The ChatGPT table and details of the events in Paul’s life below show when Paul wrote his letters, and when he talked twice to Peter, James, and others who had seen post-crucifixion appearances of Jesus. Surely, he was told what they saw. As he adamantly argued he was also an apostle as he had seen Jesus like the others then he would have described his vision to be the same as theirs. Later writers told a different story.
Here’s a timeline of Paul’s early persecution of Jesus’ followers, his Damascus Road experience, his meetings in Jerusalem, and the estimated chronology of his seven authentic letters. Dates are approximate and based on scholarly consensus.
Chronology of Paul’s Early Life and Letters
| Event | Approximate Date | Scriptural & Historical Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Paul persecutes early Jesus followers | c. 31–33 CE | Acts 8:1–3, Acts 9:1–2; Galatians 1:13–14 |
| Paul’s Damascus Road experience & conversion | c. 33–35 CE | Acts 9:3–9, Acts 22:6–11, Acts 26:12–18; Galatians 1:15–16 |
| Paul’s time in Arabia & Damascus | c. 33–37 CE | Galatians 1:17 |
| First visit to Jerusalem (“fifteen days with Peter”) | c. 36–37 CE | Galatians 1:18–19; Acts 9:26–30 |
| Second Jerusalem visit (Apostolic Council) | c. 48–50 CE | Galatians 2:1–10; Acts 15:1–29 |
| Paul’s missionary journeys | c. 47–57 CE | Acts 13–21; Paul’s letters |
| Paul’s authentic letters (7 undisputed epistles) | c. 50–57 CE | See details below |
| Paul arrested in Jerusalem & sent to Rome | c. 57–60 CE | Acts 21–28 |
| Paul’s death (traditionally in Rome) | c. 62–67 CE | 2 Timothy 4:6–8 (if authentic); later church tradition |
Paul’s Seven Authentic Letters & Their Approximate Dates
Scholars widely accept these as Paul’s genuine writings:
- 1 Thessalonians (c. 50–51 CE)
- Earliest surviving Christian document.
- Written from Corinth during Paul’s second missionary journey.
- Source: 1 Thessalonians 1:1, Acts 18:1–5.
- Galatians (c. 48–55 CE)
- Addresses controversy over Gentile inclusion in the church.
- Written before or after the Jerusalem Council (depending on North/South Galatia debate).
- Source: Galatians 1–2, Acts 15.
- 1 Corinthians (c. 53–54 CE)
- Written from Ephesus during Paul’s third missionary journey.
- Discusses divisions, ethics, and resurrection.
- Source: 1 Corinthians 16:8; Acts 19:1–10.
- 2 Corinthians (c. 55–56 CE)
- Likely composed in multiple stages.
- Deals with Paul’s defense of his apostleship.
- Source: 2 Corinthians 1:1, Acts 20:1–3.
- Romans (c. 56–57 CE)
- Written from Corinth before Paul’s journey to Jerusalem.
- Explores justification by faith and Jewish-Gentile relations.
- Source: Romans 16:1; Acts 20:2–3.
- Philippians (c. 56–62 CE)
- Possibly written from prison in Ephesus, Caesarea, or Rome.
- Expresses joy despite suffering.
- Source: Philippians 1:7,13; Acts 28:16.
- Philemon (c. 56–62 CE)
- Personal letter concerning the slave Onesimus.
- Likely written during imprisonment.
- Source: Philemon 1:1,9.
Primary Sources:
- Paul’s letters (NRSV)
- Acts of the Apostles (NRSV)
- Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18.3.3 (for the historical context of early Christianity)
- Tacitus, Annals 15.44 (mentions Christian persecution under Nero)
- Eusebius, Church History 2.25 (tradition of Paul’s martyrdom)
