The timeline below follows the chronology in the book, which draws on the standard biographies of Paul and on the Roman historians. All dates are approximate and in the Common Era. Estimates of the date of Paul’s death run from 62 to 67.
- c. 5–10 Born in Tarsus, Cilicia, a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin with Roman citizenship.
- c. 20–30 Studies the Torah under Gamaliel in Jerusalem and becomes a Pharisee.
- c. 33–36 Takes part in the persecution of the Jerusalem community. Reports his vision on the road to Damascus.
- c. 36–37 In Damascus and Arabia.
- c. 38 Flees to Jerusalem, meets Peter and James, then returns to Tarsus.
- c. 39–43 Preaches in Syria and Cilicia, based in Tarsus.
- c. 44 Brought to Antioch by Barnabas, where the disciples are first called Christians.
- c. 45 Carries famine relief to Jerusalem with Barnabas.
- c. 47–48 First mission, to Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.
- c. 50 The Jerusalem council on Gentile converts and the law. The confrontation with Peter at Antioch follows.
- c. 51–53 Second mission, from Galatia into Greece. Writes to the Thessalonians from Corinth.
- c. 54–56 Third mission, based at Ephesus.
- c. 57 In Macedonia and Corinth. Writes to the Corinthians and the Galatians.
- c. 58 Writes to the Romans. Returns to Jerusalem, undertakes the Temple vow at James’s instruction and is arrested.
- c. 59–60 Held at Caesarea. Appeals to Caesar and is shipwrecked on Malta on the way to Rome.
- c. 61–62 Under house arrest in Rome.
- c. 62–67 Executed in Rome. Tradition places his death under Nero.