Q. If Paul was in prison when did his imprisonment occur? How much time total did Paul spend as a prisoner either in or out of JAIL? A. While the exact time and duration of when the Apostle Paul was in prison or a prisoner can vary depending on which commentary or reference work is used, one of the most recent studies in this area states:* -
During his second missionary journey (late 49 A.D.) Paul spends an unspecified time in a Philippian jail cell with fellow evangelist Silas. Paul is arrested in 58 A.D. by Roman troops who save him from being killed in a temple riot. He is taken to Caesarea where he spends a little more than two years in prison. In 60 A.D. Paul as prisoner is taken to Rome. When his case is heard he is acquitted in the Spring of 63 A.D. Paul is back in a Roman prison in the city of Rome in 67 A.D. Paul stays in jail until he is put to death by the Romans around May or June 68 A.D. During his ministry the Apostle Paul spends roughly 5 1/2 to 6 years as a prisoner or in prison. | 