Timeline of Paul’s Journeys

This is a detailed chronological timeline of the Apostle Paul’s life, including his conversion, missionary journeys, and final years. Scripture references are provided for study.

Before His Conversion (Pre-33 AD)

• Born in Tarsus (Cilicia) – A Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:3, 22:28).
• Educated under Gamaliel – Trained in the strict traditions of Judaism (Acts 22:3).
• Becomes a Pharisee – Devoted to the Law (Philippians 3:5-6).
• Persecutes Christians – Present at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58, 8:1-3).

Paul’s Conversion (33-35 AD)

• On the road to Damascus, Paul sees a vision of Jesus – Blinded for three days (Acts 9:1-9).
• Ananias restores Paul’s sight and baptizes him – Receives the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:10-19).
• Preaches in Damascus – Proves Jesus is the Christ (Acts 9:20-22).
• Spends time in Arabia (3 years) – Likely receiving revelation from God (Galatians 1:17-18).
• Returns to Damascus – Jews plot to kill him; escapes in a basket (Acts 9:23-25, 2 Corinthians 11:32-33).

Early Years in Ministry (35-46 AD)

• Goes to Jerusalem – Meets Peter and James but stays only 15 days (Galatians 1:18-19).
• Hunted by Jews in Jerusalem – Sent to Tarsus for safety (Acts 9:26-30).
• Ministers in Syria and Cilicia – Spends years preaching (Galatians 1:21-24).
• Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch – First major church outside Jerusalem (Acts 11:25-26).
• Famine relief trip to Jerusalem – Paul and Barnabas deliver aid (Acts 11:27-30).

First Missionary Journey (46-48 AD) (Acts 13-14)

Main Locations: Cyprus, Asia Minor (modern Turkey)

1. Sent from Antioch (Syria) – Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark (Acts 13:1-3).
2. Salamis (Cyprus) – Preaches in synagogues (Acts 13:4-5).
3. Paphos (Cyprus) – Encounters and rebukes the sorcerer Elymas; proconsul believes (Acts 13:6-12).
4. Perga (Pamphylia) – John Mark leaves them (Acts 13:13).
5. Antioch (Pisidia) – Preaches in synagogue; Gentiles receive the gospel, but Jews reject it (Acts 13:14-52).
6. Iconium – Jews oppose him; he flees (Acts 14:1-7).
7. Lystra & Derbe – Heals a cripple; mistaken for gods; Paul is stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:8-20).
8. Return trip through Asia Minor – Strengthens churches (Acts 14:21-25).
9. Returns to Antioch (Syria) – Reports on Gentile conversions (Acts 14:26-28).

The Jerusalem Council (49 AD) (Acts 15:1-35)

• Debate over whether Gentile believers must follow the Law of Moses.
• Paul, Barnabas, and others travel to Jerusalem to settle the issue.
• Council decides Gentiles are saved by faith, not the Law (Acts 15:6-29).
• Paul returns to Antioch with the decision.

Second Missionary Journey (49-52 AD) (Acts 15:36 – 18:22)

Main Locations: Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece

1. Paul & Silas leave Antioch – After a dispute, Barnabas takes John Mark separately (Acts 15:36-41).
2. Derbe & Lystra – Timothy joins them (Acts 16:1-5).
3. Troas – Receives the “Macedonian Call” in a vision (Acts 16:6-10).
4. Philippi – Converts Lydia; imprisoned, then freed by an earthquake (Acts 16:11-40).
5. Thessalonica – Preaches, but is chased out (Acts 17:1-9).
6. Berea – Bereans study the Scriptures; Paul escapes persecution (Acts 17:10-15).
7. Athens – Preaches on Mars Hill; few converts (Acts 17:16-34).
8. Corinth (1.5 years) – Meets Aquila and Priscilla, writes 1 & 2 Thessalonians (Acts 18:1-18).
9. Ephesus (briefly) – Leaves Priscilla & Aquila there (Acts 18:19-21).
10. Returns to Antioch – Ends journey (Acts 18:22).

Third Missionary Journey (53-57 AD) (Acts 18:23 – 21:16)

Main Locations: Asia Minor, Greece

1. Galatia & Phrygia – Strengthens churches (Acts 18:23).
2. Ephesus (3 years) – Major revival, writes 1 Corinthians (Acts 19:1-41).
3. Macedonia & Greece – Writes 2 Corinthians & Romans (Acts 20:1-3).
4. Troas – Raises Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:7-12).
5. Miletus – Farewell to Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38).
6. Tyre, Caesarea, & Jerusalem – Warned of his arrest (Acts 21:1-16).

Paul’s Arrest & Journey to Rome (57-62 AD) (Acts 21:17 – 28:31)

1. Arrested in Jerusalem – Accused of defiling the Temple (Acts 21:27-36).
2. Imprisoned in Caesarea (2 years) – Appears before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 24-26).
3. Appeals to Caesar – Sent to Rome (Acts 25:10-12).
4. Shipwreck on Malta – Bitten by a snake but unharmed (Acts 27:13 – 28:10).
5. Arrives in Rome (60 AD) – House arrest for two years; writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Acts 28:16-31).

Paul’s Final Years (62-68 AD)

1. Possible Fourth Missionary Journey – Unclear details, but possibly visited Spain & Crete (Titus 1:5, Romans 15:24).
2. Writes 1 Timothy & Titus – Around 64-66 AD.
3. Arrested again in Rome – Writes 2 Timothy from prison.
4. Executed under Nero (67-68 AD) – Beheaded as a martyr (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Paul’s Major Writings

• First Journey: None.
• Second Journey: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
• Third Journey: 1 & 2 Corinthians, Romans.
• First Roman Imprisonment: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon.
• Final Years: 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy.