The Dates of the Pauline Epistles

Duane Gallentine

It is immensely helpful for the saints of the Body of Christ to possess in their working knowledge of the Word of God taught "RIGHTLY DIVIDED", a time table concerning the dates in which the Apostle Paul penned his thirteen epistles. The following information is given to facilitate that goal.

These Epistles were written during the historical events that are recorded in the Book of Acts. These are often called the pre-prison Epistles. During this time, the Apostle Paul was sent out by the Holy Ghost onto three apostolic journeys. They are as follows:

• 1st journey - Acts 13: 1-14:28 - Two years in duration
• 2nd journey - Acts 15:36-18:22 - Two years in duration
• 3rd journey - Acts 18:23-21:17 - Four years in duration

While on the 3rd journey Paul visits Jerusalem where he is arrested and subsequently placed in custody of Roman guards for a trip to Rome where Paul pleads his own case before Caesar. The Book of Acts ends with Paul under Roman imprisonment for two years, 61-63 AD. See Acts 28:30

During this two year period (61-63 AD) Paul writes four of his other Epistles:

Philemon, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians

These Epistles are known as the Prison Epistles with Ephesians and Colossians containing the full acknowledge (Greek--epi-gnosis) of the revelation of the MYSTERY.

After the two year period at Rome, Paul was released and journeyed far and wide re-visiting places where he had preached before, even venturing into Spain and possibly northern Europe. During these travels he writes the Epistles of 1st Timothy and Titus: dates 64-65 AD The particulars of these travels are not a part of the Scriptural record for the obvious reason that they are not necessary for our understanding of the Sound Doctrine of Grace. For Paul had It ALL given to him and he faithfully recorded It in his previous Epistles; thus, fulfilling the Word of God-Colossians 1:25,26. Now as he ventures about he teaches the same thing to all the gentiles. What we would say is that Paul did not change the Sound Doctrine he was entrusted with and was faithful to the end of his life having finished his course, keeping the faith, and fighting the good fight of faith.

This brings us to the last Epistle Paul wrote in 66-68 AD, which is 2nd Timothy. Chapter four of this Epistle records the tender heart-felt last testament of the Apostle of Grace facing his release from this body of flesh, wanting to encourage his son in the faith one more time before he is executed by the hands of the Roman government.

Note: Duane has received a question regarding how he came to write this. Here is his answer: Epignosis: Full Knowledge