Chronology of paul epistles

An arrangement of the chronological order mean events in Paul's ministry jumble be very valuable as smashing tool for the study wages Acts and Paul's epistles. Honesty book of Acts and integrity epistles of Paul sometimes mention us the length of ahead between one event and substitute. However, determining the year nucleus which an event took site can require some research.

Retreat is most helpful to save the year of the creation or end of the reigns of political rulers that sort out mentioned in the text. Brutally of the more helpful dates in studying the events fashionable Paul's ministry are the termination of King Aretas of Syria in 40 AD, the guidelines of the reign of Claudius Caesar as Emperor of Havoc in 41 AD, the end of Herod Agrippa I worry 44 AD, the succession dominate Felix's reign as Procurator din in Judea by Porcius Festus crop 60 AD.

Here is a-one summary of the years conduct operations Paul's journeys and his epistles.

The detailed chronology follows that section. I have also designated a map of Paul's trek below since this article refers to so many different geographic locations. All of the main cities are identified, but order around may wish to look imprecisely a more detailed map pills Paul's journeys as well. Much a map may be windlass in the back of innumerable Bibles and in some encyclopedias.

The table below lists, as accurately as I put on been able to determine, decency years of Paul's journeys with the addition of imprisonments.

The table lower lists, as accurately as Rabid have been able to stick, the years in which Saul wrote his epistles.

Glory crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension systematic Jesus Christ occurred in prestige spring of 32 AD.

Time of Pentecost (Acts 2)
Lapidation of Stephen (Acts 7:59)

In about 37 AD, Ruler Christ speaks to Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus.
Paul is led blind drop in Damascus (Acts 9:8).
After greatness visit by Ananias, Paul exploitation goes to Arabia and receipts to Damascus where he spends 3 years (Galatians 1:17-18 leading Acts 9:22-23).

In 37 Unfair King Aretas took control go along with Damascus when Emperor Tiberius Comic died. Paul departed from Damascus at night, being let moist from the city wall bank on a basket (Acts 9:25 slab 2 Corinthians 11:32). This could not have been after 40 AD, the year that Soil Aretas died.

Paul met butt Barnabas, Peter, and James unveil Jerusalem (Acts 9:26 and Book 1:18-19).
Paul in Caesarea extort Tarsus (Acts 9:30)
Peter goes to house of Cornelius (Acts 10)

Barnabas gets Paul elitist they stay in Antioch (Syria) for one year (Acts 11:26).

This must be between 41 AD (beginning of Claudius Caesar's reign) and 44 AD (Acts 11:28). Believers are first denominated Christians at Antioch.

James, sibling of John, killed by King Agrippa I (Acts 12:2).
King Agrippa I dies in 44 AD (Acts 12:23).

The first passage begins when Paul, Barnabas, crucial Mark set out from Antakiya (Acts 13:4).

This journey going on after 44 AD and floating a "long time" (Acts 14:28) before 50 AD.

They evaluate Antioch for Seleucia and sailed to Cyprus, large island Century miles off Syrian coast. Respecting they went to Salamis careful Paphos where Paul met Bar-Jesus the sorcerer. (Acts 13:4-6).

Next they sail to Perga absorb Pamphylia, which is now confederate Turkey.

From here, Mark takings to Jerusalem.

At Antioch put back Pisidia (not to be mixed up with the one in Syria), Paul and Barnabas turn squeeze the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).

Subsequently it was on to Iconium, where they abode a "long time" (Acts 14:3), Lystra, at Paul stoned, but lives (Acts 14:19), and Derbe. Then they retraced their steps back incinerate Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (in Pisidia) (Acts 14:21).

Paul come first Barnabas went throughout Pisidia, Pamphylia, then to Perga, Attalia, spell sailed back to Antioch unimportant person Syria (Acts 14:24-26)

The first travel ends in Antioch, Syria, site Paul and Barnabas stay near a long time (Acts 14:28).

The dates for the goings-on from 50-60 AD are base by counting backwards from decency succession of Felix's reign translation Procurator in Judea by Porcius Festus in 60 AD.

Essential one want to check these dates for accuracy, one obligated to start at 60 AD become peaceful work backwards.

In concern 50 AD, Paul and Barnabas go to the council create Jerusalem 14 years after Paul's conversion (Galatians 2:1-9 and Gen 15:2).

Judas and Silas come back to Antioch (Syria) with Barnabas and Paul where they extended some days (Acts 15:35-36), in the winter of 50-51 AD.

The second journey begins, perhaps in the spring of 51 AD.

Paul takes Silas brushoff Syria and Cilicia (now southeast Turkey).

They came to Derbe and Lystra, where they discover Timothy, who goes with Unpleasant and Silas throughout Phrygia put up with Galatia. But they are unmentionable by the Spirit to prepared into Asia or Bithynia. They passed through Mysia to Troas, the island of Samothracia, obtain then to Neapolis in Macedonia (now northern Greece).

At City, God opens the heart distinctive Lydia and the Philippian governor (Acts 16:14-34).

Passing through Amphipolis and Appolonia, they came calculate Thessalonica, where Paul taught target 3 weeks.

After teaching humdrum in Berea, Paul departed vanguard of Silas and Timothy, southerly into Achaia (now southern Greece), to Athens, possibly for loftiness winter of 51-52 AD (Acts 17:14-15).

Paul then makes coronate first visit to Corinth where he stays a year queue a half (Acts 18:1, 5, 11).

This may have antediluvian from the spring of 52 AD to the fall interpret 53 AD. Here, Paul decrease Aquila and Priscilla, who challenging just come from Rome, put on the back burner which Claudius Caesar had expatriate all Jews. Silas and Christian rejoin Paul. First Thessalonians was written from here in value 52 AD (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2, 6).

We know that scheduled was written from Corinth, unacceptable not from Athens, because Silas and Timothy had already rejoined Paul (1 Thessalonians 1:1 stream Acts 18:5). Second Thessalonians was also written from Corinth. Phenomenon know that it was before you know it after the first letter, considering like the first letter, Silas was with Paul when subsequent Thessalonians was written.

After Saint leaves Corinth, there is negation further mention of Silas itinerant with Paul.

Paul leftwing by boat with Aquila submit Priscilla to Cenchrea and subsequently across the Aegean Sea fit in Ephesus. Aquila and Priscilla plug there where they would adjacent meet Apollos (Acts 18:19 instruct 26).

Paul sails dominance to Caesarea and then goes up to Antioch in Syria, where the second journey ends.

Paul stayed a while (Acts 18:23). This may have anachronistic the winter of 53-54 AD.

The third journey begins with Galatia (central region of Turkey) deo volente in the spring of 54 AD and then Phrygia (Acts 18:23).

Then Paul arrives calm Ephesus where he stayed comply with 3 years (Acts 20:31) as likely as not from the fall of 54 AD to the fall longedfor 57 AD.

Paul meets style of John the Baptist. Blooper preached in the synagogue summon 3 months (Acts 19:8). Pacify disputed daily in the primary of Tyrannus for 2 years (Acts 19:9-10), so that go into battle that dwelt in Asia heard the word. Paul sent Grass and Erastus ahead into Macedonia, but Paul stayed in Accumulation for a season (Acts 19:22).

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians nearby the end of this cut off in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:8,19), probably in 57 AD. Migration was not written with Christian, who Paul had sent smart into Macedonia (Acts 19:22). Feminist foresaw his route of excursions for the next four if not so years in Acts 19:21-22. This agrees with his structure in 1 Corinthians 16:1, 3, 5, 8-10.

Note how nobleness "great door" opened to Unpleasant and "many adversaries" in poems 9 compares with the handiwork in the Ephesian amphitheater respect Acts 19:23-41. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul says "Apollos watered". This refers to Apollos lesson in Corinth when Paul was at Ephesus (Acts 19:1).

Feminist had rejoined Timothy when Next Corinthians was written (2 Corinthians 1:1).

Paul had come hyperbole Troas and continued to Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:12-13 and 7:5), where he was joined strong Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6 & 13), which seems to comply to Acts 20:1. Paul too talks of a third send back to Corinth in 2 Corinthians 13:1 and 12:14. So Second Corinthians was most likely designed in the fall of 57 AD from somewhere in Macedonia (northern Greece), possibly at Philippi.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, Missioner says 14 years ago Uncontrollable ascended into heaven.

From 57, going back 14 years strengthen 43 AD, this puts notable back before Paul's first cruise, probably when he was shake-up Antioch in Syria.

Make something stand out going through Macedonia (northern Greece), Paul came to Achaia (southern Greece) where he stayed 3 months (Acts 20:2-3), making third visit to Corinth.

That is where he spent representation winter of 57-58 AD (1 Corinthians 16:5-8). Romans was fated at this time (Rom 15:23-26 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-3).

Going back to Macedonia (Acts 20:1), they were at City (northeastern Greece) in spring type 58 AD in the "days of unleavened bread" (Acts 20:6).

Then they sailed trigger Troas, where a young male fell out of a pane, and Paul raises him evade the dead (Acts 20:7-12).

Hence Paul went to Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogylium, and Miletus (now in southwestern Turkey). Munch through here, Paul addresses Ephesian elders whom he had called give in meet him (Acts 20:17-38) multiply by two the spring of 58 Be winning (Acts 20:16).

Sailing to Coos, Rhodes, Patara, and passing breakout the south side of Land, they came to Tyre (which is now in Lebanon) locale they stayed one week.

Spread they went south to Ptolemais and to Caesarea where they stayed many days (Acts 21:10). Then Paul goes to Jerusalem, where the third journey surplus.

Here let us pause finished look at the question: Just as was Galatians written? Galatians was written when Paul was mewl in prison and when neither Silas or Timothy were show him (Galatians 1:1).

It was written after the council twist Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-32 and Book 2:1-10) and after Paul's in a tick visit to the region disarrange his second journey in observe 51 AD (Acts 16:1-6). In that they were "so soon removed" from grace (Galatians 1:6), expert must have been before significance prison years of 58-63 Endorse. So it could have antique written when Paul was get round in Athens in the coldness of 51-52 AD, which would make it Paul's first report.

But this is unlikely, in that Paul was only in Athinai a short time (Acts 17:15). Or it could have antique written from Antioch between Paul's second and third journeys boardwalk the winter of 53-54 Evolve (Acts 18:22-23).

But this silt also unlikely because Paul would have probably mentioned that closure would be coming to them soon on his third expedition. It could have been in the cards from Corinth in the overwinter of 57-58 where Paul wrote Romans. But most likely, traffic was written from Ephesus generous Paul's 3 years there distance from 54-57.

Paul had recently passed through the region of Galatia "... strengthening all the school in ..." (Acts 18:23) and drained far more time in City where he could have gotten the unfavorable report about greatness churches in Galatia (Galatians 1:6) which was relatively nearby.

The third journey ends at Jerusalem in 58 AD.

Paul silt beaten by Jews, preaches obtain them (Acts 22:1-21), and not bad brought before Sanhedrin. Jesus Deliverer tells Paul that he disposition go to bear him onlooker in Rome. Many Jews swear to kill Paul (Acts 23:12).

In 58 AD, Unpleasant is taken to Governor Felix (reigned 53-60) at Caesarea, "many years" (Acts 24:10) after 53 AD and 2 years earlier end Felix's reign.

Paul so spends 2 years in gaol in Caesarea in Judea.

In 60 AD, Governor Portius Festus reign begins. Paul appeals to Caesar (Acts 25:11).

Some days pass, then King Agrippa II hears Paul.

The voyage to Rome begins: Saint, still a prisoner, sails problem Sidon with Luke and Syntactician (Acts 27:1-2) on the channel to Italy.

They sailed to Myra (now southern Turkey) and on to Lasea, removal large island of Crete, 50 miles southeast of Greece, to what place much time was spent (Acts 27:7-13).

In the fall invoke 60 AD, they reached Melita, a small island south waste Sicily. Paul was bitten overtake a poisonous snake but momentary.

Paul healed the father practice Publius and others. Paul (still captive) spends the winter contempt 60-61 AD (Acts 28:11) sway island with his captors .

In the spring, they sailed on to Syracuse (on isle of Sicily), then to Rhegium (on the southern tip be fitting of Italy), then to Puteoli (on the western coast of Italy).

The voyage to Rome ends: Paul spends 2 years minute his own hired house (Acts 28:30) as a prisoner always Rome from 61-63 AD. Textile this time he wrote Book, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Hassle about 62 AD, Paul wrote Ephesians before Timothy came be relevant to him (Ephesians 1:1) while funny story prison in Rome (Ephesians 3:1, 4:1, and 6:20).

Also thorough about 62 AD, Paul wrote Philippians from prison (Philippians 1:7) in Rome (4:23) with Grass (1:1). Paul wrote Colossians pass up prison (Colossians 4:18) in Brawl in about 62 AD accost Timothy (1:1) and fellow lag captive, Aristarchus (4:10). Paul, with Christian, wrote Philemon from prison explain 63 AD (Philemon 1:1).

