Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
=Saul (q.v.) was born about the same time as our Lord. His circumcision-name was Saul, and probably the name Paul was also given to him in infancy “for use in the Gentile world,” as “Saul” would be his Hebrew home-name. He was a native of Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia, a Roman province in the south-east of Asia Minor. That city stood on the banks of the river Cydnus, which was navigable thus far; hence it became a centre of extensive
commercial traffic with many countries along the shores of the Mediterranean, as well as with the countries of central Asia Minor. It thus became a city distinguished for the wealth of its inhabitants. Tarsus was also the seat of a famous university, higher in reputation even than the universities of Athens and Alexandria, the only others that then existed. Here Saul was born, and here he spent his youth, doubtless enjoying the best education his
native city could afford. His father was of the straitest sect of the Jews, a Pharisee, of the tribe of Benjamin, of pure and unmixed Jewish blood (Acts 23:6; Phil. 3:5). We learn nothing regarding his mother; but there is reason to conclude that she was a pious woman, and that, like-minded with her husband, she exercised all a mother influence in moulding the character of her son, so that he could afterwards speak of himself as being, from his
youth up, “touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Phil. 3:6). We read of his sister and his sister’s son (Acts 23:16), and of other relatives (Rom. 16:7, 11, 12). Though a Jew, his father was a Roman citizen. How he obtained this privilege we are not informed. “It might be bought, or won by distinguished service to the state, or acquired in several other ways; at all events, his son was freeborn. It was a valuable
privilege, and one that was to prove of great use to Paul, although not in the way in which his father might have been expected to desire him to make use of it.” Perhaps the most natural career for the youth to follow was that of a merchant. “But it was decided that...he should go to college and become a rabbi, that is, a minister, a teacher, and a lawyer all in one.” According to Jewish custom, however, he learned a trade before entering
on the more direct preparation for the sacred profession. The trade he acquired was the making of tents from goats’ hair cloth, a trade which was one of the commonest in Tarsus. His preliminary education having been completed, Saul was sent, when about thirteen years of age probably, to the great Jewish school of sacred learning at Jerusalem as a student of the law. Here he became a pupil of the celebrated rabbi Gamaliel, and here he spent many
years in an elaborate study of the Scriptures and of the many questions concerning them with which the rabbis exercised themselves. During these years of diligent study he lived “in all good conscience,” unstained by the vices of that great city. After the period of his student-life expired, he probably left Jerusalem for Tarsus, where he may have been engaged in connection with some synagogue for some years. But we find him back again at
Jerusalem very soon after the death of our Lord. Here he now learned the particulars regarding the crucifixion, and the rise of the new sect of the “Nazarenes.” For some two years after Pentecost, Christianity was quietly spreading its influence in Jerusalem. At length Stephen, one of the seven deacons, gave forth more public and aggressive testimony that Jesus was the Messiah, and this led to much excitement among the Jews and much
disputation in their synagogues. Persecution arose against Stephen and the followers of Christ generally, in which Saul of Tarsus took a prominent part. He was at this time probably a member of the great Sanhedrin, and became the active leader in the furious persecution by which the rulers then sought to exterminate Christianity. But the object of this persecution also failed. “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the
word.” The anger of the persecutor was thereby kindled into a fiercer flame. Hearing that fugitives had taken refuge in Damascus, he obtained from the chief priest letters authorizing him to proceed thither on his persecuting career. This was a long journey of about 130 miles, which would occupy perhaps six days, during which, with his few attendants, he steadily went onward, “breathing out threatenings and slaughter.” But the crisis of his
life was at hand. He had reached the last stage of his journey, and was within sight of Damascus. As he and his companions rode on, suddenly at mid-day a brilliant light shone round them, and Saul was laid prostrate in terror on the ground, a voice sounding in his ears, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” The risen Saviour was there, clothed in the vesture of his glorified humanity. In answer to the anxious inquiry of the stricken
persecutor, “Who art thou, Lord?” he said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest” (Acts 9:5; 22:8; 26:15). This was the moment o
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(small, little). Nearly all the original materials for the life St. Paul are contained in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Pauline epistles. Paul was born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia. (It is not improbable that he was born between A.D. and A.D. 5.) Up to the time of his going forth as an avowed preacher of Christ to the Gentiles, the apostle was known by the name of Saul. This was the Jewish name which he received from his Jewish parents. But
though a Hebrew of the Hebrews, he was born in a Gentile city. Of his parents we know nothing, except that his father was of the tribe of Benjamin, (Philemon 3:5) and a Pharisee, (Acts 23:6) that Paul had acquired by some means the Roman franchise (“I was free born,”) (Acts 22:23) and that he was settled in Tarsus. At Tarsus he must have learned to use the Greek language with freedom and mastery in both speaking and writing. At Tarsus also he
learned that trade of “tent-maker,” (Acts 18:3) at which he afterward occasionally wrought with his own hands. There was a goat’s-hair cloth called cilicium manufactured in Cilicia, and largely used for tents, Saul’s trade was probably that of making tents of this hair cloth. When St. Paul makes his defence before his countrymen at Jerusalem, (Acts 22:1) ... he tells them that, though born in Tarsus he had been “brought up” in
Jerusalem. He must therefore, have been yet a boy when was removed, in all probability for the sake of his education, to the holy city of his fathers. He learned, he says, at the feet of Gamaliel.” He who was to resist so stoutly the usurpations of the law had for his teacher one of the most eminent of all the doctors of the law. Saul was yet “a young man,” (Acts 7:58) when the Church experienced that sudden expansion which was connected
with the ordaining of the seven appointed to serve tables, and with the special power and inspiration of Stephen. Among those who disputed with Stephen were some “of them of Cilicia.” We naturally think of Saul as having been one of these, when we find him afterward keeping the clothes of those suborned witnesses who, according to the law, (17:7) were the first to cast stones at Stephen. “Saul,” says the sacred writer significantly “was
consenting unto his death.” Saul’s conversion . A.D. 37.—The persecutor was to be converted. Having undertaken to follow up the believers “unto strange cities.” Saul naturally turned his thoughts to Damascus. What befell him as he journeyed thither is related in detail three times in the Acts, first by the historian in his own person, then in the two addresses made by St. Paul at Jerusalem and before Agrippa. St. Luke’s statement is
to be read in (Acts 9:3-19) where, however, the words “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks,” included in the English version, ought to be omitted (as is done in the Revised Version). The sudden light from heaven; the voice of Jesus speaking with authority to his persecutor; Saul struck to the ground, blinded, overcome; the three-days suspense; the coming of Ananias as a messenger of the Lord and Saul’s baptism,—these were the
leading features at the great event, and in these we must look for the chief significance of the conversion. It was in Damascus that he was received into the church by Ananias, and here to the astonishment of all his hearers, he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, declaring him to be the Son of God. The narrative in the Acts tells us simply that he was occupied in this work, with increasing vigor, for “many days,” up to the time when imminent
danger drove him from Damascus. From the Epistle to the Galatians, (Galatians 1:17,18) we learn that the many days were at least a good part of “three years,” A.D. 37-40, and that Saul, not thinking it necessary to procure authority to teach from the apostles that were before him, went after his conversion to Arabia, and returned from thence to us. We know nothing whatever of this visit to Arabia; but upon his departure from Damascus we are
again on a historical ground, and have the double evidence of St. Luke in the Acts of the apostle in his Second Epistle the Corinthians. According to the former, the Jews lay in wait for Saul, intending to kill him, and watched the gates of the city that he might not escape from them. Knowing this, the disciples took him by night and let him down in a basket from the wall. Having escaped from Damascus, Saul betook himself to Jerusalem (A.D. 40),
and there “assayed to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and believed not he was a disciple.” Barnabas’ introduction removed the fears of the apostles, and Saul “was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.” But it is not strange that the former persecutor was soon singled out from the other believers as the object of a murderous hostility. He was, therefore, again urged to flee; and by way of
Caesarea betook himself to his native city, Tarsus. Barnabas was sent on a special mission to Antioch. As the work grew under his hands
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
PAUL (small), or SAUL (asked for). 1. Life. - Paul, or Saul, was a native of Tarsus, in Cilicia, and inherited the privileges of a Roman citizen. Acts 22:28-29. His original Hebrew name was "Saul," which he exchanged afterward in his intercourse with the Gentiles for the Hellenistic or Latin form, "Paul." His descent and education were Jewish, but he had also a good knowledge of the Greek language and literature, and quotes from three poets not
much known - Aratus, Acts 17:28,- Menander, 1 Cor 15:33; and Epimenides. Tit 1:12. Being a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, born in the Greek city of Tarsus, and a Roman citizen, he combined the three great nationalities of the Roman empire, and was providentially prepared for his apostolic mission among Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and barbarians. Under the instruction of Gamaliel, a distinguished rabbi at Jerusalem, Acts 5:34, he became master of the
Jewish law. Acts 22:3; Gal 1:14, and was also taught a useful mechanical trade, according to the custom of the rabbis. Acts 18:3. His residence at Jerusalem commenced at an early period, Acts 26:4, and he was probably from twenty-two to twenty-five years old when Christ commenced his public ministry. He belonged to the strict sect of the Pharisees. Acts 23:6. The preaching of the apostles, and especially the fact of Christ's resurrection, on
which they placed their chief stress, excited a violent opposition among the Jews. Stephen, an eloquent and powerful advocate of the new religion, was seized and stoned to death. Among the spectators and promoters of this bloody deed was Paul. Acts 7:58; comp. Gen 22:20. His temperament, talents, and education fitted him to become a leader in the persecution; and he commenced his career with a degree of fanatical zeal bordering on madness. He
even sought for authority to go to Damascus, whither many of the disciples had fled after the murder of Stephen, to bind and drag to Jerusalem, without distinction of age or sex, all the followers of Christ whom he could find. Just before he reached Damascus, however, he was arrested by a miraculous light so intense as to deprive him of sight. Acts 9:8-9. At the same time Christ revealed himself as the real object of his persecution. Acts 26:15;
comp. 1 Cor 15:8. From this time he became a new man, and received from the lips of Christ himself his commission as an apostle to the Gentiles. Acts 26:16. The miraculous restoration of his sight, his baptism, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit followed in quick succession, and we soon find him zealously preaching the faith he had set out to subvert. Acts 9:20-21; Gal 1:16. To this one purpose he thenceforth gave all the energies of his mind and
all the affections of his heart. Forsaking, and indeed forgetting, all other purposes and pursuits, he devoted the residue of his life to the cause of Christ with a singleness of purpose and an energy of devotion that have no parallel in history. The Acts trace his career till the first imprisonment at Rome, which lasted two years, a.d. 61-63, and left him comparatively free to labor for the gospel. After this we are left in the dark. Some
scholars maintain that he suffered martyrdom in the Neronian persecution of The Traditional Room in the Centurion's House at Rome in which Paul was Imprisoned. a.d. 64; others that he was freed from the first Roman imprisonment, made new missionary tours in the East, and possibly also to the West as far as Spain, was taken prisoner to Rome a Portrait of Paul. (From a Roman Two-leaved Tablet not later than the Fourth Century.) second time, and
suffered martyrdom a.d. 67 or 68. The hypothesis of a second Roman imprisonment has some support in an ancient tradition (mentioned by Eusebius), and explains certain historical allusions in the Pastoral Epistles, which cannot well be placed before the first imprisonment, but were probably composed between the first and the second Roman imprisonments, except Second Timothy, the last of all Pauline Epistles. Ancient tradition is unanimous as to
his martyrdom in Rome, and the place of his execution by the sword is still shown a little distance from the city. He himself alludes to his approaching martyrdom in those noble words, 2 Tim 4:6-8: I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
shall give to me at that day: and not only to me, but also to all them that have loved his appearing. Character of Paul. - Whether we regard his sudden and radical change from an enemy to a most devoted friend of the Christian religion, or the purity and loftiness of his character, or the strength and depth of his mind, or the extent of his missionary labors, or his whole heroic career from his conversion in Damascus to his martyrdom in Rome, St.
Paul is beyond doubt one of the most remarkable men that ever lived, and perhaps the greatest man in the history of Christianity. Without money, without family, without friends, lonely by land and lonely by sea, he faced a hostile world and converted it to Christ, whom he himself once persecuted, and by his Epistles and example he still rules the theology and feeds the devotions of believers in all parts of Christendom. His motives are above
suspicion; his intellect is apparent on every page of his letters; it is impossible to charge him with hypocrisy or self-delusion, as even infidels admit; he furnishes an irresistible argument for the divine truth of the religion he taught and practised to the end. Chronological Summary of the Chief Events in the Life of Paul (from Schaff's History of the Apostolic Church): Paul's conversion
...................................................................a.d. 37 Sojourn in Arabia ..................................................................37-40 First journey to Jerusalem after his conversion, Gal 1:18; sojourn at Tarsus, and afterward at Antioch, Acts 11:26............................................40 Second journey to Jerusalem, in company with Barnabas, to relieve the
famine........................................................................................44 Paul's first great missionary journey, with Barnabas and Mark; Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe; return to Antioch in Syria........45-49 Apostolic Council at Jerusalem; conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christianity; Paul's third journey to Jerusalem, with Barnabas and Titus; settlement of the difficulty; agreement between the
Jewish and Gentile apostles; Paul's return to Antioch; his collision with Peter and Barnabas at Antioch, and temporary separation from the latter...........................................................................50 Paul's second missionary journey from Antioch to Asia Minor, Cilicia, Lycaonia, Galatia, Troas, and Greece (Philippi, Thessalonica, Beraea, Athens, and Corinth). From this tour dates the Christianization of
Europe........................ 51 Paul at Corinth (a year and a half). First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians.........................................................................52-53 Paul's fourth journey to Jerusalem (spring); short stay at Antioch. His third missionary tour (autumn).......................................................54 Paul at Ephesus (three years); Epistle to the Galatians (56 or 57). Excursion to Macedonia,
Corinth, and Crete (not mentioned in the Acts); First Epistle to Timothy (?). Return to Ephesus. First Epistle to the Corinthians (spring, 57)...............................................................................54-57 Paul's departure from Ephesus (summer) to Macedonia. Second Epistle to the Corinthians.........................................................................57 Paul's third sojourn at Corinth (three months). Epistle to
the Romans...............................................................57,58 Paul's fifth and last journey to Jerusalem (spring), where he is arrested and sent to Caesarea................................................................58 Paul's captivity at Caesarea. Testimony before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (the Gospel of Luke and the Acts commenced at Caesarea, and concluded at
Rome)...............................................................58-60 Paul's voyage to Rome (autumn); shipwreck at Malta; arrival at Rome (spring, 61)............................................................60,61 Paul's first captivity at Rome. Epistles to the Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon.....................................................61-63 Conflagration at Rome (July); Neronian persecution of the Christians; martyrdom
of Paul (?)................................................64 Hypothesis of a second Roman captivity and preceding missionary journeys to the East, and possibly to Spain. First Epistle to Timothy; Titus (Hebrews?), Second Timothy. .......................................................63-67 The Epistles of Paul are thirteen, or, if we count the Hebrews (as the product of Paul's mind, though probably not of his pen), fourteen, in number. They are
the most remarkable body of correspondence in the history of literature. They are tracts for the times, and yet tracts for all times. They will be found separately considered under their titles. Here only some general remarks are given. They may be arranged differently. (a) Chronologically: 1 and 2 Thessalonians, written a.d. 52, 53, from Corinth. Galatians, written a.d. 56-57, from Ephesus. 1 Corinthians, written a.d. 57, from Ephesus. 2
Corinthians, written a.d. 57, from Macedonia. Romans, written a.d. 58, from Corinth. Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, written a.d. 61-63, from Rome. Hebrews, written a.d. 64 (?), from Italy. 1 Timothy and Titus, written a.d. 65 or 57 (?), from Macedonia. 2 Timothy, written a.d. 67 or 6-4 (?), from Rome. The time of the composition of the Pastoral Epistles depends upon the question of the second Roman captivity. The Second Epistle
to Timothy was at all events the last, whether written in the first or second captivity. (b) Topically Romans and Galatians:doctrines of sin and grace. 1 and 2 Corinthians: moral and practical questions. Colossians and Philippians :person of Christ. Ephesians: the Church of Christ. 1 and 2 Thessalonians: the second advent. 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus: church government and pastoral care. Philemon: slavery. Hebrews: the eternal priesthood and
