✝️ People • Places • Timeline
📜 One-paragraph Overview
This is a living document... From about AD 34–67, the apostle Paul moved the gospel across the eastern Mediterranean— Damascus, Antioch, Cyprus, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Achaia, Jerusalem, and finally Rome—supported by a surprisingly large network of co-workers (married couples, single men and women, patrons, hosts, scribes, couriers, and local elders). The book of Acts and Paul’s letters together name 70+ individuals connected to his mission.
Primary sources: Acts 9–28; Romans–Philemon.
🧭 Timeline — Paul’s Life & Journeys (rough dates)
| Period | Approx. Years | Key Events & Places | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early life | Before AD 34 | Tarsus (Cilicia); Pharisee; student of Gamaliel; persecutor of the church. | Acts 22:3; Phil 3:5–6; Acts 8:3 |
| Conversion | ~AD 34 | Encounter with Jesus on road to Damascus; baptized by Ananias. | Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–16; 26:12–18 |
| Arabia–Damascus–Tarsus | AD 34–43 | Initial preaching; time in Arabia; return via Damascus; later in Tarsus. | Gal 1:17; 2 Cor 11:32–33; Acts 9:23–30 |
| Antioch base | AD 43–47 | Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch; relief visit to Jerusalem. | Acts 11:25–30; 12:25 |
| 1st Journey | AD 47–49 | With Barnabas & John Mark: Cyprus (Salamis, Paphos) → Pamphylia → Pisidian Antioch → Iconium → Lystra → Derbe. | Acts 13–14 |
| Jerusalem Council | ~AD 49 | Gentile believers & the Law decided. | Acts 15 |
| 2nd Journey | AD 49–52 | With Silas & Timothy: Philippi → Thessalonica → Berea → Athens → Corinth; brief Ephesus stop. | Acts 15:36–18:22; 1–2 Thess |
| 3rd Journey | AD 53–57 | Ephesus (3 yrs), Macedonia, Greece; collection for Jerusalem; Troas & Miletus farewell to elders. | Acts 18:23–21:17; 1–2 Cor; Rom |
| Arrest & Trials | AD 57–59 | Jerusalem arrest; Caesarea trials before Felix, Festus, Agrippa; appeal to Caesar. | Acts 21–26 |
| To Rome | AD 59–62 | Voyage/shipwreck on Malta; house arrest in Rome; preaching “without hindrance.” | Acts 27–28; Phil; Col; Eph; Phlm |
| Later phase* | AD 62–67 | Possible travels (Crete, Macedonia, Nicopolis); final imprisonment & martyrdom in Rome (trad.). | Tit 1:5; 3:12; 2 Tim 4 |
*Post-Acts movements are reconstructed mainly from the Pastoral Letters.
🏛 Jerusalem Council — Deciding Gentile Inclusion (AD 49)
A landmark meeting in Jerusalem resolved whether Gentile believers must keep the Law of Moses. Verdict: salvation by grace through faith—no circumcision requirement—with four abstentions for table-fellowship (Acts 15:28–29).
Primary accounts: Acts 15; Galatians 2.
| Person / Group | Role or Contribution | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| James (the Lord’s brother) | Chairs the council; issues the final judgment and letter. | Acts 15:13–21; Gal 2:9 |
| Peter (Cephas) | Testifies that God already gave the Spirit to uncircumcised Gentiles (Cornelius). | Acts 15:7–11 |
| John | With James and Peter, recognized as a Jerusalem “pillar.” | Gal 2:9 |
| Paul & Barnabas | Report signs among Gentiles; delegates from Antioch. | Acts 15:2,12; Gal 2:1–2 |
| Titus | Uncircumcised Greek companion; not compelled—evidence of grace. | Gal 2:1–3 |
| Silas (Silvanus) | Co-messenger with Judas Barsabbas; later joins Paul’s 2nd journey. | Acts 15:22–32 |
| Judas Barsabbas | Co-messenger carrying the letter to Antioch. | Acts 15:22–27 |
| Believers from the Pharisee party | Advocated Torah observance for Gentiles; sparked the debate. | Acts 15:5 |
| “The whole church” | Affirms the decision and sends the letter. | Acts 15:22–29 |
Outcome: The door opens wide for Gentile mission—see Colossae & Prison Circle and Paul’s team for the ripple effects.
