Cast of Characters: Apostle Paul and his Journeys
- Elaine R Kelly
- Oct 15, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: May 11
Since my historical fiction takes place at the time of the early church and the book of Acts, Apostle Paul's story intertwines with my female main character. In creating my historical fiction, I start with the facts, such as Paul's timeline and journeys as shown in the Bible. Then, I build fiction around those facts. The Bible does not contain many details about what the women were doing during this time, so I reconstruct the missing pieces to fit with the pieces we do have. I build my fictional stories of the women to intertwine with the facts we have on Paul's timeline and journeys, and on the women in the Bible and church history.
Forgotten Followers: From Broken to Bold features stories of Mary of Clopas and Joanna, set in a harmony of the Gospels. Because She Was Called and Finding Her Voice are set in the first part of Acts of the Apostles. I outline in separate posts:
the novel's twelve woman disciples and
Saul/Paul: Name, Marital Status, Family, Appearance
Saul is his Hebrew name; Paul is his Latin name. He was from Tarsus, the tribe of Benjamin, and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). He was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25), Pharisee (Philippians 3:5), tentmaker (Acts 18:3), and had a sister and nephew (Acts 23:16). His sister's husband may have been a temple treasurer. Paul appears to be a distant relative [1] of Andronicus, Junia (Romans 16:7), and Herodion (Romans 16:11).
Since Saul/Paul was advancing beyond his peers as a Pharisee (Galatians 1:14), he would have been expected to marry and have children. It is likely that he married young and became unmarried [2] before travelling for evangelistic work. He addresses unmarried and widows together, including himself in that category (1 Corinthians 7:8). He addresses the never-married and virgins separately (1 Corinthians 7:25). It is quite likely that his wife died in childbirth [3] since this was common, and he had no children. It is also possible that Paul and his wife separated when he became an outcast from Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 7:8-16, 9:3-5). He may have been referencing his marital separation [4] when he wrote he had lost all things for Christ’s sake (Philippians 3:8).
The name Paul means ‘small of stature.’ The Acts of Paul and Thecla describe Paul [5] as “a man small of stature, with a bald head and crooked legs, in a good state of body, with eyebrows meeting and nose somewhat hooked, full of friendliness”. Iconography typically portrays Paul as bald and Peter with a full head of hair.
Saul’s thorn in the flesh may be poor eyesight [6] (2 Corinthians 12:7, Galatians 4:15, 6:11, Acts 9:9, 18). It is also possible he had a speech impediment since he confesses he was not an eloquent speaker (2 Corinthians 10:10, 11:6). Or it could refer to persecution and hardship against Paul.
It is possible that Saul was one of the great- grand-children of Herod the Great’s sister [7], Salome I, and her husband, Costobarus. He was personally related to Herod Antipas, Herod Agrippa, and Drusilla (wife of Governor Felix), and was a highly educated Roman citizen.
Saul’s Journeys
Jerusalem to Damascus [8]
Jerusalem (Acts 8:3, Acts 9:1-2, Galatians 1.23): Saul arrested and imprisoned both men and women. Saul watches the coats of the mob who kill Stephen, the deacon (Acts 7:58). Saul cast his vote to imprison or execute men and women (Acts 26:10).
Damascus (Acts 9:3-22). Saul converted on the road to Damascus, a six-day journey on foot from Jerusalem. It is on the Silk Road/Via Maris and King’s Highway trade routes and has ample water from both the Abana River and Pharpar River. Saul is led to Ananias, a Jewish elder who heals Saul of blindness and believes in Saul's conversion. They go to the home of Judas, a Jewish nobleman who hosts the Way in his home on Straight Street in Damascus. Saul gets baptized and spends several days with believers in Damascus, and begins to preach at once.
Arabia (Galatians 1:17). Saul did not go to Jerusalem but went directly to Arabia.
