Paul’s Final Journey

The Bible passage God is giving us today is from the book of 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Let’s read it together. 
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2Tm 4:6-8)
 
Review
We’ve been talking about the book of Acts for the last few weeks. Last week, we looked at the journey of Paul to Rome as recorded in Acts 27 to 28, focusing on his steadfast faith and the hope he maintained despite overwhelming trials.
After speaking before King Agrippa, Paul was sent to Italy as a prisoner under the care of a centurion named Julius. Their voyage quickly became very dangerous. A violent storm struck the ship, leaving everyone drifting helplessly at sea. The sailors and soldiers lost all hope of survival, yet Paul stood firm, encouraging them with the assurance of God’s promise that he would reach Rome and that their lives would be spared.
Paul’s confidence came not from the circumstances but from the word and promises of God. Earlier, the Lord had assured him that he would testify in Rome, and the angelic message during the storm reinforced that promise.
This steadfast faith exemplifies what it means to live “by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), trusting in God’s faithfulness and plan rather than the visible chaos around us. Paul’s example challenges us to trust God in all circumstances, even when life seems to contradict His promises.
Eventually the ship was wrecked on the island of Malta. The islanders welcomed Paul and his companions warmly, showing care and hospitality.
After three months, Paul continued his journey and finally arrived in Rome. Although he remained a prisoner under house arrest, he continued to proclaim the gospel and teach about the kingdom of God, without hindrance.
During this time, Paul wrote the Prison Epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon—which reveal his spiritual state. In Philippians, Paul rejoices that his imprisonment actually advances the gospel, encouraging others to proclaim Christ boldly. In Ephesians and Colossians, he begins his letters with praise and thanksgiving, demonstrating a heart captivated by God’s love and grace even in difficult circumstances.
The key lesson from Paul’s journey and ministry is that true joy, hope, and peace do not depend on circumstances but on God’s faithfulness. Like Paul, we are called to trust God, live by faith, rejoice in all situations, and continually offer praise, prayer, and thanksgiving. Nothing should hinder our worship, for the same Spirit that empowered Paul is with us today.
 
Paul’s Journey after Acts 28
Today, I want us to think about what happened to the Apostle Paul after his two-year house arrest in Rome and leading up to his death.
The last scene in Acts shows Paul staying in his own rented house for two years, welcoming everyone who came to see him, and boldly preaching about the Kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus Christ. That’s where Luke ends the story. After this point, the Bible doesn’t give us a clear record of Paul’s journey.
Since Acts is the only historical book in the New Testament, we have to piece together what happened next by looking at Paul’s later letters and other historical records and church traditions.
But one thing we do know for sure is that Paul was released after two years of house arrest in Rome. Luke may not tell us what happened after, but he specifically points out that the house arrest lasted two full years. So here’s the question: After being released from house arrest in Rome, where do you think Paul went first?
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1. Spain
Figuring out where Paul would go first after his release isn’t too hard. The most likely place is Spain.
Back during his third missionary journey, Paul had spent about three months in Corinth, and while writing to the church in Rome there, he shared his desire to visit Spain. He wrote in Romans 15:22–24:
"Now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while." (Rom 15:22-24)
By the time Paul wrote this letter, he had already spent about 13 years traveling across Galatia, Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Achaia, preaching the Gospel and establishing many churches. Yet he wasn’t satisfied with what he had already accomplished. His eyes were fixed on places where the Gospel had not yet been preached.
Paul was determined to obey Jesus’ command to preach the Gospel “to the ends of the earth.” At that time Spain represented the westernmost point known. This was also one of the reasons Paul appealed to Caesar before Governor Festus.
After his two-year house arrest, Paul was finally free. By now, he had likely built good relationships with the believers in Rome through frequent visitors. So it’s reasonable to assume that Paul would continue with his original plan: to go to Spain and preach the Gospel there.
However, the Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us whether Paul actually made it to Spain. Some early church fathers do testify that he preached as far as Spain, but it’s something we can only infer from tradition and historical records.
 
