Bible timeline
The Bible’s story in order, from Abraham to the first church. Zoom in on any stretch of years, then tap an event to read the passage, meet the people and find the place on the map.
Debated marks a date readers and scholars disagree on.Outside the Bible marks history from other writers.
Before the dates: Genesis 1–11
These chapters give no calendar anyone can place on a line of years, so they sit above it.
- God makes the worldGenesis 1
- The first sinGenesis 3
Adam and Eve eat from the tree God told them not to eat from, and are sent out of the garden.
- Noah and the floodGenesis 7
God sends a flood and keeps Noah, his family and the animals safe in the ark. Then he promises never to flood the earth again.
- The tower of BabelGenesis 11:1-9
People build a tower to make a name for themselves. God mixes up their language and scatters them.
Scroll down through time. Pinch or use + and − to zoom. Tap an event to read more.The List button shows every event as plain text.
Abraham’s family
About 2100–1880 BC
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. The dates here are the hardest to fix and depend on when the Exodus happened.
- About 2091 BCDebatedGod calls Abraham
God tells Abram to leave his country for a land he will be shown, and promises that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 2080 BCDebatedGod’s covenant with Abraham
God promises Abram children as many as the stars. Abram believes, and God counts it to him as righteousness.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 2066 BCDebatedIsaac is born
Sarah, 90 years old, gives birth to the son God promised. They name him Isaac, “he laughs.”
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 2050 BCDebatedAbraham offers Isaac
God tests Abraham by asking for his son on a mountain in Moriah, then stops his hand and provides a ram.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 2029 BCDebatedSarah is buried at Hebron
Sarah dies at 127. Abraham buys a field with a cave near Hebron, the first piece of the promised land his family owns.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 2006 BCDebatedJacob and Esau are born
Rebekah has twins. God tells her the older will serve the younger.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 1929 BCDebatedJacob’s dream at Bethel
Running from Esau, Jacob dreams of a stairway to heaven. God repeats to him the promise he made to Abraham.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 1909 BCDebatedJacob is named Israel
Jacob wrestles through the night and will not let go without a blessing. He is given a new name, Israel.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 1898 BCDebatedJoseph is sold into Egypt
Jealous of their father’s favorite, Joseph’s brothers sell him to traders bound for Egypt.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 1885 BCDebatedJoseph rules in Egypt
Joseph explains Pharaoh’s dreams of plenty and famine. Pharaoh puts him in charge of all Egypt.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
- About 1876 BCDebatedJacob’s family moves to Egypt
In the famine, Jacob and 70 of his family go down to Egypt, where Joseph gives them land.
Debated date. Adding up the ages in Genesis and Exodus puts Abraham around 2100–1900 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC, and some doubt any date can be fixed. The years shown follow the Bible’s own count.
Egypt and the Exodus
About 1880–1406 BC
Israel grows in Egypt, is enslaved, and is brought out under Moses to Sinai and the edge of the land.
- Before Moses is bornDebatedIsrael is enslaved in Egypt
A new king who did not know Joseph puts Israel to forced labor. Exodus 12:40 says Israel lived in Egypt 430 years.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- About 1526 BC, or about 1340 BCDebatedMoses is born
Hidden in a basket on the Nile, the baby is found by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as her son.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- About 1447 BC, or about 1261 BCDebatedThe burning bush
God speaks to Moses from a bush that burns but is not burned up, tells him his name, and sends him to Pharaoh.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- About 1446 BC, or about 1260 BCDebatedThe Exodus from Egypt
After the Passover, Pharaoh lets Israel go. About 600,000 men, with women and children, leave Egypt in one night.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- Same year as the ExodusDebatedCrossing the sea
God drives the sea back with a strong east wind. Israel crosses on dry ground, and the water returns over Egypt’s army.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- Three months after the ExodusDebatedThe Ten Commandments at Sinai
At Mount Sinai God gives Israel the Ten Commandments and makes a covenant with them as his people.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- A year after the ExodusDebatedThe tabernacle is set up
Israel builds the tent where God meets them, and the cloud of his glory fills it.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- Two years after the ExodusDebatedTwelve spies and 40 years
Ten of the twelve spies say the land cannot be taken. Israel refuses to go in and wanders 40 years in the wilderness.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- About 1406 BC, or about 1220 BCDebatedMoses dies on Mount Nebo
Moses sees the promised land from the mountain but does not enter it. He dies there, and God buries him.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
The land and the judges
About 1406–1050 BC
Joshua leads Israel into Canaan. Then come the judges, leaders God raises up when Israel cries out.