Damascus (Acts 9:23-25, Gal. 1:17, 2 Cor 11:32-33). Saul escapes from agents of King Aretas of Nabatea in Damascus. Paul describes escaping from Damascus in a basket over the city wall because King Aretas of Nabatea seemed to have ordered the governor of Damascus to guard all the city gates (2 Corinthians 11). In order to marry Herodias, Herod Antipas had divorced Phasalis, the daughter of King Aretas, ending the marriage of diplomatic peace. Damascus was a city in Syro-Phoenicia, north of Galilee, near the territory of Philip the Tetrarch. Philip died in AD 34, and Emperor Tiberius did not name a new ruler for that territory. Between AD 34-36, Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, and King Aretas of Nabatea, warred over territories. This may explain the many foreign widows and orphans looking for food (Acts 6:1-4). The fugitives loyal to Philip the tetrarch assisted Nabatea in defeating Herod Antipas in 36 [9]. When Caligula became emperor in AD 37, he named Agrippa ruler over Philip the Tetrarch's territory. Then, in AD 39, Caligula banished Antipas to Gaul, and his wife Herodias went with him into exile. King Aretas died in AD 40.
Damascus to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-29, Gal 1:18-20).
After escaping from Damascus, about three years after his conversion, Saul went to Jerusalem and stayed fifteen days with Cephas/Peter. The pillars of the way are Peter, James, and John. They focus on preaching the word, while James, the brother of Jesus, administers or manages the congregation of the Way in Jerusalem. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, is called Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” The Levite tribe did not own or inherit land, but some individuals had property in cities [10]. Levites typically served in the Temple and were supported by other tribes. He sold property and gave the money to the apostles (Acts 4:36). Barnabas may have been a student with Saul under Gamaliel [11]. The apostles were afraid of Saul, but Barnabas vouches for Saul (Acts 9:27).
Jerusalem to Tarsus
Caesarea (Acts 9:30). This is the large port from which Saul could sail to Tarsus.
Tarsus (Acts 9:30, Gal 1: 21-24). Saul went to Syria and Cilicia (Tarsus was Saul's home city in the province of Cilicia, today's Turkey).
After Saul left Jerusalem for Cilicia, the congregations in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had a time of peace (Acts 9:31).
Syrian Antioch
The Jerusalem apostles send Barnabas to Antioch (Acts 11:22). After assessing the situation, Barnabas seeks out Saul/Paul and brings him to Antioch (Acts 11:25-26).
In Syrian Antioch, followers of the Way were first called Christians. It was a pun on the Greek word Christos (Messiah) and the Greek word Chrestos (meaning to furnish what is useful/ good). Crestus was a common slave-name in the Graeco-Roman world, and the name "Christian" may have begun as a slur. Leaders, prophets, and teachers in the early church in Antioch included:
Nicolas of Antioch: a Greek-speaking believer who had been a Deacon in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5). Nicolas likely returned to Syrian Antioch after Stephen was stoned when many believers left Jerusalem (Acts 8:1).
Simon the Niger, prophet and leader (Acts 13:1). The word Niger could be a translation of the word Black or could indicate he was from Niger, Africa.
Lucius of Cyrene, prophet and leader from North Africa (Acts 13:1)
Manaen was one of the prophets and teachers at the church in Syrian Antioch (Acts 13:1). Manaen had been nursed with Herod Antipas, brought up with him like a stepbrother or foster brother. He was from a noble or influential background.
Antioch to Jerusalem
Several prophets, including Agabus, came to Syrian Antioch and predicted a severe famine. The people of Damascus gathered financial help for the brothers and sisters in Judea, and they sent their gift with Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:27-30). Paul describes going to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus fourteen years after his conversion, in response to a revelation or prophecy (Galatians 2:1-2). While there is some debate, this seems to be a description of Paul's visit to Jerusalem to deliver funds
First Mission Journey
Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch, taking John Mark with them (Acts 12:25). John Mark was Barnabas’s cousin or nephew (Colossians 4:10). Barnabas may be Mary’s sister, making John Mark his nephew.
Like Saul, who made money by tent-making, Barnabas earned money by working, not from donations (1 Corinthians 9:6).
The prophets and teachers in Antioch place their hands on Barnabas and Saul and send them on a mission journey (Acts 13:1-3). They take John Mark as a helper (Acts 13:5).
John Mark goes with them to Cyprus but leaves Saul and Barnabas at Perga (Acts 13:13). It is not known why John Mark left them. Perhaps he had a family emergency (if his Pharisee father was persecuted), or perhaps he decided he would prefer to apprentice with Peter instead of Paul. Papias of Hierapolis wrote that John Mark became “Peter’s interpreter and wrote accurately all that he remembered.” Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, wrote that Mark was “the disciple and interpreter of Peter.” John Mark is widely believed to have included Peter’s account in the Gospel of Mark.
Saul and Barnabas continue to Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This journey is about eighteen months long, approximately AD 47-50 and is described in Acts 13-14.
Jerusalem Council, AD 50
There is a major debate about whether circumcision is required for Gentiles who decide to follow Jesus. As a result of this meeting, the Council writes a letter clarifying the few Jewish rules that Gentile Christians would do well to follow. The Jerusalem elders send the prophets Judas and Silas to confirm in person what is written in the letter (Acts 15:1-35).
The letter is proclaimed in Antioch, and Paul wants to bring the news to the people where they preached on their first journey. Barnabas wants to take John Mark, and Paul does not, so Paul goes on his second mission trip with Silas, while Barnabas and John Mark go on a mission journey to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41).
Since Saul would not take him again, Barnabas and John Mark went on a separate journey to Cyprus (Acts 15:37-39). Colossians 4:10). wrote the Gospel of Mark, and Peter called John Mark his son (1 Peter 5:13). Historical tradition tells us that Barnabas was killed in Cyprus. After burying his uncle, John Mark became the founder of the Coptic Church in Alexandria and a theological school there.
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul and Silas travel through Asia Minor approximately AD 51-54 (Acts 15-18). They meet Timothy in Derbe and take him along (Acts 16:1-5).
Paul has a vision that tells them to go to Macedonia. In the port city of Troas, Luke joins Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
They sail to Philippi and meet Lydia, and she becomes the first Christian convert in Europe. Her whole household follows her in being baptized, and the congregation meets at Lydia's house (Acts 16:11-40).
They go to Thessalonica and Berea. After threats, the believers help Paul escape to the coast and a ship to Athens, while Silas and Timothy stay at Berea. Paul preaches in Athens while waiting for his companions and a notable woman who believed Paul's message was named Damaris (Acts 17:1-34).
They go to Corinth and meet Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-17).
They leave Corinth, and Priscilla and Aquilla go to Ephesus while Paul sailed on to Caesarea and then to Jerusalem and then returned to Antioch (Acts 18:18-22).
Priscilla was a teacher of teachers (Acts 18:18-24-28).
While he was back in Antioch, Paul likely wrote the letters to the Galatians and Thessalonians, his earliest letters.
Paul in Prison
While Acts of the Apostles reports many times when Paul was persecuted, it specifies just four times when he was put in prison (in bold):
Acts 9:23 Damascus. Paul escaped through the wall.
Acts 9:29 Jerusalem. Jewish conspiracy to kill Paul, but he left the city.
Acts 13:50 Pisidian Antioch. God-fearing women of high standing incited Jewish leaders against Paul and Barnabas
Acts 14:5 Iconium. Paul learned of a plot to mistreat them and stone them.
Acts 14:19 Lystra Jews from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium convinced the crowd in Lystra to stone Paul and they dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.
Acts 16: 23-40 Philippi. After Paul frees a slave girl from a demon, he is imprisoned.
Acts 17:1-9 Thessalonica. A mob started a riot and searched for Paul and Silas at Jason's house. Not finding them, they took Jason and other believers to the city officials.
Acts 17:13-14 Berea. Jews in Thessalonica learned Paul was preaching in Berea, and they followed and stirred up the crowds, but Paul left.
Acts 18:12 Corinth. Jews of Corinth attacked Paul and brought him to the place of judgment.
