1. How to please God
  2. Eternal Security
  3. Eternal Life Verses
  4. Is there a contradiction: James 2 and Romans 3?
  5. Paul: A Bibliography and Biography

PAUL: A BIBLIOGRAPHY AND BIOGRAPHY

Year and Letter Written Events and Scripture References
10-1 BC Born in Tarsus (Acts 9:11); brought up in Jerusalem as a small child; trained in and studied the Scriptures under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3, 26:4)
Lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest Jewish sect (Acts 23:6, 26:5; 11 Cor. 11:22; Gal. 1:14; Philippians 3:5).
Given special authority to direct the persecution of the Christians (Acts 26:10)
Sent to Damascus with letter for the arrest and return to Jerusalem of Christians (Acts 9:1, 2).
AD 31 Conversion and commission (Acts 9:1-22; 22:4-19; 26:9-15)
Called to be an Apostle (Acts 22:14-21; 26:16-18).
AD 31-35 Set apart by God from birth; God revealed Jesus Christ to and through Paul; commissioned him to preach the gospel of God’s grace to the Gentiles. Did not consult any man, nor did he go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before he was, but he went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.  (Gal. 1:13-17).
Preached in Damascus for three years (Acts 9:20-22; Gal. 1-18)
Then, when the Jews tried to kill him, he was lowered in a basket over the city wall and went to Jerusalem (Acts 9:23-25; II Cor. 11:32,33).
AD 35 In Jerusalem with Barnabas and Apostles Peter and James for 15 days (Acts 9:26-28; Gal. 1:18-20)
When Grecian Jews tried to kill him, he was taken to Caesarea, then to Tarsus (his home town) (Acts 9:29-30) and was sent by God to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17-21).
For some indefinite time Went away to Arabia (Gal 1:17) Probably occurred between Acts 9:21 and 9:22. In Arabia he was alone with God, no apostle to instruct him.
AD 44 Barnabas was sent by church in Jerusalem to Antioch; and later Barnabas went to Tarsus and brought Paul back to Antioch. They taught for a whole year. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:22-26).
AD 48 Antioch Church sent Barnabas and Paul to Jerusalem with help for their brothers in Judea suffering a famine (Acts 11:27-30)
AD 48 Then they returned to Antioch with John Mark (Acts 12:25).
AD 48-49

(during reign of Claudius, AD 42-54)

Holy Spirit told the prophets and teachers at Church of Antioch to send Paul and Barnabas on what is called Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:1; 14:26).
Paul Wrote

Galatians in AD 49

After returning to Antioch (where Paul wrote Galatians ) for a long time. (Acts 14:26-28) They went to Jerusalem.
AD 50 The first Council at Jerusalem. (Acts 15:1-29)
  Paul, with Judas, Barnabas and Silas, leave Jerusalem and go to Antioch with letter to the Gentile believers (Acts 15:22-35).
AD 50 Paul and Barnabas disagree, and Paul takes Silas on Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:22-35).
AD 50-53 During the Second Journey
Paul Wrote:

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

  • visits Phrygia and Galatia
  • down to Troas, then Macedonia
  • to Philippi, a Roman colony
  • put in prison in Philippi
  • reveals he is a Roman citizen by birth
    (Acts 16:37,38; 22:25-29)
  • then to Thessalonica and Berea
  • to Athens (Acts 17:13-34)
  • then Corinth for one and one half years

    (Acts 18:1-11)

  • sails to Syria; visits Ephesus-Rhodes-Caesarea -Jerusalem
  • back to Antioch.

     

    Note: Paul had an encounter with the Roman governor of Achaia, Gallio, whom we know from history held office in AD 52-3. This fixes a point of chronology of Romans 15:26.
AD 53
    Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23; 20-38).
AD 53-58

Paul Wrote:

    During the Third Missionary Journey

1 Corinthians

— visits Galatia And Phrygia (Wrote 1 Cor. while in Ephesus)
2 Corinthians — met Apollos in Ephesus and stayed two years (Acts 19:1-12)

Romans

— went to Macedonia and Greece; back to Macedonia;
  • (Acts 20:1-6).

During reign of Nero,

AD 54-68

  • visits Troas (Acts 20:6-12).
  • Gave his farewell to the Ephesian elders in Miletus (Acts 20:13-38)
    — visits Coos, Rhodes, Patara (Acts 21:1, 2).
    — boarded ship for Jerusalem (Acts 21:3-16).
AD 58
    Arrested in Jerusalem for teaching against Jewish law and for defiling the Temple by taking Greeks into it (Acts 21:27-36)
AD 58-60
    After Jews plot to kill Paul, he’s transferred to Caesarea Acts 23:12-25
AD 60
    He is tried before Felix, next Festus, then King Agrippa (Acts 24,25-26). (We know from other historical writings that this event occurred in AD 60).
AD 60-61
    Paul sails for Rome as a prisoner and is shipwrecked at Malta (Acts 27-28:10)
AD 61-63

Paul Wrote : Philemon

    Arrives in Rome and preaches under guard for at least two years as God told him he would (Acts 28:10:30; 22:11)

Colossians, Ephesians

AD 61-67
    Boasts about all he has suffered in prison in Rome

    (11 Cor. 11:22-28).

Paul Wrote: Philippians, 1 Timothy , Titus , 2 Timothy
AD 68
    Paul probably died (martyred) this year.
AD 70
    The Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed.

Paul boasts his reason to put confidence in his good works, deeds and religious credentials and righteousness (Philippians 3:4b-6).

Paul boasts about his sufferings (II Cor. 11:16-33).

Paul said he did it all perfectly but that it was to his disadvantage as it kept him from reliance on Jesus Christ to save him (Philippians 3:7-9).

He discusses his own struggle with the sin in his life and says he does what he does not want to do. (Romans 7:15-22).

His conclusion: “Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ, our Lord!” (Romans 7:25).

For this reason, he says, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.” (Romans 15:20) And that, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)

Paul and I have made this same claim:  

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (1 Tim 1:15-16)

PAUL [ G4263 ] (little).

Background and conversion: Also called Saul ( Ac 8:1 ; 9:1 ; 13:9 ). Of the tribe of Benjamin ( Ro 11:1 ; Php 3:5 ). Personal appearance of ( 2Co 10:1 , 10 ; 11:6 ). Born in Tarsus ( Ac 9:11 ; 21:39 ; 22:3 ). Educated at Jerusalem in the school of Gamaliel ( Ac 22:3 ; 26:4 ). A zealous Pharisee ( Ac 22:3 ; 23:6 ; 26:5 ; 2Co 11:22 ; Gal 1:14 ; Php 3:5 ). A Roman ( Ac 16:37 ; 22:25-28 ). Persecutes the Christians; present at and gives consent to the stoning of Stephen ( Ac 7:58 ; 8:1 , 3 ; 9:1 ; 22:4 ). Sent to Damascus with letters for the arrest and return to Jerusalem of Christians ( Ac 9:1-2 ). His vision and conversion ( Ac 9:3-22 ; 22:4-19 ; 26:9-15 ; 1Co 9:11 ; 15:8 ; Gal 1:13 ; 1Ti 1:12-13 ). Is baptized ( Ac 9:18 ; 22:16 ). Called to be an apostle ( Ac 22:14-21 ; 26:14-21 ; 26:16-18 ; Ro 1:1 ; 1Co 1:1 ; 9:1-2 ; 15:9 ; Gal 1:1 , 15-16 ; Eph 1:1 ; Col 1:1 ; 1Ti 1:1 ; 2:7 ; 2Ti 1:1 , 11 ; Tit 1:1 , 3 ). Preaches in Damascus ( Ac 9:20 , 22 ). Is persecuted by the Jews ( Ac 9:23-24 ). Escapes by being let down from the wall in a basket; goes to Arabia ( Gal 1:17 ), Jerusalem ( Ac 9:25-26 ; Gal 1:18-19 ). Received by the disciples in Jerusalem ( Ac 9:26-29 ). Goes to Caesarea and returns to Tarsus ( Ac 9:30 ; 18:22 ). Brought to Antioch by Barnabas ( Ac 11:25-26 ). Teaches at Antioch one year ( Ac 11:26 ). Brings the contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem ( Ac 11:27-30 ). Returns with John to Antioch ( Ac 12:25 ).