👥 Core Team — frequent co-workers
| Name | Role / Notes | Key Moments | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnabas | Levite from Cyprus; early mentor/partner. | Recruits Paul to Antioch; 1st journey; later separates over Mark. | Acts 9:27; 11:22–30; 13–15; Gal 2:1,13 |
| Silas (Silvanus) | Prophet; Roman citizen; co-author on letters. | 2nd journey; jailed with Paul in Philippi; helps write letters. | Acts 15:22,40; 16–18; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1 |
| Timothy | Beloved son in the faith; itinerant troubleshooter. | Joined at Lystra; sent to Thessalonica/Corinth/Ephesus; co-sender. | Acts 16:1–3; 1 Thess 3:2; 1 Cor 4:17; Phil 2:19–22; 1–2 Tim |
| Titus | Greek co-worker; strong organizer. | Jerusalem visit; Corinth crisis; stationed in Crete. | Gal 2:1–3; 2 Cor 7–8; Tit 1:4–5; 3:12 |
| Luke | Beloved physician; historian (“we” sections). | Travel companion; present at end. | Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 2 Tim 4:11; Col 4:14 |
| Priscilla & Aquila | Tentmakers; teachers of Apollos; hosts of churches. | Meet in Corinth; move to Ephesus; risk their necks for Paul. | Acts 18:2–3,18–26; Rom 16:3–5; 1 Cor 16:19; 2 Tim 4:19 |
| John Mark | Barnabas’s cousin; later restored to Paul. | Left early on 1st journey; later “useful to me.” | Acts 12:12,25; 13:13; 15:37–39; Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11; Phlm 24 |
| Apollos | Eloquent teacher from Alexandria. | Strengthens Corinth; coordinated with Paul. | Acts 18:24–28; 1 Cor 3:4–9; 16:12; Tit 3:13 |
🏛 Colossae & Prison Circle (AD 60–62)
Setting: Paul’s first Roman imprisonment; letters circulating among Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. (Col 4:13–16)
| Name | Role / Notes | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Epaphras | Church planter/intercessor for Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis; “wrestling in prayer.” | Col 1:7–8; 4:12–13; Phlm 23 |
| Archippus | House-church leader (likely in Philemon’s household); urged to complete his ministry. | Col 4:17; Phlm 2 |
| Philemon & Apphia | Hosts of a church in their home; recipients of the letter Philemon. | Phlm 1–2 |
| Onesimus | Runaway slave, now “beloved brother”; returns with Paul’s plea for reconciliation. | Phlm 10–16; Col 4:9 |
| Aristarchus | Fellow prisoner & long-time travel companion from Thessalonica. | Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Col 4:10; Phlm 24 |
| Mark (John Mark) | Barnabas’s cousin; restored to Paul; later “useful… for ministry.” | Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11; Phlm 24; Acts 12–15 |
| Luke | “Beloved physician”; historian of Luke–Acts; with Paul at the end. | Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:11; Phlm 24 |
| Demas | Once a co-worker; later deserted, “in love with this present world.” | Col 4:14; Phlm 24; 2 Tim 4:10 |
| Tychicus | Trusted courier; carries letters and updates; encourages hearts. | Eph 6:21–22; Col 4:7–8; 2 Tim 4:12; Tit 3:12 |
| Jesus-Justus | Jewish co-worker; among the “only” circumcision workers alongside Mark & Aristarchus. | Col 4:11 |
| Nympha | Host of a church in Laodicea. | Col 4:15 |
| Regional Note | Letters to be circulated between Colossae and Laodicea; Epaphras labors for all three cities. | Col 4:13–16 |
🗺 Major Places — hubs, regions & key cities