- About 1406 BC, or about 1220 BCDebatedIsrael crosses the Jordan
The river stops flowing when the priests carrying the ark step into it, and Israel crosses into Canaan under Joshua.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- Soon after the crossingDebatedThe walls of Jericho
Israel marches around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh, the trumpets sound, the people shout and the wall falls.
Debated date. The date follows the Exodus date. Archaeologists also disagree about what the ruins at Jericho show and when its walls fell.
- About 1399 BCDebatedThe tabernacle at Shiloh
Israel sets up the tent of meeting at Shiloh, which stays the center of worship until Samuel’s day.
Debated date. 1 Kings 6:1 counts 480 years from the Exodus to Solomon’s temple, which gives about 1446 BC. Many scholars prefer about 1260 BC, reading the 480 years as twelve generations and pointing to the city of Rameses (Exodus 1:11). Christians hold both views. The line shows the earlier date.
- About 1375–1050 BCDebatedThe judges
Israel turns from God again and again. Each time they cry out, God raises up a judge to rescue them.
Debated date. Judges gives the years each judge led, but some may overlap in different parts of the land. When the period began depends on the Exodus date.
- About 1200s BCDeborah leads Israel
Deborah, a prophet and judge, sends Barak from Mount Tabor against Sisera’s chariots, and Israel wins.
- About 1100s BCGideon and the 300
God cuts Gideon’s army down to 300 so Israel cannot boast. With trumpets and torches they rout Midian.
- About 1100 BC, “when the judges ruled”Ruth comes to Bethlehem
Ruth, a widow from Moab, will not leave her mother-in-law Naomi. In Bethlehem she marries Boaz and becomes David’s great-grandmother.
- About 1090 BCGod calls Samuel
The boy Samuel hears God call his name in the night at Shiloh and answers, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
- About 1075 BCSamson’s last day
Blinded and chained in Gaza, Samson prays for strength once more and pulls down the Philistines’ temple.
Saul, David and Solomon
About 1050–930 BC
Israel asks for a king. David makes Jerusalem the capital and Solomon builds the temple.
- About 1050 BCSaul becomes king
Israel asks for a king like the other nations. Samuel anoints Saul, and the people shout, “Long live the king.”
- About 1025 BCDavid and Goliath
A shepherd boy with a sling faces the Philistine giant “in the name of the Lord” and brings him down with one stone.
- About 1010 BCDavid becomes king
After Saul’s death, David is anointed king at Hebron, first over Judah, then over all Israel.
- About 1003 BCDavid takes Jerusalem
David captures the fortress of Zion and makes Jerusalem his capital, “the city of David.”
- About 1000 BCGod’s promise to David
God promises that David’s family will reign forever. Christians read this promise as fulfilled in Jesus.
- About 993 BCNathan confronts David
After David takes Bathsheba and has her husband killed, the prophet Nathan tells him, “You are the man.” David confesses.
- About 970 BCSolomon becomes king
David names his son Solomon king. Solomon asks God for wisdom to rule well.
- Begun about 966 BCSolomon builds the temple
In the fourth year of his reign Solomon begins the temple in Jerusalem. It takes seven years to build.
Two kingdoms
930–586 BC
Israel in the north and Judah in the south, the prophets who warned them, and the fall of both.
- About 930 BCThe kingdom splits in two
Ten tribes break away under Jeroboam as Israel in the north. Judah, in the south, keeps Solomon’s son and Jerusalem.
- About 860 BCElijah on Mount Carmel
Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal. Their god does not answer. Fire from the Lord falls on Elijah’s soaked altar.
- About 850 BCElijah is taken up
Near the Jordan, a chariot of fire parts Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind.
- About 780 BCJonah goes to Nineveh
After running from God by ship from Joppa, Jonah warns Nineveh. The city turns from its evil, and God spares it.
- About 760–720 BCAmos and Hosea warn Israel
Two prophets in the north: Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters, Hosea pictures God as a faithful husband.
- 740 BC, the year King Uzziah diedIsaiah sees the Lord
In the temple Isaiah sees the Lord on his throne. “Here am I,” he says. “Send me.”
- 722 BCAssyria ends the northern kingdom
Assyria takes Samaria and carries Israel’s people away. Only Judah is left.
- 701 BCJerusalem is spared from Assyria
King Hezekiah prays as Assyria’s army surrounds Jerusalem. The army leaves without taking the city. Assyria’s own records tell the campaign too.
- 627 BCGod calls Jeremiah
God tells a young Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,” and sends him to warn Judah.
- 622 BCJosiah finds the book of the law
Workers repairing the temple find the book of the law. King Josiah tears his clothes and leads Judah back to God.
