Chronology of the Apostle Paul’s Life

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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Approximate
Year A.D.
36
Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9).
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Paul preaches the gospel in Syria and Cilicia (Gal. 1:2121Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; (Galatians 1:21)). A period of uncertain length. During this time he may have undergone the perils and sufferings which he recounts to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 11). He is brought from Tarsus to Antioch by Barnabas and stays there a year before the famine (Acts 11:2626And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)).
44
45
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Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas; goes to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe and back through the same places to Antioch. They remain a long time in Antioch. Dissension and disputation about circumcision (Acts 13; 14; 15:12).
50
Paul’s third visit to Jerusalem with Barnabas, fourteen years after his conversion (Gal. 2:11Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. (Galatians 2:1)). They attend the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15). Return of Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, with Judas and Silas (Acts 15:3235).
51
Paul’s second missionary journey, with Silas and Timothy. He goes from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, Derbe, Lystra, Phrygia, Galatia and Troas. Luke joins the apostolic band (Acts 16:1010And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:10)).
52
53
54
Paul’s fourth visit to Jerusalem, at the feast. Returns to Antioch.
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Paul’s third missionary journey. He departs from Antioch; visits Galatia, Phrygia, and reaches Ephesus, where he stays two years and three months. Here Paul separates the disciples from the Jewish synagogue (Acts 19:8,108And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8)
10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19:10)
). Epistle to the Galatians written.
57
58
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Paul’s fifth visit to Jerusalem, before Pentecost. He is arrested in the temple; brought before Ananias and the Sanhedrim; sent by Lysias to Cæsarea, where he is kept in bonds two years.
60
Paul heard by Felix and Festus. He appeals unto Cæsar; preaches before Agrippa, Bernice, and the men of Cæsarea. Autumn: Paul sails for Italy. Winter: Shipwrecked at Malta (Acts 27).
61
Spring: Arrives at Rome; dwells two years in his own hired house (Acts 28).
62
Spring: Epistles to Philemon, Colossians and Ephesians written. Autumn: Epistle to the Philippians written.
63
Spring: Paul acquitted and released. Epistle to the Hebrews written. Paul takes another journey, intending to visit Asia Minor and Greece (Philem. 22; Phil. 2:2424But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. (Philippians 2:24)).
64
Visits Crete and leaves Titus there; exhorts Timothy to abide at Ephesus. First Epistle to Timothy written. Epistle to Titus written. Intends to winter at Nicopolis (Titus 3:1212When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. (Titus 3:12)).
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Visits Troas, Corinth and Miletum (2 Tim. 4:13,20). Paul arrested and sent to Rome. Deserted and solitary, having only Luke, of his old associates, with him. Second Epistle to Timothy written, probably not long before his death. These last journeys and events are supposed to cover a period of about three years.
67
Paul’s martyrdom.
Arranged by A. Miller