| Region / City | Why it matters | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Antioch (Syria) | First big Gentile church; missionary sending base. | Acts 11:19–26; 13:1–3; Gal 2:11–14 |
| Cyprus (Salamis, Paphos) | Start of 1st journey; proconsul Sergius Paulus believes. | Acts 13:4–12 |
| Galatia / Pisidian Antioch–Iconium–Lystra–Derbe | Early church plants; Timothy from Lystra/Derbe area. | Acts 13–14; 16:1–3 |
| Philippi | First church in Europe; Lydia; jailer conversion. | Acts 16:11–40; Phil 1:1 |
| Thessalonica & Berea | Opposition, then eager Scripture examination in Berea. | Acts 17:1–15; 1–2 Thess |
| Athens | Areopagus address. | Acts 17:16–34 |
| Corinth | 18-month stay; Priscilla & Aquila; major correspondence. | Acts 18:1–18; 1–2 Cor |
| Ephesus | 3-year hub; Asia Minor network; riots; Tychicus/Trophimus. | Acts 19–20; Eph |
| Jerusalem & Caesarea | Council; arrest; trials. | Acts 15; 21–26 |
| Malta | Shipwreck & healings. | Acts 27–28:10 |
| Rome | House arrest; preaching; later martyrdom (trad.). | Acts 28; 2 Tim 4 |
| Crete / Nicopolis / Illyricum | Pastoral deployments & wide reach. | Tit 1:5; 3:12; Rom 15:19 |
📚 Broader Network — men
| Name | From / Role | Notes | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aristarchus | Macedonia (Thessalonica) | Dragged in Ephesus riot; sails with Paul. | Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Col 4:10; Phlm 24 |
| Gaius | Derbe (Acts) / Corinth host (Rom) | Companion at riot; host of the church in Corinth. | Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom 16:23; 1 Cor 1:14 |
| Sopater (Sosipater) | Berea | Travels with Paul via Macedonia. | Acts 20:4; Rom 16:21 |
| Secundus | Thessalonica | Part of Acts 20 delegation. | Acts 20:4 |
| Tychicus | Asia/Ephesus | Trusted courier; sent to Ephesus/Colossae. | Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21–22; Col 4:7–8; 2 Tim 4:12; Tit 3:12 |
| Trophimus | Asia/Ephesus | His presence sparked Jerusalem uproar; left sick at Miletus. | Acts 21:29; 2 Tim 4:20 |
| Erastus | Corinth (city treasurer) | Co-worker; stayed at Corinth. | Acts 19:22; Rom 16:23; 2 Tim 4:20 |
| Sosthenes | Corinth | “Our brother”; possibly synagogue ruler beaten in Acts 18. | 1 Cor 1:1; Acts 18:17 |
| Crispus | Corinth | Synagogue ruler who believed. | Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 1:14 |
| Jason | Thessalonica | Hosted Paul; later greets in Romans. | Acts 17:5–9; Rom 16:21 |
| Justus (Titius Justus) | Corinth | Next-door to synagogue; hosted ministry. | Acts 18:7 |
| Stephanas & household | Achaia | Firstfruits; leaders; brought a gift with Fortunatus & Achaicus. | 1 Cor 1:16; 16:15–18 |
| Fortunatus & Achaicus | Corinth/Achaia | Encouraged Paul; carried correspondence. | 1 Cor 16:17–18 |
| Epaphras | Colossae | Church planter/intercessor; “wrestling in prayer.” | Col 1:7; 4:12–13; Phlm 23 |
| Epaphroditus | Philippi | Messenger & minister; risked his life. | Phil 2:25–30; 4:18 |
| Onesimus | Colossae | Runaway slave turned brother; sent back with letter. | Philemon; Col 4:9 |
| Onesiphorus | Ephesus | Often refreshed Paul; sought him in Rome. | 2 Tim 1:16–18; 4:19 |
| Archippus | Colossae | Given a ministry to fulfill. | Col 4:17; Phlm 2 |
| Carpus | Troas | Kept Paul’s cloak & books. | 2 Tim 4:13 |
| Crescens | — | Went to Galatia (or Gaul). | 2 Tim 4:10 |
| Artemas | — | Potential relief for Titus in Crete. | Tit 3:12 |
| Zenas | Lawyer | Traveling with Apollos; to be supplied. | Tit 3:13 |
| Lucius | — | Relative/kinsman greeting Rome. | Rom 16:21 |
| Tertius | — | Amanuensis who wrote Romans. | Rom 16:22 |
| Quartus | — | “The brother” greeting. | Rom 16:23 |
| Eutychus | Troas | Revived after fall; part of Troas circle. | Acts 20:7–12 |
| Dionysius & Damaris | Athens | Converts at Areopagus; early Athenian believers. | Acts 17:34 |
| Lydia | Philippi | First convert in Europe; house becomes meeting place. | Acts 16:14–15,40 |
👩🦰 Broader Network — women
| Name | From / Role | Notes | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoebe | Cenchreae (deacon/benefactor) | Likely courier for Romans; asked to be welcomed & assisted. | Rom 16:1–2 |
| Priscilla (with Aquila) | Rome/Corinth/Ephesus | Teacher/host; corrected Apollos; risked their necks. | Acts 18:2,26; Rom 16:3–5 |
| Junia (with Andronicus) | — | Relatives, fellow prisoners; “noted among the apostles.” | Rom 16:7 |
| Euodia & Syntyche | Philippi | “Labored side by side” with Paul; urged to agree. | Phil 4:2–3 |
| Chloe’s people | Corinth | Reported concerns to Paul. | 1 Cor 1:11 |
| Nympha | Laodicea | Church met in her house. | Col 4:15 |
| Mary | Rome | “Worked hard for you.” | Rom 16:6 |
| Tryphena & Tryphosa | Rome | “Workers in the Lord.” | Rom 16:12 |
| Persis | Rome | “Worked very hard in the Lord.” | Rom 16:12 |
| Julia & sister of Nereus | Rome | Named among the Roman greetings list. | Rom 16:15 |
| Rufus’s mother | Rome | “Mother to me as well,” Paul says. | Rom 16:13 |
| Damaris | Athens | Convert with Dionysius. | Acts 17:34 |
| Lydia | Philippi | Household baptized; host. | Acts 16:14–15,40 |
🏠 Scribes, Hosts, Patrons & House-church anchors
| Person | Function | City | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tertius | Amanuensis who penned Romans | Corinth (likely) | Rom 16:22 |
| Gaius | Host of the whole church | Corinth | Rom 16:23 |
| Phoebe | Patron/benefactor & courier | Cenchreae | Rom 16:1–2 |
| Priscilla & Aquila | Hosts/teachers | Corinth → Ephesus → Rome | Acts 18:2–3; 1 Cor 16:19; Rom 16:3–5 |
| Nympha | House-church host | Laodicea | Col 4:15 |
| Jason | Host under persecution | Thessalonica | Acts 17:5–9 |
| Philemon & Apphia | House-church hosts | Colossae | Phlm 1–2 |
| Rufus & mother | Personal care for Paul | Rome | Rom 16:13 |
⚠️ Opponents, Risks & Deserters (still part of the story)
| Name | Issue | Note | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demas | Deserted Paul | “In love with this present world.” | 2 Tim 4:10; cf. Col 4:14; Phlm 24 |
| Alexander the coppersmith | Harmed Paul’s work | Paul warns about him. | 2 Tim 4:14–15 |
| Hymenaeus & Philetus | False teaching | “Swerved from the truth.” | 2 Tim 2:17–18 |
| Jewish & Gentile opposition | Riots, plots, beatings | Iconium, Lystra, Ephesus, Jerusalem, etc. | Acts 13–21; 2 Cor 11:23–28 |
✉️ Letters & Likely Locales (very brief)
| Letter | Approx. Date | Likely From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 Thessalonians | AD 50–51 | Corinth | 2nd journey follow-up. |
| 1–2 Corinthians | AD 55–56 | Ephesus/Macedonia | Discipline & reconciliation. |
