Paul's Second Mission

Choice 2: Acts 16; 18. 

1.    Trace Paul’s second missionary journey from Bible Map 13. List the names of four cities he visited, to whom he later wrote epistles.

                                     

                                             Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus   

 a. Read Acts 16:6–10; 18:9–11. Write a paragraph explaining the different ways the Holy Ghost directed Paul and his companions during their journey. 

            The most obvious way the Holy Ghost directed Paul and his companions was through visions, once in 16:9 and against in 18:9. The other time Paul is directed by the Holy Ghost is in 16:6 -7 however it is not mentioned how or in what way the spirit inspired him, only that he was told not to go into certain cities by it.  

       b. Write a second paragraph describing how the Spirit has directed your missionary efforts, and one way you could be more directed by the Spirit in your life.

             Unlike Paul, I have never had a vision, and I don't suppose I ever will. I am still learning in my own way how to listen to the Holy Ghost, and in the past I have had experiences where I understood and recognized the impressions being given to me. I have not yet recognized the Spirit in regards to missionary efforts, but I feel that he would speak to me in the same manner, that is with impressions and feelings that I get while making decisions. I have also heard it said that any impression we receive that calls for righteous action is usually from the spirit we should always strive to follow up with them. At the time that I best heard and understood the prompting of the Holy Ghost, I was reading my scriptures avidly, and my prayers were beautiful conversations I had with God. I have not been as diligent in recent years and I feel that I could do better in those areas. 

2.    Review Acts 16:9–33. Make a list of the reasons Paul was able to preach the gospel so effectively. Then in writing answer the following questions:

o       In what ways did Paul turn his experiences into missionary opportunities?
      One example would be when Paul gets put into jail (Acts 16:24-33). Instead of cursing God and being bitter and miserable, him and Silas prayed, sang songs and praised God. This was heard by others soldiers (which I feel caused an impression) and then when he is freed instead of running the heck out of there, he stays and teaches the jailer, who later becomes baptized. 

o       What can you learn from Paul’s missionary experiences?

                That despite our circumstances, we can find missionary experiences anywhere we go. Where we might think there is no hope, there could be one person who is searching for the truth. 

​o       How is the jailer an example of a true convert?

                  The jailer instantly wants to know what he can do to be saved. Seemingly with the intent that he will do whatever they tell him. 

o       How does Mosiah 4:9–10 expand your understanding of Acts 17:30–31?

                  To me, it shows me that when we are righteous, we will do good, and also to trust in God, because he knows more than we do. 

o       What can you do now to better prepare yourself to share the gospel, whether as a full-time missionary or as a member? 

           I can always be better at reading my scriptures and praying with more intent. However, I also feel that It is important to listen to how you feel, and to never back down from doing good to those around you. I think it is important to know the articles of faith and to be living righteously so that you can always have the Holy Ghost with you. 

My Favorite Scripture

Acts 16:25

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, 

and sang praises unto God:

and the prisoners heard them."

Principle: Music can have a powerful influence and can be a great way to invite the spirit into your home or into your presence despite your circumstances.

              To me, there are very few instances in the New Testament, and possibly the Old Testament, where music and singing is mentioned. Even less is when it is mentioned in a sacred context, where the music was used as a tool of righteousness. To me, those moments are not only rare, but they are precious. in this small scripture, Paul and Silas use music to do many things. These things include; a way of comfort, a way to teach a glimpse of the gospel to those who were listening, and a way to invite the spirit into their presence despite their circumstances (being in jail). Music can move people in ways that words sometimes cannot, and I believe music is a heavenly gift we are given that sometimes gets misused and abused. However, in this context we see the sacred usage of music and the influences it can have, in such a simple verse.