Paul's second missionary journey from Antioch to Corinth via Troas and Athens took about three years. About half of that time he was in Corinth establishing the church there (Acts 18:11), and writing two letters to the Thessalonian church. But the time came when he knew that it was time to go. It was time to let the churches in Jerusalem and Antioch (the centre for world mission at that time) know how the gospel had been received, despite opposition, in many other cities.

We do not know when Paul took his vow, or what it was about, but by the time he had travelled a few miles south-east to the port of Cenchreae the work had been completed. The Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) included not cutting his hair until the assignment was finished. So, before boarding the ship for Ephesus, Paul had his hair cut. He did not travel alone: this time he took fellow tent-makers Priscilla and Aquila. They had grown spiritually through Paul's teaching and were ready to be gospel ambassadors in Ephesus, while he taught the Jews in the synagogue.

But the Holy Spirit impelled Paul back to his spiritual support base. This was not the time to stay in Ephesus. He did not know what God's will might be for his future, or that he would return about a year or so later (Acts 19:1-41). He wanted to spend time with them but was content to know that he would return if it were the Lord's will. But he made the journey back to Jerusalem safely, encouraged the church there, and then travelled north so that he could report to the believers in Antioch who had commissioned him to the work of gospel mission (Acts 15:40).

Mission is not a solo enterprise (Luke 10:1-3); those preaching and those praying and giving at home are all part of the team, and they need to be encouraged by hearing how the Lord is at work. Along the way, Paul was adding to his team; having taught them from the Scriptures and in practical ministry, they too were sent to encourage believers in other cities. You also need to be in a mission team, be it a church, workplace group of believers, missionary prayer group or a team of missionaries. Meet with them and participate together in gospel mission - as you seek to hear the Lord's voice through the Scriptures and in prayer. Some will go out; others will stay to pray and get to work locally. It is time to go with God's plan.