What is the historical background of Paul's missionary journeys?

Answer 1

The three missionary journeys attributed to Paul are a convenient classification developed by students of Acts, whereas Paul's own epistles make no direct mention of them.

In fact, his undisputed letters gives us no information about the first missionary journey, instead leading us on a quite different itinerary. He never even mentions the miracle in which Acts says he blinded Elymas the sorcerer and thereby converted Sergius Paulus, the deputy of the country, although he can be expected to have done so if this miracle really occurred.

It may be somewhat possible to harmonise the second missionary journey with Paul's own account, but the third missionary journey (Acts l8:23-21:15) has been called into doubt by some scholars. For example Juirgen Becker denies any retum to Palestine or Syria but allows a possible visit to Galatia and Phrygia, reflecting the second visit hinted at in Gal 4:13.

Scholars have long puzzled over the differences between Acts and Paul's epistles, with most accepting Paul whenever he differs from Acts. The background to the three missionary journeys must be found in Acts, and in the theological purpose of its author, rather than in history.