sacrifice of Christ. (c) As to importance, the order in our Bible is pretty correct. The Epistles are all important, but were not equally well understood in all ages of the Church. Thus the Galatians and Romans were more appreciated in the time of the Reformation than in any preceding century; they are the stronghold of the evangelical doctrines of total depravity and salvation by free grace. Paul's Epistles give us the most complete exhibition
of the various doctrines of Christianity and of the spiritual life of the apostolic Church, and are applicable to all ages and congregations. Works on the life and Epistles of Paul are very numerous, and constantly increasing. We mention only three, which are very elaborate, yet popular, and enriched with fine maps and illustrations: Conybeare and Howson (1854 and later editions), Thomas Lewin (1875, 2 vols.), and Canon Farrar (1879, 2 vols.). -
See map of journeys of St. Paul at the close of this volume.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
small; little
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
PAUL (small), or SAUL (asked for). 1. Life. - Paul, or Saul, was a native of Tarsus, in Cilicia, and inherited the privileges of a Roman citizen. Acts 22:28-29. His original Hebrew name was "Saul," which he exchanged afterward in his intercourse with the Gentiles for the Hellenistic or Latin form, "Paul." His descent and education were Jewish, but he had also a good knowledge of the Greek language and literature, and quotes from three poets not
much known - Aratus, Acts 17:28,- Menander, 1 Cor 15:33; and Epimenides. Tit 1:12. Being a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, born in the Greek city of Tarsus, and a Roman citizen, he combined the three great nationalities of the Roman empire, and was providentially prepared for his apostolic mission among Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and barbarians. Under the instruction of Gamaliel, a distinguished rabbi at Jerusalem, Acts 5:34, he became master of the
Jewish law. Acts 22:3; Gal 1:14, and was also taught a useful mechanical trade, according to the custom of the rabbis. Acts 18:3. His residence at Jerusalem commenced at an early period, Acts 26:4, and he was probably from twenty-two to twenty-five years old when Christ commenced his public ministry. He belonged to the strict sect of the Pharisees. Acts 23:6. The preaching of the apostles, and especially the fact of Christ's resurrection, on
which they placed their chief stress, excited a violent opposition among the Jews. Stephen, an eloquent and powerful advocate of the new religion, was seized and stoned to death. Among the spectators and promoters of this bloody deed was Paul. Acts 7:58; comp. Gen 22:20. His temperament, talents, and education fitted him to become a leader in the persecution; and he commenced his career with a degree of fanatical zeal bordering on madness. He
even sought for authority to go to Damascus, whither many of the disciples had fled after the murder of Stephen, to bind and drag to Jerusalem, without distinction of age or sex, all the followers of Christ whom he could find. Just before he reached Damascus, however, he was arrested by a miraculous light so intense as to deprive him of sight. Acts 9:8-9. At the same time Christ revealed himself as the real object of his persecution. Acts 26:15;
comp. 1 Cor 15:8. From this time he became a new man, and received from the lips of Christ himself his commission as an apostle to the Gentiles. Acts 26:16. The miraculous restoration of his sight, his baptism, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit followed in quick succession, and we soon find him zealously preaching the faith he had set out to subvert. Acts 9:20-21; Gal 1:16. To this one purpose he thenceforth gave all the energies of his mind and
all the affections of his heart. Forsaking, and indeed forgetting, all other purposes and pursuits, he devoted the residue of his life to the cause of Christ with a singleness of purpose and an energy of devotion that have no parallel in history. The Acts trace his career till the first imprisonment at Rome, which lasted two years, a.d. 61-63, and left him comparatively free to labor for the gospel. After this we are left in the dark. Some
scholars maintain that he suffered martyrdom in the Neronian persecution of The Traditional Room in the Centurion's House at Rome in which Paul was Imprisoned. a.d. 64; others that he was freed from the first Roman imprisonment, made new missionary tours in the East, and possibly also to the West as far as Spain, was taken prisoner to Rome a Portrait of Paul. (From a Roman Two-leaved Tablet not later than the Fourth Century.) second time, and
suffered martyrdom a.d. 67 or 68. The hypothesis of a second Roman imprisonment has some support in an ancient tradition (mentioned by Eusebius), and explains certain historical allusions in the Pastoral Epistles, which cannot well be placed before the first imprisonment, but were probably composed between the first and the second Roman imprisonments, except Second Timothy, the last of all Pauline Epistles. Ancient tradition is unanimous as to
his martyrdom in Rome, and the place of his execution by the sword is still shown a little distance from the city. He himself alludes to his approaching martyrdom in those noble words, 2 Tim 4:6-8: I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
shall give to me at that day: and not only to me, but also to all them that have loved his appearing. Character of Paul. - Whether we regard his sudden and radical change from an enemy to a most devoted friend of the Christian religion, or the purity and loftiness of his character, or the strength and depth of his mind, or the extent of his missionary labors, or his whole heroic career from his conversion in Damascus to his martyrdom in Rome, St.
