The answer is: 3

Acts 13-14; Acts 15:36-18:22; Acts 18:23-20:38

When we dive into the journey of Paul, we’re not just reading about a man; we’re following an adventure filled with a series of transformative escapades. Paul embarked on **three major missionary journeys** before he headed to Rome, and history tells us these weren't just travels – they were bold missions to shape early Christianity!

Imagine Paul — once a fierce persecutor of Christians — transforming into their foremost champion! His first journey (Acts 13-14) was notably a wild ride through places like Cyprus and Antioch, helping to establish fledgling communities and spreading the knack for sharing the good news. His second journey (Acts 15:36-18:22) saw him traveling with Silas, even visiting familiar spots like the early church in Thessalonica and indoctrinating new minds in Corinth. Talk about traveling for a purpose!

Then there's the third journey (Acts 18:23-20:38), where Paul becomes a living action hero, navigating the turbulent waters of Ephesus and returning back to Jerusalem with supporters and much wisdom. Interestingly, these travels not only reflect his dedication but also reveal regional diversity. Much of his work intertwined him with both Jewish communities and Gentiles, presenting a harmonious mix that echoed the Beth Shean experience—the ancient city where diverse cultures collided.

By committing to his mission, Paul artistically wove the spread of his Christian message, proving that sometimes, rocky travels lead to the smoothest paths – and isn’t that quite the life lesson?