St. Paul’s significance in the history of Christianity can hardly be underestimated: an indefatigable missionary, the first interpreter of the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world, he is also the author of more New Testament books than any other writer.

Apostle Paul’s Life

c. A.D. 6 Born a Roman citizen to Jewish parents in Tarsus, Asia Minor

c. 20–30 Studies Torah in Jerusalem with Gamaliel; becomes a Pharisee

c. 30–33 Persecutes followers of Jesus of Nazareth in Jerusalem and Judea

Conversion

c. 33–36 Converted on the way to Damascus; spends three years in Arabia; returns to Damascus to preach Jesus as Messiah

c. 36 Flees Damascus because of persecution; visits Jerusalem and meets with the apostles

36–44 Preaches in Tarsus and surrounding region

44–46 Invited by Barnabas to teach in Antioch

46 With Barnabas visits Jerusalem to bring a famine relief offering

Mission Trips

47–48 First missionary journey with Barnabas, to Cyprus and Galatia

49 At the Council of Jerusalem, Paul argues successfully that Gentile Christians need not follow Jewish law; returns to Antioch; confronts Peter over question of Jewish law

49–52 Second missionary journey with Silas, through Asia Minor, Samothraki island and Macedonia, Greece (Neapolis - Kavala, Via Egnatia, Phlippi, Amphipolis, Appolonia, Thessaloniki, Veria, Methoni); sails to Athens, preaches at Arios Pagos under the Acropolis; settles in Corinth; writes letters to Thessalonians

52 Visits Jerusalem and Antioch briefly; begins third missionary journey

52–55 Stays in Ephesus; writes the letters to Galatians and Corinthians

55–57 Third missionary journey; travels through Greece (including Chios, Lesvos, Samos, Cos and Rodos islands) and possibly Illyricum (modern Western Balkans); writes letter to Romans

Paul’s Arrest & Death

57–59 Returns to Jerusalem and arrested; imprisoned at Caesarea

59–60 Appears before Festus and appeals to Caesar; voyage to Rome through Crete and Meliti (Malta, or Kefalonia island in Greece), Syracuse, Regium, Puteoli, Via Appia, Foro Appio, Tres Tabernes

60–62 Under house arrest at Rome; writes letters to Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon

62–64 Released; journeys to Spain? (Tarragona); writes letters to Timothy and Titus

64 Returns to Rome; martyred