Paul is beyond doubt one of the most remarkable men that ever lived, and perhaps the greatest man in the history of Christianity. Without money, without family, without friends, lonely by land and lonely by sea, he faced a hostile world and converted it to Christ, whom he himself once persecuted, and by his Epistles and example he still rules the theology and feeds the devotions of believers in all parts of Christendom. His motives are above
suspicion; his intellect is apparent on every page of his letters; it is impossible to charge him with hypocrisy or self-delusion, as even infidels admit; he furnishes an irresistible argument for the divine truth of the religion he taught and practised to the end. Chronological Summary of the Chief Events in the Life of Paul (from Schaff's History of the Apostolic Church): Paul's conversion
...................................................................a.d. 37 Sojourn in Arabia ..................................................................37-40 First journey to Jerusalem after his conversion, Gal 1:18; sojourn at Tarsus, and afterward at Antioch, Acts 11:26............................................40 Second journey to Jerusalem, in company with Barnabas, to relieve the
famine........................................................................................44 Paul's first great missionary journey, with Barnabas and Mark; Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe; return to Antioch in Syria........45-49 Apostolic Council at Jerusalem; conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christianity; Paul's third journey to Jerusalem, with Barnabas and Titus; settlement of the difficulty; agreement between the
Jewish and Gentile apostles; Paul's return to Antioch; his collision with Peter and Barnabas at Antioch, and temporary separation from the latter...........................................................................50 Paul's second missionary journey from Antioch to Asia Minor, Cilicia, Lycaonia, Galatia, Troas, and Greece (Philippi, Thessalonica, Beraea, Athens, and Corinth). From this tour dates the Christianization of
Europe........................ 51 Paul at Corinth (a year and a half). First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians.........................................................................52-53 Paul's fourth journey to Jerusalem (spring); short stay at Antioch. His third missionary tour (autumn).......................................................54 Paul at Ephesus (three years); Epistle to the Galatians (56 or 57). Excursion to Macedonia,
Corinth, and Crete (not mentioned in the Acts); First Epistle to Timothy (?). Return to Ephesus. First Epistle to the Corinthians (spring, 57)...............................................................................54-57 Paul's departure from Ephesus (summer) to Macedonia. Second Epistle to the Corinthians.........................................................................57 Paul's third sojourn at Corinth (three months). Epistle to
the Romans...............................................................57,58 Paul's fifth and last journey to Jerusalem (spring), where he is arrested and sent to Caesarea................................................................58 Paul's captivity at Caesarea. Testimony before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (the Gospel of Luke and the Acts commenced at Caesarea, and concluded at
Rome)...............................................................58-60 Paul's voyage to Rome (autumn); shipwreck at Malta; arrival at Rome (spring, 61)............................................................60,61 Paul's first captivity at Rome. Epistles to the Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon.....................................................61-63 Conflagration at Rome (July); Neronian persecution of the Christians; martyrdom
of Paul (?)................................................64 Hypothesis of a second Roman captivity and preceding missionary journeys to the East, and possibly to Spain. First Epistle to Timothy; Titus (Hebrews?), Second Timothy. .......................................................63-67 (a) Chronologically: 1 and 2 Thessalonians, written a.d. 52, 53, from Corinth. Galatians, written a.d. 56-57, from Ephesus. 1 Corinthians, written a.d. 57,
from Ephesus. 2 Corinthians, written a.d. 57, from Macedonia. Romans, written a.d. 58, from Corinth. Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, written a.d. 61-63, from Rome. Hebrews, written a.d. 64 (?), from Italy. 1 Timothy and Titus, written a.d. 65 or 57 (?), from Macedonia. 2 Timothy, written a.d. 67 or 6-4 (?), from Rome. The time of the composition of the Pastoral Epistles depends upon the question of the second Roman captivity.
The Second Epistle to Timothy was at all events the last, whether written in the first or second captivity. (b) Topically Romans and Galatians:doctrines of sin and grace. 1 and 2 Corinthians: moral and practical questions. Colossians and Philippians :person of Christ. Ephesians: the Church of Christ. 1 and 2 Thessalonians: the second advent. 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus: church government and pastoral care. Philemon: slavery. Hebrews: the eternal
priesthood and sacrifice of Christ. (c) As to importance, the order in our Bible is pretty correct. The Epistles are all important, but were not equally well understood in all ages of the Church. Thus the Galatians and Romans were more appreciated in the time of the Reformation than in any preceding century; they are the stronghold of the evangelical doctrines of total depravity and salvation by free grace. Paul's Epistles give us the most
complete exhibition of the various doctrines of Christianity and of the spiritual life of the apostolic Church, and are applicable to all ages and congregations. Works on the life and Epistles of Paul are very numerous, and constantly increasing. We mention only three, which are very elaborate, yet popular, and enriched with fine maps and illustrations: Conybeare and Howson (1854 and later editions), Thomas Lewin (1875, 2 vols.), and Canon Farrar
(1879, 2 vols.). - See map of journeys of St. Paul at the close of this volume.