| Galatians | AD 48–55 | Antioch/Ephesus? | Justification by faith; early or later dating debated. |
| Romans | AD 57 | Corinth | Great exposition; Phoebe courier. |
| Prison letters (Eph, Phil, Col, Phlm) | AD 60–62 | Rome (or Ephesus/Caesarea?) | During first imprisonment. |
| Pastorals (1–2 Tim, Titus) | AD 63–67 | Various (Macedonia, Nicopolis, Rome) | Post-Acts instructions & farewell. |
🧾 Master Name List — quick index with refs (scan or search)
| Names (A–Z) | Scripture touchpoints |
|---|---|
| Achaícus | 1 Cor 16:17–18 |
| Alexander (coppersmith) | 2 Tim 4:14–15 |
| Andronicus & Junia | Rom 16:7 |
| Apelles | Rom 16:10 |
| Apollos | Acts 18:24–28; 1 Cor 3:4–9; 16:12; Tit 3:13 |
| Aristarchus | Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Col 4:10; Phlm 24 |
| Artemas | Tit 3:12 |
| Archippus | Col 4:17; Phlm 2 |
| Apphia | Phlm 2 |
| Aquila & Priscilla | Acts 18; Rom 16:3–5; 1 Cor 16:19; 2 Tim 4:19 |
| Carpus | 2 Tim 4:13 |
| Chloe’s people | 1 Cor 1:11 |
| Clement | Phil 4:3 |
| Crescens | 2 Tim 4:10 |
| Crispus | Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 1:14 |
| Damaris | Acts 17:34 |
| Demas | Col 4:14; Phlm 24; 2 Tim 4:10 |
| Dionysius (Areopagite) | Acts 17:34 |
| Epaphroditus | Phil 2:25–30; 4:18 |
| Epaphras | Col 1:7; 4:12–13; Phlm 23 |
| Erastus | Acts 19:22; Rom 16:23; 2 Tim 4:20 |
| Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia | 2 Tim 4:21 |
| Euodia & Syntyche | Phil 4:2–3 |
| Eutychus | Acts 20:7–12 |
| Fortunatus | 1 Cor 16:17–18 |
| Gaius (Derbe/Corinth) | Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom 16:23; 1 Cor 1:14 |
| Jason | Acts 17:5–9; Rom 16:21 |
| John Mark | Acts 12:12,25; 13:13; 15:37–39; Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11; Phlm 24 |
| Justus (Titius Justus) | Acts 18:7 |
| Luke | Acts “we” sections; Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:11 |
| Lucius | Rom 16:21 |
| Lydia | Acts 16:14–15,40 |
| Mary (of Rom 16) | Rom 16:6 |
| Narcissus & Aristobulus households | Rom 16:10–11 |
| Nereus & sister; Olympas | Rom 16:15 |
| Nympha | Col 4:15 |
| Onesimus | Philemon; Col 4:9 |
| Onesiphorus | 2 Tim 1:16–18; 4:19 |
| Persis | Rom 16:12 |
| Phoebe | Rom 16:1–2 |
| Philemon | Phlm 1–2 |
| Priscilla & Aquila | Acts 18; Rom 16:3–5 |
| Quartus | Rom 16:23 |
| Rufus (and his mother) | Rom 16:13 |
| Sopater/Sosipater | Acts 20:4; Rom 16:21 |
| Secundus | Acts 20:4 |
| Silas (Silvanus) | Acts 15–18; 1–2 Thess 1:1 |
| Sosthenes | 1 Cor 1:1; Acts 18:17 |
| Stachys; Urbanus; Ampliatus; Hermes; Hermas; Patrobas; Philologus; Julia; etc. | Rom 16:8–15 |
| Stephanas & household | 1 Cor 16:15–18 |
| Tertius | Rom 16:22 |
| Titus | Gal 2:1–3; 2 Cor 7–8; Tit 1:4–5 |
| Tychicus | Eph 6:21–22; Col 4:7–8; 2 Tim 4:12; Tit 3:12 |
| Trophimus | Acts 21:29; 2 Tim 4:20 |
| Zenas | Tit 3:13 |
🧩 How to use this with your study
- Read Acts 13–20 alongside the greetings in Romans 16 and the final chapters of Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 2 Timothy, and Titus.
- Notice the ministry “roles”: planters (Paul/Apollos), encouragers (Barnabas), organizers (Titus), couriers (Phoebe/Tychicus), hosts (Lydia, Gaius, Nympha), intercessors (Epaphras), and writers (Tertius).
- Track cities on a map: Syrian Antioch → Cyprus → Galatia → Macedonia → Achaia → Asia → Jerusalem → Rome.
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