Appendix 2. Chronology of St. Paul's Ministry with relation to the Galatians

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Faith of Abraham (Genesis 11-25)

c. 28-30Public ministry of Jesus.
c. 33Conversion of Paul in Damascus (Acts 9:1-25).
c. 35Paul's first Jerusalem visit (Acts 9:26-28) following his conversion.
35-46Paul in Tarsus (Acts 9:30; 11:25-26).
 Paul and Barnabas in Antioch (Acts 11:22-30; 13:1).
46Paul's second Jerusalem visit to bring offering (Acts 11:27-30; 12:25; Galatians 2:1-10). Returned to Antioch.
47-48First Missionary Journey. Paul and Barnabas, sent out from Antioch, minister in Cyprus, and central Asia Minor, and visit Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe going and coming (Acts 13-14).
? 48Letter to the Galatians (according to the Early Dating Theory).
49Council of Jerusalem. Judaizers visit Antioch, precipitate the council in Jerusalem to decide how to deal with Gentile believers (Acts 15:1-35), letter sent to churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Paul's third post-conversion visit to Jerusalem.
49-50Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:41-18:22). Paul and Silas go through Syria, Cilicia, Galatia, Macedonia, and Achaia. Paul in Corinth (50-52 AD).
52Hasty visit to Jerusalem (Acts 18:22).
52-57Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:16). To the "regions of Galatia and Phrygia" (18:23), Ephesus and Asia, Macedonia, Achaia. In Ephesus (52-55 AD), In Macedonia, Illyricum, and Achaia (55-57 AD). Later Dating Theory sees Galatians written about 56 from Corinth, prior to writing  his Letter to the Romans.
57Paul's final visit to Jerusalem to bring an offering and arrest (Acts 21:17-23:22).

This chronology draws on F.F. Bruce, Apostle of the Heart Set Free, p. 475. On this see also L.C.A. Alexander, "Chronology of Paul," DPL, 115-123. He assumes a date for the crucifixion of 33 AD following Hoehner, but recognizes the other theories of a 27 or 30 AD date. He assumes that Paul was converted within a year or two of Pentecost 33 AD, death in 64 AD. Great fire in Rome, 64 AD sparked Nero's persecution.

Galatians Bible Study: Discipleship Lessons

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