And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

People's New Testament

18:23 Spent some time there. He did not remain a great while, but

departed to visit the churches he had planted on his last tour in Galatia and Phrygia, This is the beginning of his third missionary tour.

Wesley's Notes

18:23 He went over the country of Galatia and Phrygia - It is supposed, spending about four years therein, including the time he stayed at Ephesus.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 18:23-21:16. Paul's Third and Last Missionary Journey-He Visits the Churches of Galatia and Phrygia.

23. And after he had spent some time there-but probably not long.

he departed-little thinking, probably, he was never more to return to Antioch.

went over all . Galatia and Phrygia in order-visiting the several churches in succession. See on [2050]Ac 16:6. Galatia is mentioned first here, as he would come to it first from Antioch. It was on this visitation that he ordained the weekly collection (1Co 16:1, 2), which has been since adopted generally, and converted into a public usage throughout Christendom. Timotheus and Erastus, Gaius and Aristarchus, appear to have accompanied him on this journey (Ac 19:22, 29; 2Co 1:1), and from Second Corinthians we may presume, Titus also. The details of this visit, as of the former (Ac 16:6), are not given.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

18:18-23 While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God; not only if providence permits, but if God does not otherwise direct our motions. A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister, to have for awhile the society of his brethren. Disciples are compassed about with infirmity; ministers must do what they can to strengthen them, by directing them to Christ, who is their Strength. Let us earnestly seek, in our several places, to promote the cause of Christ, forming plans that appear to us most proper, but relying on the Lord to bring them to pass if he sees good.