Paul’s First Missionary Journey is generally dated to approximately A.D. 46–48 and is recorded primarily in Acts 13–14. This journey began when the church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

General Timeline of Paul’s First Missionary Journey

• Departure from Antioch of Syria: ~A.D. 46
• Journey through Cyprus and Asia Minor: ~A.D. 46–47
• Return to Antioch: ~A.D. 48
• Jerusalem Council (Acts 15): ~A.D. 49, shortly after the journey

Major Stops on the Journey

1. Antioch of Syria – Sending church
2. Seleucia – Port city
3. Cyprus
4. Salamis
5. Paphos (conversion of Sergius Paulus)
6. Perga (John Mark departs)
7. Antioch in Pisidia
8. Iconium
9. Lystra (Paul stoned and left for dead)
10. Derbe
11. Return trip through:
12. Lystra
13. Iconium
14. Antioch in Pisidia
15. Perga
16. Back to Antioch of Syria

Did Paul Write Any Epistles During the First Missionary Journey?

There is some debate among scholars, but the most common evangelical/orthodox understanding is:

Likely NOT during the journey itself

Paul probably did not write any New Testament epistles during the active travel portion of the First Missionary Journey.

Possible Early Epistle Shortly After

Many scholars believe Galatians may have been written:

• Shortly after the First Missionary Journey
• Possibly around A.D. 48–49
• Potentially before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)

If this “South Galatian” view is correct, then Galatians would likely have been addressed to churches founded on this journey:

• Antioch in Pisidia
• Iconium
• Lystra
• Derbe

Significance of the Journey

• First major organized missionary expansion to Gentile regions
• Demonstrated that salvation is by grace through faith, not through becoming Jewish
• Established churches across Asia Minor
• Set the stage for the Jerusalem Council and later missionary efforts