First Missionary Journey: See Missionary Journeys of Paul . Sent to the Gentiles ( Ac 13:2-3 , 47-48 ; 22:17:21 ; Ro 11:13 ; 15:16 ; Gal 1:15-24 ). Visits Seleucia ( Ac 13:4 ), Cyprus ( Ac 13:4 ). Preaches at Salamis ( Ac 13:5 ), at Paphos ( Ac 13:6 ). Sergius Paulus the proconsul is converted ( Ac 13:7-12 ). Contends with Elymas the sorcerer ( Ac 13:6-12 ). Visits Perga in Pamphylia ( Ac 13:13 ). John, a companion of, departs for Jerusalem ( Ac 13:13 ). Visits Antioch in Pisidia and preaches in the synagogue ( Ac 13:14-41 ). His message received gladly by the Gentiles ( Ac 13:42 , 49 ). Persecuted and expelled ( Ac 13:50-51 ). Visits Iconium and preaches to the Jews and Greeks; is persecuted; escapes to Lystra; goes to Derbe ( Ac 14:1-6 ). Heals an crippled man ( Ac 14:8-10 ). The people attempt to worship him ( Ac 14:11-18 ). Is persecuted by Jews from Antioch and Iconium and is stoned ( Ac 14:19 ; 2Co 11:25 ; 2Ti 3:11 ). Escapes to Derbe, where he preaches the gospel, and returns to Lystra, Iconium, and to Antioch, encourages the disciples, and ordains elders ( Ac 14:19-23 ). Revisits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and returns to Antioch ( Ac 14:24-28 ). Contends with the Judaizing Christians against circumcision ( Ac 15:1-2 ). Refers the question of circumcision to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem ( Ac 15:2 , 4 ). He declares to the apostles at Jerusalem the miracles and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them ( Ac 15:12 ). Returns to Antioch, accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, with letters to the Gentiles ( Ac 15:22 , 25 ).

Second Missionary Journey: See Missionary Journeys of Paul . Makes his second tour of the churches ( Ac 15:36 ). Chooses Silas as his companion, and passes through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches ( Ac 15:36-41 ). Visits Lystra; circumcises Timothy ( Ac 16:1-5 ). Goes through Phrygia and Galatia; is forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia; visits Mysia; desires to go to Bithynia, but is restrained by the Spirit; goes to Troas, where he has a vision of a man saying, "Come over into Macedonia, and help us"; he immediately proceeds to Macedonia ( Ac 16:6-10 ). Visits Samothrace and Neapolis; comes to Philippi, the chief city of Macedonia; visits a place of prayer at the riverside; preaches the Word; the merchant, Lydia of Thyatira, is converted and baptized ( Ac 16:11-15 ). Exorcizes a demon from a fortune-teller ( Ac 16:16-18 ). Persecuted, beaten, and cast into prison with Silas; sings songs of praise in the prison; an earthquake shakes the prison; he preaches to the alarmed jailer, who believes and is baptized with his household ( Ac 16:19-34 ). Is released by the civil authorities on the ground of his being a Roman citizen ( Ac 16:35-39 ; 2Co 6:5 ; 11:25 ; 1Th 2:2 ). Is received at the house of Lydia ( Ac 16:40 ). Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; preaches in the synagogue ( Ac 17:1-4 ). Is persecuted ( Ac 17:5-9 ; 2Th 1:1-4 ). Escapes to Berea by night; preaches in the synagogue; many honorable women and men believe ( Ac 17:10-12 ). Persecuted by the Jews who come from Thessalonica; is conducted by the brothers to Athens ( Ac 17:13-15 ). Disputes on Mars' Hill with philosophers ( Ac 17:16-34 ). Visits Corinth; lives with Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, who were tentmakers; joins in their trade; reasons in the synagogue every Sabbath; is rejected by the Jews; turns to the Gentiles; stays there one year and six months, teaching the word of God ( Ac 18:1-11 ). Persecuted by Jews, taken before the proconsul; accusation dismissed; takes his leave after many days, and sails to Syria, accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla ( Ac 18:12-18 ). Visits Ephesus, where he leaves Aquila and Priscilla; enters a synagogue, where he reasons with the Jews; starts on his return journey to Jerusalem; visits Caesarea, and returns to Antioch ( Ac 18:19-22 ).