2. Crete
Even though the Bible doesn’t record Paul’s journey to Spain, we can see some of the other places he visited after his release from the Scripture.
During his two-year house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote four letters. Most of these were sent to churches rather than individuals. After his release, he wrote three more letters, this time specifically to Titus and Timothy. These were pastors that Paul had appointed, so these three letters are often called the "Pastoral Epistles." From these letters, we can get some clues about Paul’s journey after his house arrest.
Paul first went to Crete with Titus and appointed him as the pastor of the churches there. Titus 1:5 says:
"The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you." (Ti 1:5)
At that time, Crete was a place full of disorder and many problems. Paul said in Titus 1:12–13,
"One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: 'Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.' This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith." (Ti 1:12-13)
This chaos also affected the churches in Crete. So Paul appointed Titus as a pastor there and instructed him to appoint elders. His goal was to strengthen and organize the church.
 
3. Ephesus
After that, Paul took Timothy with him to Ephesus and appointed him as the leader of the church there. Then Paul traveled on to Macedonia.
1 Timothy 1:3–4 says:
"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith." (1 Tm 1:3-4)
Paul left Timothy in Ephesus for the same reason he left Titus in Crete. He wanted Timothy to address the issues within the church, particularly the spread of false teachings in Ephesus, and to guide the church in truth and faith.
 
4. Macedonia
After leaving Timothy in Ephesus, Paul traveled to Macedonia. To get there from Ephesus, he first had to go north and then take a ship from Troas. While in Troas, Paul left his cloak and some books at the home of a man named Carpus.
Later, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome before his execution, he asked Timothy to bring the cloak and his scrolls. 2 Timothy 4:13 says:
"When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." (2 Tm 4:13)
This shows us that Paul experienced cold and hardship in prison.
Back to Paul’s last journey, Macedonia had been a mission field for Paul since his second missionary journey, when he responded to the vision of the Macedonian man calling him to come over and help. On this trip, Paul likely revisited the churches he had established there, encouraging the believers and strengthening their faith.
While he was in Macedonia, Paul also wrote a letter to Timothy, who was still serving in Ephesus. That letter is what we know today as 1 Timothy.
 
5. Nicopolis
The last city that we have a record of Paul visiting is Nicopolis. When writing to Titus, Paul shared his plan to travel there and also called Titus to join him. Titus 3:12 says:
"As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there." (Ti 3:12)
The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly why Paul urgently wanted Titus, who was currently serving in Crete, to come to Nicopolis. However, Nicopolis was a strategic location for mission work, with ports and roads connecting it to Ephesus, Crete, Macedonia, and other regions. It’s likely that Paul wanted to strengthen or establish churches there together with Titus, using it as a base for further missionary work.
 
