Exploring the Final Missionary Journeys and Martyrdom of the Apostle Paul
What happened to the Apostle Paul after Acts 28? Did he ever make it to Spain? How did he go from a guarded apartment in Rome to a Roman executioner’s sword? And what do his final years teach us about discipleship, spiritual leadership, and finishing the race well?
This in-depth Bible teaching series, Is There Life After Acts? For Paul, explores the post-Acts life and ministry of the Apostle Paul—reconstructing his final missionary journeys, epistles, trials, and ultimate martyrdom through a faithful blend of Scripture, history, and early church tradition. Taught by Gary Olsen and Chris Reighley, this series builds on the narrative of the Book of Acts and traces Paul’s footsteps from Rome to Spain and back again.
With maps, timelines, contextual insights, and pastoral reflections, each session is designed to help you see Paul not just as a theologian or missionary—but as a deeply human disciple, committed to his calling even unto death.
Series Overview
This series serves as a follow-up to our expositional teaching on The Gospel of Luke and The Book of Acts with Gary & Chris, and connects with Is There Life After Acts? For Luke to explore what happened to key biblical figures after the curtain closes on Acts 28.
Together, these studies highlight how the mission of God didn’t end with Acts—it continues through the lives of faithful disciples and the advancement of the gospel to the ends of the earth.
What You’ll Learn
In this series, we trace Paul’s final years from his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28) through his fifth, sixth, and seventh missionary journeys, culminating in his second arrest and execution under Nero. Along the way, you’ll explore:
- Why Paul likely traveled to Spain (Romans 15:24, 28)
- When and where Paul wrote 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy, and possibly Hebrews
- The meaning of his “prison epistles” during house arrest in Rome
- How Paul mentored leaders like Timothy and Titus in the face of rising persecution
- What early Christian tradition, Roman history, and Scripture tell us about Paul’s final days
- How the gospel advanced even in the shadow of Nero’s cruelty and the collapse of Jerusalem
This is not just a study of geography and history—it’s a powerful call to live with gospel courage in a hostile world.
Acts ends with Paul under house arrest, boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God “without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). But that was only the beginning of the final chapter of his life. Is There Life After Acts? For Paul invites you to walk the road with him—to Spain, to trial, to martyrdom—and discover what it means to live a life poured out for Christ.
The book of Acts may end—but the mission of God never does.
Session 1: Review of How Paul Got to Rome 57-59 AD
From false accusations in Jerusalem to a storm-tossed shipwreck on Malta, this episode traces Paul’s dangerous path to Rome and the providential hand of God that guided him there.
Acts 21:26 thru 28:16
Session 2: House Arrest in Rome 60 AD
Paul arrives in Rome and begins a two-year house arrest that becomes a launchpad for gospel ministry, theological correspondence, and deep discipleship—all under guard.
Acts 28:17-31
Session 3: A Time to Write 60-62 AD
While confined in Rome, Paul pens his prison epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon—offering the Church a powerful vision of unity, endurance, and Christ-exalting faith.
Colossians 1:1–2, Colossians 4:7–18, Ephesians 1:1, Philemon 1–2, Philemon 10
Session 4: The Fifth Missionary Journey Part 1 62-63 AD
Released and reinvigorated, Paul sets out across the Aegean, reconnecting with churches, mentoring young leaders, and preparing for a long-hoped-for mission to Spain.
Philemon 22, Philippians 1:19, Philippians 1:25–26, Titus 1:1–5, 1 Timothy 1:1–5
Session 5: The Fifth Missionary Journey Part 2 62-63 AD
As Paul moves through key cities like Crete, Miletus, and Philippi, he writes 1 Timothy and Titus, strengthening church leadership and pressing forward with urgency and purpose.
Titus 1:5—2:1, 1 Timothy 3
Session 6: The Sixth Missionary Journey To Spain 64-66 AD
Paul likely fulfills his dream of reaching Spain, launching from Nicopolis and advancing the gospel westward before returning east—proving that the mission always moves forward.
Titus 3:12–15, Romans 15:8–12, Romans 15:18–29, Acts 17:16–34
Session 7: Nero The Fires and Jerusalem 62-73 AD
This episode uncovers the stormy world Paul returned to: Nero’s persecution of Christians, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the spiritual warfare behind the cultural collapse.
Acts 14:22, 2 Timothy 3:12–14, Matthew 24:1–2
Session 8: Seventh Missionary Journey Paul On the Run 66-67 AD
Hunted and heading east, Paul journeys through familiar territory with new danger, writing 2 Timothy while preparing for what would be his final stand for the gospel.
2 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:20, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 2 Timothy 3:1–4, 1 Timothy 1:12–17
Session 9: The Mission Complete for Paul 67-68 AD
From a cold Roman prison cell to a martyr’s crown, Paul finishes the race with faith, commissioning the next generation and leaving a legacy of truth in a time of trial.
2 Timothy 1:15–18, 2 Timothy 4:9–21, 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Hebrews 12:1–2, Hebrews 1:1–2
Session 10: The Mission Continues
Though Paul’s life ends, the gospel goes on—this final session challenges today’s believers to carry the mission forward with courage, clarity, and conviction.
Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1–11, Acts 22:17–20, Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15