Third Missionary Journey: See Missionary Journeys of Paul . Returning to Ephesus, passes through Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples ( Ac 18:18-23 ). Baptizes disciples of John in the name of the Lord Jesus; preaches in the synagogue, remains in Ephesus for two years; heals the sick ( Ac 19:1-12 ). Jewish exorcists are beaten by a demon and many Ephesians believe, bringing their books of sorcery to be burned ( Ac 19:13-20 ; 1Co 16:8-9 ). Sends Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, but he himself remains in Asia for a period of time ( Ac 19:21-22 ). The spread of the gospel through his preaching interferes with the idol-makers; he is persecuted, and a great uproar of the city is created; the city clerk appeases the people; dismisses the accusation against Paul , and disperses the people ( Ac 19:23-41 ; 2Co 1:8 ; 2Ti 4:14 ). Proceeds to Macedonia after encouraging the churches in those parts; comes into Greece and stays three months; returns through Macedonia, accompanied by Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus ( Ac 20:1-6 ). Visits Troas; preaches until the break of day; restores to life Eutychus, who fell from the window ( Ac 20:6-12 ). Visits Assos, Mitylene, Kios, Samos, and Miletus, hurrying to Jerusalem, to be there at Pentecost ( Ac 20:13-16 ). Sends for the elders of the church of Ephesus; tells them of how he had preached in Asia, and of his tests and afflictions testifying repentance toward God; declares he was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem; exhorts them to watch over themselves and their flock; kneels down, prays, and departs ( Ac 20:17-38 ). Visits Cos, Rhodes, Patara; takes a ship for Tyre; stays seven days; is brought on his way by the disciples to the outskirts of the city; kneels, prays, and leaves; comes to Ptolemais; greets the brothers and stays one day ( Ac 21:1-7 ). Departs for Caesarea; enters the house of Philip the evangelist; is warned by Agabus not to go to Jerusalem; proceeds to Jerusalem ( Ac 21:8-16 ).

Arrest and Trials: See Missionary Journeys of Paul . Is received warmly by the brothers; talks of the things that had been done among the Gentiles by his ministry; enters the temple; the people are stirred against him by the Jews from Asia; an uproar is created; he is thrown out of the temple; the commander of the troops interposes and arrests him ( Ac 21:17-33 ). His defense ( Ac 21:33-40 ; 22:1-21 ). Is confined in the barracks ( Ac 22:24-30 ). Is brought before the Sanhedrin; his defense ( Ac 22:30 ; 23:1-5 ). Is returned to the barracks ( Ac 23:10 ). Is encouraged by a vision, promising him that he must testify in Rome ( Ac 23:11 ). Jews conspire against his life ( Ac 23:12-15 ). Thwarted by his nephew ( Ac 23:16-22 ). Is escorted to Caesarea by a military guard ( Ac 23:23-33 ). Is confined in Herod's palace in Caesarea ( Ac 23:35 ). His trial before Felix ( Ac 24 ). Remains in custody for two years ( Ac 24:27 ). His trial before Festus ( Ac 25:1-12 ). Appeals to Caesar ( Ac 25:10-12 ). His examination before Agrippa ( Ac 25:13-27 ; 26 ). Is taken to Rome in custody of Julius, a centurion, and guard of soldiers; boards the ship, accompanied by other prisoners, and sails along the coast of Asia; stops at Sidon and Myra ( Ac 27:1-5 ). Transferred to a ship of Alexandria; sails past Cnidus, Crete, and Salmone to Fair Havens ( Ac 27:6-8 ). Predicts loss of the ship; his advice not heeded, and the voyage resumed ( Ac 27:9-13 ). The ship encounters a hurricane; Paul encourages and comforts the officers and crew; the soldiers advise putting the prisoners to death; the centurion interferes, and all 276 on board are saved ( Ac 27:14-44 ). The ship is wrecked, and all on board take refuge on the island of Malta ( Ac 27:14-44 ). Kind treatment by the inhabitants of the island ( Ac 28:1-2 ). Is bitten by a viper and miraculously preserved ( Ac 28:3-6 ). Heals the chief official's father and others ( Ac 28:7-10 ). Is delayed in Malta three months; proceeds on the voyage; delays at Syracuse; sails by Rhegium and Puteoli; meets brothers who accompany him to Rome from the Forum of Appius; arrives at Rome and is permitted to live by himself in custody of a soldier ( Ac 28:11-16 ). Calls the chief Jews together; states his situation; is kindly received; expounds the gospel; testifies to the kingdom of heaven ( Ac 28:17-29 ). Lives two years in his own hired house, preaching and teaching ( Ac 28:30-31 ). Sickness of in Asia ( 2Co 1:8-11 ). Caught up to the third heavens ( 2Co 12:1-4 ). Has "a thorn in the flesh" ( 2Co 12:7-9 ; Gal 4:13-14 ). His independence of character ( 1Th 2:9 ; 2Th 3:8 ).


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