6. Martyrdom in Rome
Up until now, we’ve looked at Paul’s journey after his house arrest in Rome. We can’t be certain whether he actually made it to Spain, though it’s quite possible. But what we do know for sure is that he left Titus in Crete and Timothy in Ephesus to strengthen the churches there. He also likely revisited the regions where he had previously traveled, encouraging and supporting the believers.
However, Paul didn’t have many years of freedom after his house arrest. Within just a few years, he was arrested again and imprisoned in Rome, which scholars estimate happened around AD 64.
At that time, a major historical event occurred in Rome: the Great Fire of Rome. The fire destroyed 10 of the 14 districts of the city, and 4 of them were completely burned. The disaster caused huge loss of life and property, and angry citizens even marched to Emperor Nero’s palace in protest. Rumors were spreading that Nero had started the fire himself to rebuild the city according to his own plans.
To deflect blame, Nero needed someone to hold responsible—and he accused the Christians, using them as scapegoats. From that point, intense persecution against Christians began in Rome.
During Nero’s persecution, many Christians were arrested, brutally tortured, and killed. Among them were Peter and Paul, who were both eventually martyred. The letters that were written during this time include Hebrews and 1 Peter. Knowing this historical background makes reading these books even more meaningful.
As a result of Nero’s persecution, Paul was arrested and imprisoned in Rome. His situation was very different from the house arrest he had experienced a few years earlier. Paul was likely held in the Mamertine Prison, one of Rome’s official jails. This was an underground prison made of brick and plaster—narrow, cold, dark, and damp. Conditions were terrible, hygiene was poor, and prisoners were all chained.
Paul remained in this prison for about 2–3 years, and eventually, he was beheaded.
While he was in this prison, Paul sensed that his death was near, and he wrote a letter to his spiritual son, Timothy—almost like a last will and testament. That letter is what we know today as 2 Timothy. For this reason, some New Testament scholars say that 2 Timothy is a letter that cannot be read without tears, because it captures Paul’s deep emotions, reflections, and faith as he faced the end of his life.
Through 2 Timothy, we can get a glimpse of the situation Paul was facing before his death. First, let’s look at 2 Timothy 1:15.
“You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.” (2Tm 1:15)
Paul also said in 4:10-11, “For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2Tm 4:10-11)
Everyone had abandoned Paul, and only Luke was staying by his side, so Paul was in a very lonely and isolated situation.
In this situation, Paul wrote to Timothy: "Do your best to come to me quickly... When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments... Do your best to get here before winter." (2 Timothy 4:9, 13, 21)
The prison was also very cold, and winter was approaching. So Paul told Timothy to come quickly, asking him to bring the cloak and scrolls he had left with Carpus in Troas. It seems that Paul didn’t even have adequate clothing to protect his body from the cold and dampness of the prison.
This was Paul’s final condition before his death. He was living in a physically harsh environment and was emotionally very lonely. This was the result of a life faithfully devoted to spreading the Gospel. Yet Paul did not complain against God. He remained steadfast in his faith to the very end. Even in suffering, he rejoiced and was never ashamed of the gospel. He wrote to Timothy:
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God." (2 Timothy 1:7–8)
"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:3)
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)
 
Paul did not fear suffering at all—in fact, he even urged his spiritual son Timothy to share in that suffering. So, why did Paul emphasize suffering so much? Because he understood that a Christian’s suffering is proof that they are participating in Christ. Paul knew that without suffering, there can be no glory. That is why he asked Timothy to also embrace the trials that come with following Christ.
But Paul didn’t just tell Timothy to endure suffering—he also gave him the key to enduring it. In 2 Timothy 2:11–12, he wrote:
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us." (2 Tim 2:11-12)
Paul was able to face difficulties, suffering, and even impending death with courage because his eyes were fixed on Jesus Christ, who conquered death and rose again. He knew that the risen Lord would give him eternal life. For Paul, physical death was not the end—it was only the beginning of eternal life. He did not seek worldly glory or comfort. He was ready to give up everything for the sake of the rewards of God’s kingdom.
This is the reason Paul was able to remain steadfast in every situation, even facing death. Paul knew that the ministry God had entrusted to him was complete and that his own death was near. That’s why he wrote, and let’s read together 2 Timothy 4:6–8 again,
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Tim 4:6-8)
Here, Paul compares himself to a drink offering. In the Old Testament, a drink offering involved pouring liquid, like wine, over a sacrifice. The meaning is that Paul was completely dedicating his life to God. This shows that Paul’s entire life had been poured out in service to Christ and the Gospel—a life of sacrifice and devotion.
When we read Paul’s final words, we don’t see fear or regret. Instead, he declares with courage: “I have finished the race and kept the faith.” This is the kind of confession I really hope all of us to make at the end of our lives. Such a confession can only come from someone who, like Paul, pours out their entire life for God without holding anything back.
Living like this is not easy—it comes with suffering, trials, and even the threat of death. But the ultimate reward far outweighs any hardship.
Paul was able to face death with courage because he was looking forward to the crown of righteousness that Christ would give him. This hope allowed him to endure all suffering and maintain faith, living a life poured out like a drink offering. Paul’s focus was not on this temporary world, but on the eternal kingdom of God where he would dwell forever.
This hope is not just for Paul—it is for all who believe and follow Christ, including us. The promise of the crown of righteousness is given to “all who have longed for his appearing.”
Then, the question left for us is this. “Do I really long for the Lord’s return? Do I place my hope fully in Him, or am I still balancing between the world and God?”
At this moment, let us examine our faith and the way we live, taking Paul’s life as our example. Many people say they believe in Jesus, but not all faith is the same. Some treat religious activity like a hobby. They may say they have faith, but God is not their highest priority, and they are not committed to the mission He has entrusted to them. Naturally, such people cannot live a life poured out completely for God like Paul did.
I truly desire for our faith to be authentic and genuine—not merely attending church once a week, but living a life that is poured out for God every single day. Then, when the Lord returns, we too can stand boldly and confess as Paul did, receiving the eternal life and the crown of righteousness that He has promised.
 