- 605 BCDaniel is taken to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar takes young men from Jerusalem’s nobility to Babylon. Among them are Daniel and his three friends.
- 586 BC, or 587 BCDebatedBabylon destroys Jerusalem
Babylon’s army burns the temple, breaks down the walls and takes the people of Judah into exile.
Debated date. Historians agree on the summer but not the year: 587 or 586 BC, depending on how the reigns of Judah’s kings are counted.
Exile and return
586–430 BC
Judah in Babylon, then home again under Persia to rebuild the temple and the walls.
- About 585 BCEzekiel’s valley of dry bones
Among the exiles in Babylon, Ezekiel sees dry bones come to life, a picture of God bringing his people home.
- About 539 BCDaniel in the lions’ den
Daniel keeps praying when it is forbidden. He is thrown to the lions, and God shuts their mouths.
- 538 BCCyrus lets the Jews go home
Cyrus of Persia, who has taken Babylon, lets the Jews return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
- 516 BCThe second temple is finished
Urged on by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the returned exiles finish the temple and celebrate the Passover.
- About 479–474 BCEsther saves her people
A Jewish queen of Persia risks her life to go to the king uninvited, and stops a plot to kill her people.
- 458 BCEzra comes to teach the law
Ezra, a priest and teacher, leads a second group home and sets his heart to study, keep and teach God’s law.
- 445 BCNehemiah rebuilds the walls
Nehemiah, the Persian king’s cupbearer, comes to Jerusalem. The walls are rebuilt in 52 days.
- About 430 BCMalachi, the last Old Testament prophet
Malachi ends the Old Testament promising that God will send a messenger before the day of the Lord.
Between the Testaments
About 430–6 BC
About 400 years the Old Testament does not cover. These dates come from other ancient writers.
- 332 BCOutside the BibleAlexander the Great takes the region
Alexander conquers Persia’s empire, Judea with it. Greek becomes the common language, the language the New Testament is later written in.
Outside the Bible. From Greek historians, such as Arrian.
- From about 250 BCOutside the BibleThe Hebrew Bible is put into Greek
Jews in Egypt translate the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. The New Testament often quotes this Greek version, called the Septuagint.
Outside the Bible. From Jewish writers of the time; the Letter of Aristeas tells a later, legendary version.
- 164 BCOutside the BibleThe temple is rededicated
Jewish rebels led by Judas Maccabeus retake Jerusalem and cleanse the temple. Jesus later keeps this feast, Hanukkah, in John 10:22.
Outside the Bible. From 1 Maccabees, part of the Catholic and Orthodox Old Testament.
- 63 BCOutside the BibleRome takes Jerusalem
The Roman general Pompey captures Jerusalem. Judea comes under Rome, as it is in the Gospels.
Outside the Bible. From The Jewish historian Josephus.
- 37–4 BCOutside the BibleHerod the Great rules Judea
Rome makes Herod king of the Jews. He rebuilds the temple on a grand scale and is still king when Jesus is born.
Outside the Bible. From Josephus.
Jesus
About 6 BC–AD 30
From the birth in Bethlehem to the cross, the empty tomb and the ascension.
- About 6–4 BCDebatedJesus is born in Bethlehem
Mary gives birth to her son in Bethlehem and lays him in a manger. Angels tell shepherds nearby.
Debated date. Jesus was born before Herod the Great died (Matthew 2:1, 19), which most historians place in 4 BC. That puts the birth about 6–4 BC. The calendar’s year 1 came from a monk’s count in the 500s that missed by a few years.
- Within two years of the birthDebatedThe magi come
Magi from the east follow a star to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem, and worship the child with gifts.
Debated date. Jesus was born before Herod the Great died (Matthew 2:1, 19), which most historians place in 4 BC. That puts the birth about 6–4 BC. The calendar’s year 1 came from a monk’s count in the 500s that missed by a few years.
- Before Herod dies, about 4 BCDebatedThe escape to Egypt
Warned in a dream, Joseph takes Mary and the child to Egypt until Herod is dead.
Debated date. Jesus was born before Herod the Great died (Matthew 2:1, 19), which most historians place in 4 BC. That puts the birth about 6–4 BC. The calendar’s year 1 came from a monk’s count in the 500s that missed by a few years.
- About AD 8Jesus at 12 in the temple
Mary and Joseph search for three days and find the boy Jesus in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking questions.
- About AD 28John the Baptist preaches
In the 15th year of the emperor Tiberius, John calls people in the wilderness to turn back to God and be baptized.
- About AD 28DebatedJesus is baptized
John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan. The Spirit comes down like a dove, and a voice from heaven says, “This is my beloved Son.”
