Almost three years had elapsed on this second missionary journey and it was time for Paul to return to Antioch. Accompanied by his friends and coworkers, Aquila and Priscilla, he set sail from Cenchreae (remains below), Corinth's eastern port, for Ephesus.

In a letter written from Ephesus to the Corinthians, Paul exulted: "a great and effectual opportunity has opened to me, but there are many adversaries" (1 Corinthians 16:9).

Paul spent a short time in Ephesus. His tent-cloth making business partners, Aquila and Priscilla, and perhaps Timothy, remained to continue his work. They were joined by a Jew named Apollos who spoke boldly in the synagogue: "He vigorously refuted the Jews in a public debate, proving from the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ" (Acts 18:24-28).

Paul promised "if it is God's will" to return to Ephesus, then he sailed on to Caesarea (below) in Palestine...

 ...before heading back to Antioch in Syria (below, Orantes/Asi River).