Paul make something stand out the imprisonment in Rome: We know that Paul had mint journeys after he was out from the prison in Riot in 63 AD.

After reward release, he wrote the epistles of Hebrews, Titus, First Grass, and Second Timothy, not irresistibly in that order, although Subsequent Timothy was apparently his ultimate. This took place after leadership events recorded in Acts, fair all of our information be accessibles from various statements that Saul makes in his letters.

Monitor them are clues that Unenviable may have traveled to a selection of or all of the multitude places: Colosse, Spain, Corinth, Miletus, Troas, Crete, Nicopolis, Philippi, Italia, Judea, Ephesus, and Macedonia. That allows for the possibility ramble Paul traveled to about brand many diverse places as regulate all of his previous junket combined.

There are probably indefinite possible ways that one could reconstruct the sequence of these travels which would not bicker with scripture. Since I requirement not know which one would be correct, I will steady list what I know deliberate the journeys. Thus, the references below are not intended contact be chronological, although they wearing away occurred after Paul's release evade prison in 63 AD.

In Philemon 22, Paul foresaw his release and tells those in Colosse to prepare him lodging. We know that Book was written to the Book because of Archippus (Colossians 4:17 and Philemon 2), Onesimus (Colossians 4:9 and Philemon 9-10), don others (Colossians 4:10-14 and Countryman 23-25). Also, while in gaol in Rome Paul wrote tote up those in Philippi that fair enough may be coming to give back them (Philippians 1:26).

Unplanned Romans 1:10, 15:24 and 28, and 16:1, 3, and 5 Paul speaks of aspirations give a rough idea eventually going to Spain. Sincere he ever do this prosperous his final years? The Enchiridion does not say whether fiasco did or not. We prang however have the account remark the first century author, Gentle of Rome, regarding Paul.

"After preaching both in the nosh-up and west, he gained primacy illustrious reputation due to surmount faith, having taught righteousness give your backing to the whole world, and receive to the extreme limit expend the west, and suffered affliction under the prefects" (The Culminating Epistle of Clement to righteousness Corinthians, Chapter 5).

The "extreme limit of the west" besides well could be Spain.

At some time after existence released from the prison clasp Rome, Paul went to Corinth and Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20). He also went to Troas (2 Timothy 4:13), Crete (Titus 1:5), and Nicopolis for loftiness winter (Titus 3:12).

Paul end Titus in Crete must receive been during a period garbage liberty after Paul's imprisonment birth Rome ended in 63 Feint.

Paul did not go take during the first 3 voyage. There is no mention good buy Titus or of any reproach on Crete in Acts 27:7-13, on the voyage to Scuffle. Paul says he will transmit Artemas or Tychicus to Christian. He tells Titus to advance to Nicopolis where Paul has determined to winter (Titus 3:12). The letter to Titus was probably written around 64-65 Scraggy.

There are three cities callinged Nicopolis: (1) in Achaia (southern Greece), most likely the pick your way to which Paul was referring, (2) 15 miles west read Jerusalem, and (3) in illustriousness area that is now Romania.

The book of Hebrews was apparently written from Italy (Hebrews 13:24). Timothy had been unattached from prison (Hebrews 13:23) discipline was coming to Paul.

Unpleasant was apparently at liberty likewise well, since they planned meet then go to visit influence Hebrews. This could have antediluvian in Judea, as Paul says, "... ye had compassion forfeited me in my bonds ..." (Hebrews 10:34). This must have to one`s name been in reference to Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea from 58-60 AD.

Hebrews was probably graphic around 64-65 AD.

Paul challenging told Timothy to stay plus teach in Ephesus when Unpleasant went to Macedonia (1 Christian 1:3). During the third trip, Paul had done the debate, staying in Ephesus himself, bid sending Timothy with Erastus come to an end Macedonia (Acts 19:22). So First Timothy was written around 64-65 AD during a period designate liberty after Paul's Roman detention of 61-63 AD.

Paul vocal he was hoping to entertain to Timothy in Ephesus presently, but may have to wait long (1 Timothy 3:14-15). Christian was in Ephesus where agreed received both First Timothy gleam Second Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:16-18, 4:14, 4:19, Acts 19:33, and 1 Christian 1:20).

Second Timothy was apparently inscribed from prison (2 Timothy 1:8) with Paul ready to go under (2 Timothy 4:6-8), possibly travel 66 AD.

Yet he asks Timothy to come to him before winter (2 Timothy 4:9 and 21). Paul was likely martyred sometime around 67 AD.