The Apostle Paul’s Ministry in Troas

The church in Troas was likely started during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10). During Paul’s first visit to Troas, he received a night vision that led his mission team to sail to Europe (Acts 16:9-10). Paul visited Troas the second time when he left Ephesus at the end of his three-year ministry (Acts 20:1). Paul’s third visit to Troas took place at the end of his third missionary journey, when he spent one week ministering to the church (Acts 20:6-12).

Paul visited Troas the fourth time during his mission journey following his release from his Roman imprison- ment in 62. During this ministry visit, he stayed with Carpus. Paul tells Timo- thy in 2 Timothy 4:13, “When you come to Rome, bring the coat and various books that I left with Carpus at Troas.” Some Bible teachers have suggested that Paul was rearrested in Troas around 65, but this probably took place in Ephesus. Around 110, bishop Ignatius of Antioch wrote three letters from Troas—to the church in Smyrna, the church in Philadelphia, and a per- sonal letter to bishop Polycarp of Smyrna (#78).