Introduction
Mark A. Copeland’s A Harmony of the Life of Paul is a chronological study that aligns Paul’s missionary journeys and events in Acts with his epistles. Its goal is to show how Paul’s letters correspond to real events in his life, helping the reader see how mission, suffering, theology, and context interweave. The work covers Paul’s life from before his conversion to his second Roman captivity, tracing major phases with reference to Acts and the epistles.
1. Paul Before Conversion
Copeland begins by outlining Paul’s background:
- Ancestry and upbringing: Born in Tarsus, in the Roman province of Cilicia; Jewish by heritage (from the tribe of Benjamin), he was also a Roman citizen. NTS Library
- Education and character: Studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem, became a strict Pharisee, zealous in persecuting the church. NTS Library
- Persecution of Christians: He was present at the stoning of Stephen and thereafter aggressively pursued believers—entering homes, synagogues, imprisoning and persecuting them. NTS Library
Copeland emphasizes that these features of Paul’s background—Roman citizenship, Jewish learning, zeal—prepared him uniquely for bridging Jewish and Gentile contexts in his later ministry.
2. Conversion on the Road to Damascus
This pivotal event is harmonized across Acts and Paul’s own accounts:
- On the way to Damascus, a bright light from heaven startled Paul and those with him; he fell and heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” NTS Library
- He asked, “Who are You, Lord?” and was told, “I am Jesus whom you persecute.” NTS Library
- Paul was struck blind, led into Damascus, and remained without sight or eating for three days while praying. NTS Library
- Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, was sent to him: he laid hands on Paul, his sight was restored, he was baptized, and immediately began to preach Jesus as the Messiah. NTS Library
- Copeland adds reflection on how Paul’s conversion was both personal transformation and divine commissioning: from persecutor to apostle. NTS Library
3. Early Service (36–45 A.D.)
After conversion, Paul’s first years are marked by preparation and selective ministry:
- Damascus and Arabia: He preached there briefly, then withdrew into Arabia (a period of spiritual growth and revelation), before returning to Damascus. NTS Library
- First visit to Jerusalem: He met with the apostles (Peter, James) and was received cautiously. NTS Library
- Time in Syria and Cilicia: For several years he remained in relative obscurity, building his spiritual foundations, possibly planting small churches or engaging in ministry quietly. NTS Library
- Move to Antioch: He joined Barnabas in Antioch, teaching and evangelizing for a year. Antioch also became the sending base for later missionary work. NTS Library
This phase reveals how Paul was shaped—through quiet spiritual formation before broad public ministry.
4. First Missionary Journey & Antioch Resident Period (45–49 A.D.)
Paul, still in partnership with Barnabas, embarks on his first official missionary journey:
- They leave from Antioch, sail to Cyprus, then traverse Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, and other regions, preaching in synagogues and to Gentile audiences. NTS Library
- They encounter opposition, debates, miraculous signs, and conversions such as Sergius Paulus. NTS Library
- On return, they revisit new churches, strengthen believers, appoint elders, and finally return to Antioch. NTS Library
- After this journey, Paul stays in Antioch for some time, teaching and overseeing the church. NTS Library
Copeland shows how this first journey established patterns: preaching in synagogues first, then to Gentiles; encountering resistance; leaving local leadership behind.
5. Jerusalem Conference & the Gentile Question (circa 50 A.D.)
One of the most significant turning points in the early church:
- Some from Judea taught that Gentile converts must be circumcised to be saved. NTS Library
- Paul and Barnabas travel to Jerusalem to consult with apostles and elders. The debate centers on the inclusion of Gentiles and the role of the Mosaic Law. NTS Library
- Peter speaks, recounting how God gave the Spirit to Gentiles as He did to Jews; Paul and Barnabas relate signs and wonders among Gentiles. NTS Library
- James gives judgment: Gentiles should abstain from things polluted by idols, sexual immorality, strangled meat, and blood—not required to be circumcised. NTS Library
- A letter is drafted and sent to Antioch to clarify the decision. NTS Library
This decision is foundational for Paul’s Gentile mission and theological justification for not compelling Jewish law observance for salvation.
6. Second Missionary Journey (51–54 A.D.)
Paul’s second journey expands his mission deeper into Europe:
- Paul separates from Barnabas (they disagree over taking John Mark). He takes Silas as partner. NTS Library
- They pass through Syria and Cilicia, reaffirming churches, then move into continental Asia via Troas. NTS Library
- In Troas, Paul has a vision of a Macedonian man asking for help; they cross into Macedonia and preach in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and then to Athens and Corinth. NTS Library
- The journey includes hardship, imprisonment, debates, and church planting. Paul begins writing letters in this period (e.g. Thessalonians). NTS Library
The second journey shows the shift from an Asian mission to a European frontier, continuing to apply the Jerusalem decree and expand the gospel.
7. Third Missionary Journey, Arrest, Imprisonments & Voyage to Rome
The third journey consolidates and deepens Paul’s work:
- He spends extended time in Ephesus,, revisits churches, teaches doctrine, encounters intense opposition. NTS Library
- Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem marks a new chapter; he is accused, sent to Caesarea, and later appeals to Caesar. NTS Library
- His voyage to Rome includes shipwreck, survival, and many challenges. NTS Library
- In Rome, he experiences his first Roman captivity (around 61–63 A.D.), during which he continues ministry, writing, and influence. NTS Library
- After release, Paul likely continues ministry for a few more years before entering a second Roman captivity, possibly culminating in his martyrdom around 68 A.D. NTS Library
Copeland’s harmony links epistles to specific mission phases, showing how circumstances shaped Paul’s letters (e.g. “prison epistles”).
8. Thematic Observations & Implications
From the chronology, several themes emerge:
- Integration of life and letters: Paul’s writings are not abstract; they respond to real situations he encountered.
- Mission strategy: Paul’s method of advancing in cities, synagogues first, communities next.
- Suffering as norm: Opposition, imprisonment, hardship underscore the cost of apostolic ministry.
- The role of divine guidance: The Spirit’s directional work (e.g. prohibitions, visions) appears repeatedly.
- Church structure: Paul’s appointment of elders, revisiting churches, strengthening believers show his concern for durable institutions.
- Gentile inclusion: The Jerusalem decree and subsequent practice show how Paul navigated Jewish law issues.