Lystra. This becomes a significant part of Paul's life and our Bible, for it is there, in Lystra, that Paul meets Timothy who becomes a frequent traveling companion and fellow laborer of the Gospel, as well as Paul's closest friend (Acts 16:1, 1 Tim. 1:2, 4:14). Paul, Silas and Timothy then travel to Iconium, Antioch in Pisidia, and then to the Asia Minor port city of Troas. It is during their stay in Troas that Paul has a vision of a man in Macedonia (Greece) asking for help (Acts 16:8-9). Paul is convinced that the vision is a message from God and so the three men immediately set sail for Neapolis (Acts 16:10-11), and then on to Philippi. While in Philippi a woman named Lydia hears Paul preach and is baptized together with her entire household (Acts 16:12-15). Acts 16:16-18 tells us of another miracle which takes place in Philippi. Paul casts out a demon from a slave girl which serves to anger her masters because they can no longer profit from her demonic divination. As a result of their anger, they stir up the entire city, convincing them to revolt against Paul and Silas. The two evangelists are arrested, beaten and thrown into prison (Acts 16:19-24). An earthquake, the loosening of the chains that have bound them, and the opening of the prison doors miraculously set Paul and Silas free from prison (Acts 16:25-40). Paul, Silas and Timothy are able to pass through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia. Next they travel to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). Here, Paul visits a Jewish synagogue and for three consecutive Sabbaths (Saturdays), Paul explains why Jesus is the Old Testament prophesied Savior of all mankind (Acts 17:2-4). Many do believe what Paul preaches which provokes jealousy over the success of the Gospel. Certain Jews form a mob and start a riot (Acts 17:4-5). Assuming that Paul and Silas are staying with Jason (possibly a cousin of Paul; Rom. 16:21) the riotous crowd goes to his house, but are unable to find them. The crowd then drags Jason and others to the local civil magistrates where they accuse them of wrongdoing (Acts 17:5-8). Jason and the others are let go after a short time. Paul, Silas and Timothy soon decide to travel to Berea. Unlike the citizens of Thessalonica, the Bereans are not only willing to listen to Paul's preaching, but they verify it against the Old Testament scriptures (Acts 17:11-12), resulting in many Bereans coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and belief in the Gospel. Unfortunately, many Jews from Thessalonica have followed Paul and begin to stir up more trouble for him (Acts 17:13). He immediately travels to the coast from which he sails to Athens. Silas and Timothy stay in Berea (Acts 17:14). While in Athens, Paul writes to Silas and Timothy requesting that they come to him as soon as possible because of his growing concern about the pervasiveness of the worship of false gods among the Athenians (Acts 17:15-16). Paul's preaching leads to an invitation from several Athenians for him to further teach them. Paul is taken to the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill (where the supreme judges of Athens assembled) where he uses the existence of an alter dedicated to “the unknown god” to reveal the existence of God, the true Creator, who alone is worthy of worship (Acts 17:22-23). Our next study will pick up in 50 A.D. 
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