Epoch 10

Epoch 10 of Tracing His Story brings the sweeping narrative of Scripture to its final act—yet it is not an ending, but a global beginning. From Paul’s first missionary journey in Acts 13 to the apocalyptic visions of John on the island of Patmos, this epoch captures the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth. The Messiah has come, the Spirit has been given, and now the story goes viral—across continents, cultures, and centuries.

What began with a handful of Jewish believers in Jerusalem now erupts into a worldwide movement. Paul and Barnabas are set apart by the Holy Spirit and sent from Antioch—not by human initiative, but divine commission. What follows is nothing less than a spiritual revolution. From synagogues in Asia Minor to philosophical debates in Athens, the gospel challenges idolatry, topples pride, and awakens dead hearts. Gentiles believe. Churches are born. And Scripture itself begins to take shape through letters written to strengthen these communities of faith.

Paul’s first journey sets the pattern: preach to the Jews first, then to the Gentiles. His message is clear—salvation comes through Jesus Christ, not through the law. Conflict and persecution follow him from city to city, but so does fruit. Iconium, Lystra, Derbe—these towns become unlikely strongholds of faith.

The second missionary journey expands the scope. Paul crosses into Europe and plants churches in places like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. Each city brings new challenges and new victories. At Philippi, prison bars cannot hold back praise. At Thessalonica, the gospel is accused of turning the world upside down. In Corinth, a deeply immoral culture is confronted with the grace and truth of Christ.

Paul’s third journey deepens the foundation. He spends years in Ephesus, one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire, teaching and building up the church. Meanwhile, he collects financial support from Gentile churches to assist the struggling Jewish believers in Jerusalem—a powerful testimony to the unity of the body of Christ.

When Paul returns to Jerusalem, he is arrested under false charges. As a Roman citizen, he appeals to Caesar, beginning a harrowing journey to Rome. Storms, shipwrecks, and snakebites cannot stop him. He arrives in Rome under guard, yet continues to proclaim the kingdom of God with boldness and without hindrance.

The book of Acts ends there, but the mission does not. From prison, Paul writes letters that have become pillars of Christian doctrine. His words echo through the ages: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” [Romans 1:16].

Even as Paul fades from the scene, the story presses on. The apostle John, now an old man exiled to Patmos, receives a final revelation. The risen Christ appears in glory, offering hope to suffering churches and unveiling the ultimate victory of God. The book of Revelation is not a mystery to decode, but a promise to embrace: Jesus wins. Evil is defeated. Every tear will be wiped away.

Epoch 10 brings clarity to the entire biblical narrative. Creation was corrupted. Redemption was promised. The Messiah fulfilled every shadow of the law and every longing of the heart. The Spirit birthed the church. And now, the gospel calls every tribe, tongue, and nation to worship the Lamb who was slain.

Watch Epoch 10 of Tracing His Story and see how the biblical story moves from a garden in Genesis to a garden-city in Revelation. The mission that began in Jerusalem continues today. The ends of the earth are still being reached. And the story is still being written—through us.