Acts 19:26-29 Ephesus. A riot led by the tradesmen
Acts 21:27-33 Jerusalem. Jews stirred up a crowd at the Temple and seized Paul, and he was imprisoned
Acts 23:12-13 Jerusalem. Plot to kill Paul.
Acts 23:35. Caesarea. Imprisoned under guard.
Acts 28, Rome. Imprisoned under house arrest.
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
This trip is about AD 54-58.
Paul travels around Asia Minor (Acts 18:23). He spends time in Ephesus (Acts 19) and in Macedonia (Acts 20). During this trip, Paul likely wrote to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus, and to the Romans while he was in Corinth.
Tyre (Acts 21:7) Tyre is where Jesus and his disciples called a Canaanite woman a dog (Matthew 15:21-28 , Mark 7:24-30). She replies that even the family’s pet dog gets crumbs from the table and that even a crumb from Jesus will save her daughter. Jesus heals her daughter and commends her faith. Later, in Acts 21, Paul and Silas arrive at the port in Tyre and find a congregation there. I imagine that she founded and led a house church where Paul may have stayed.
Caesarea (Acts 21:8). Philip the Evangelist and his four daughters live here. These four young women were already renowned for their prophesying. Philip's wife has passed away by this time.
Paul and his team return to Jerusalem (Acts 21:15-16).
Paul's End
Arrested in Jerusalem, Paul's sister warns him of a plot. A commander guards Paul with two hundred soldiers, two hundred spearmen, and seventy horsemen, and AD 58 (Acts 21-23)
Moved to Caesarea and tried before Felix and Drusilla, his Jewish wife (Acts 23-24). Drusilla is a daughter of King Herod Agrippa I.
Held in Caesarea for two years, during which he wrote the letter to the Romans (AD 58-60).
Trial before Festus. When Felix was succeeded by Festus, Paul had a trial before Festus (Acts 24-25).
Trial before King Agrippa II and Bernice, his sister and co-ruler. Drusilla is their sister (Acts 25-26)
Sails for Rome, shipwrecked for the winter in Malta (Acts 27-28)
Paul, under house arrest in Rome AD 61-63, wrote Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians (Acts 28-31)
Possible 4th journey (to Spain); Imprisoned and killed in Rome (AD 64-68).
Along the way, Paul greeted and honoured many women as co-workers, calling them by the same title that he used for male co-workers like Timothy. Check out my articles on how Christians may have misunderstood Paul's letters, starting with Is Apostle Paul Misunderstood?
Elaine Ricker Kelly Author is empowering women with historical fiction about women in the Bible and early church and Christian articles about women in leadership, church history and doctrine. Her books include:
Forgotten Followers from Broken to Bold, Book 1 (2022)
The Sword: A Fun Way to Engage in Healthy Debate on What the Bible Says About a Woman's Role (2023)
Because She Was Called: from Broken to Bold, Book 2, A Novel of the Early Church, imagines Mary Magdalene's trip to testify before the emperor (2024)
Walk with Mara on Her Healing Journey: 21 Steps to Emotional Resilience (2024)
Finding Her Voice, from Broken to Bold Book 3, Acts of Early Female Apostles: A Novel (2025)
Sources:
https://www.biblestudy.org/apostlepaul/apostle-paul-relatives.html
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/bald-blind-and-single
https://taylormarshall.com/2015/08/was-saint-paul-related-to-herod-7-reasons-paul-was-herodian.html
Walvoord, John F., et al. “Acts.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures), pages 378 and 593.
New World Encyclopedia contributors, “Herod Antipas.” New World Encyclopedia, www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Herod_Antipas&oldid=1064825 Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
Goeman, Peter, “Levites, the Land, and Acts 4:36-37” The Bible Sojourner, August 26, 2015, https://petergoeman.com/levites-and-land-acts-4-36-37/
“Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy”, Orthodox Church in America. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023 www.oca.org/saints/lives/2015/06/11/101691-apostle-barnabas-of-the-seventy
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