Short Papers on Church History

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About A.D. 36 Conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Acts 9.
36-39—At Damascus—preaches in the synagogue—goes into Arabia—returns to Damascus —flight from Damascus.
40-43—Paul preaches the gospel in Syria and Cilicia. Gal. 1:2121Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; (Galatians 1:21).
A period of uncertain length. —During this time he probably undergoes the chief part of the perils and sufferings which he recounts to the Corinthians. 2 Cor. 11.
46-49—Paul’s FIRST missionary journey with Barnabas—goes to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and back through the same places to Antioch.
They remain a long time in Antioch.
Dissension and disputation about circumcision. Acts 13; 14; 15:1, 2.
50—Paul’s THIRD visit to Jerusalem with Barnabas, fourteen years after his conversion. Galatians 2:11Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. (Galatians 2:1).
51—“Paul’s SECOND missionary journey with Silas and Timothy. He goes from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, Derbe, Lystra, Phrygia, Galatia, Troas. Luke joins the apostolic band. Acts 16:1010And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:10).
First Epistle to the Thessalonians written.
53—Second Epistle to the Thessalonians written. Paul leaves Corinth and sails to Ephesus.
54—Paul’s FOURTH visit to Jerusalem at the feast.
Returns to Antioch.
54-56—Paul’s THIRD missionary journey.
Epistle to the Galatians written.
57—(Spring) First Epistle to the Corinthians written.
The tumult at Ephesus—Paul leaves for Macedonia. Acts 19:23-20:123And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 24For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. 28And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. 32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. 33And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. 34But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 35And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? 36Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. 37For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. 38Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. 39But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 40For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. 41And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. 1And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. (Acts 19:23‑20:1).
Paul leaves Corinth—passes through Macedonia—sails from Philippi—preaches at
Troas—addresses the elders at Miletus—visits Tire and Caesarea. Acts 20, 21:1-14.
58-60—Paul’s FIFTH visit to Jerusalem before Pentecost, He is arrested in the temple—brought before Ananias and the Sanhedrim—sent by Lysias to Caesarea, where he is kept in bonds two years.
60—Paul heard by Felix and Festus. He appeals unto Caesar—preaches before Agrippa, Bernice, and the men of Caesarea.
(Autumn.) Paul sails for Italy.
(Winter.) Shipwrecked at Malta. Acts 27
61—(Spring.) Arrives at Rome—dwells two years in his own hired house.
62—(Spring.) Epistles to Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians written.
(Autumn.) Epistle to the Philippians written.
63—(Spring.) Paul acquitted and released.
Epistle to the Hebrews written.
64—Visits Crete, and leaves Titus there—exhorts Timothy to abide at Ephesus.
First Epistle to Timothy written.
Epistle to Titus written.
Paul arrested and sent to Rome.
Deserted and solitary—having only Luke, of his old associates, with him.
Second Epistle to Timothy written, probably not long before his death. These journeys and events are generally supposed to cover a period of about three years.
67—Paul’s martyrdom.