All right. Let’s sing ‘I Set My Hope on Jesus’ one more time and take time to pray.
 
 
 Now, let’s take a moment of prayer, thinking about the message we just share and the song we just sang. Let’s to take a moment to reflect on Paul’s life—a life fully poured out for God, even in the face of suffering and death. Paul’s hope was not in this world, but in the eternal reward that Christ promises to all who long for His appearing.
Let’s take some time now to examine our faith. Are you willing to pour out your life daily for His Kingdom like Paul, trusting Him even in the trials you face? Or are you still hesitating to fully surrender yourself and follow Christ as the Lord of your life?
Now, I want to give you some prayer topics that you can pray for. Let’s pray that God would help us fix our eyes on Him, just as Paul did, and not on the temporary things of this world. Let’s pray for the courage to live a life fully devoted to Christ, even when it requires sacrifice. Let’s pray for the strength to endure trials and challenges, knowing that God’s reward is eternal. And let’s pray that our faith would be genuine, active, and unwavering, so that when the Lord returns, we too can stand confidently and hear His words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Let’s lay down all our fears, worries, plans and futures at the feet of Christ. Let’s pray.
 
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for letting us learn from the life of the Apostle Paul, a man who ran his race with perseverance, who poured out his life like a drink offering, and who remained steadfast in faith even in the face of suffering, loneliness, and death. Lord, we are humbled by his example and challenged to reflect on the ways we are living our own lives.
Father, as we think about Paul’s journey—the storms he faced, the imprisonment, the persecution, and yet his unwavering hope in You—we ask that You would help us to fix our eyes on You above all else. May we not be distracted by the temporary comforts or fears of this world, but may our hearts be anchored in Your eternal promises. Teach us to trust You fully, even when life is uncertain, trials are heavy, or the path ahead seems unclear.
Lord, we confess that at times we hold back from fully committing our lives to You. Forgive us for our hesitation, for prioritizing our own comfort or plans over Your calling. Father, help us to surrender our will completely, just as Paul did, pouring out our lives in daily devotion to You. May our faith be genuine, our service be wholehearted, and our hearts remain faithful until the end.
Strengthen us, Lord, to endure the trials and challenges we face, knowing that they are temporary, but Your reward is eternal. Give us courage to stand firm when the world opposes us, to speak the truth of the Gospel boldly, and to remain faithful even when we feel alone. Let the Spirit You have given us empower us with love, power, and self-discipline, so that we are not timid but bold in our witness and steadfast in our walk with You.
Lord, help us to live with the eternal perspective that Paul held, longing for the day of Christ’s return. Let that hope shape every decision we make, every action we take, and every word we speak. May we live in such a way that when You call us home, we can, like Paul, declare with confidence, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Father, we lay down all our fears, worries, plans, and futures at Your feet. Fill us with peace, joy, and steadfast hope as we leave this place. Let us walk away today with hearts fully committed to You, ready to serve, ready to love, ready to endure, and ready to live every day for Your Kingdom.
We pray all of this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
 
[Reflection Questions]
1. Paul remained steadfast in his faith despite imprisonment, loneliness, and suffering. In your own life, what are the “storms” or trials where you struggle to trust God fully? How can Paul’s example encourage you to rely on God’s faithfulness rather than your circumstances?
 
2. Paul poured out his life for the Gospel every day, not just in moments of great opportunity. How intentional are you in dedicating your daily life to God? Are there areas where you are holding back from fully committing yourself to Him?
 
3. Paul focused on the eternal reward rather than temporary comforts. How often do you consider God’s eternal kingdom in your decisions, priorities, and daily activities? Are there things in your life that distract you from this eternal perspective?