Debated date. Luke says Jesus was about 30 when he began (Luke 3:23), and dates John’s preaching to AD 28 or 29. Some count from earlier. Most place the baptism AD 26–29.
- Right after the baptismJesus is tempted in the wilderness
For 40 days in the wilderness Jesus answers each of the devil’s offers with Scripture.
- About AD 28Water into wine at Cana
At a wedding, Jesus turns water into wine, the first of his signs in John’s Gospel.
- About AD 28Jesus calls fishermen
By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John: “Follow me.”
- About AD 28The Sermon on the Mount
On a hillside in Galilee Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer and the golden rule.
- About AD 29Jesus calms the storm
Waves swamp the boat while Jesus sleeps. He wakes, rebukes the wind, and the sea goes still.
- About AD 29, near PassoverFeeding the 5,000
With five loaves and two fish, Jesus feeds a crowd of 5,000 men, and 12 baskets of pieces are left over.
- About AD 29“You are the Christ”
Near Caesarea Philippi Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
- A week laterThe Transfiguration
On a high mountain Jesus’ face shines like the sun, and Moses and Elijah talk with him. The Gospels do not name the mountain.
- Weeks before the crossLazarus is raised
At Bethany Jesus weeps at his friend’s tomb, then calls, “Lazarus, come out.” The dead man walks out.
- The Sunday before PassoverDebatedJesus enters Jerusalem
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey while crowds spread cloaks and branches and shout “Hosanna.”
Debated date. The Gospels say Jesus died at Passover while Pilate governed Judea (AD 26–36). Working out which Passover fell on the right day leaves AD 30 or AD 33. Scholars are split. The line shows AD 30.
- The night before the crossDebatedThe Last Supper
Jesus shares bread and wine with his disciples: “This is my body… This cup is the new covenant in my blood.”
Debated date. The Gospels say Jesus died at Passover while Pilate governed Judea (AD 26–36). Working out which Passover fell on the right day leaves AD 30 or AD 33. Scholars are split. The line shows AD 30.
- AD 30, or AD 33DebatedJesus is crucified
Under Pontius Pilate, Jesus is crucified outside Jerusalem. He dies, and is buried in a borrowed tomb.
Debated date. The Gospels say Jesus died at Passover while Pilate governed Judea (AD 26–36). Working out which Passover fell on the right day leaves AD 30 or AD 33. Scholars are split. The line shows AD 30.
- The third dayDebatedJesus is raised from the dead
On the first day of the week the women find the tomb empty. Mary Magdalene is the first to see the risen Jesus.
Debated date. The Gospels say Jesus died at Passover while Pilate governed Judea (AD 26–36). Working out which Passover fell on the right day leaves AD 30 or AD 33. Scholars are split. The line shows AD 30.
- The same dayDebatedOn the road to Emmaus
Two disciples walk with a stranger who explains the Scriptures. They know him when he breaks the bread.
Debated date. The Gospels say Jesus died at Passover while Pilate governed Judea (AD 26–36). Working out which Passover fell on the right day leaves AD 30 or AD 33. Scholars are split. The line shows AD 30.
- 40 days after EasterDebatedJesus is taken up to heaven
After 40 days of appearing to his followers, Jesus is taken up from the Mount of Olives while they watch.
Debated date. The Gospels say Jesus died at Passover while Pilate governed Judea (AD 26–36). Working out which Passover fell on the right day leaves AD 30 or AD 33. Scholars are split. The line shows AD 30.
The first church
AD 30–about 95
The news about Jesus goes out from Jerusalem to Rome, and the New Testament is written.
- 50 days after EasterDebatedThe Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost
The Spirit comes on the disciples in Jerusalem. Peter preaches, and about 3,000 people are baptized that day.
Debated date. The Gospels say Jesus died at Passover while Pilate governed Judea (AD 26–36). Working out which Passover fell on the right day leaves AD 30 or AD 33. Scholars are split. The line shows AD 30.
- About AD 33–35Stephen is stoned
Stephen, the first follower of Jesus killed for his faith, prays for his killers as he dies. A young man named Saul approves.
- About AD 34Paul meets Jesus on the Damascus road
Saul, on his way to arrest believers, is blinded by a light and hears Jesus ask, “Why are you persecuting me?”
- About AD 40Peter baptizes Cornelius
Called from Joppa to a Roman officer’s house in Caesarea, Peter sees the Spirit come on people who are not Jews.
- About AD 43First called Christians
At Antioch the believers, Jews and Greeks together, are first called Christians.
- AD 44James killed, Peter freed
King Herod Agrippa kills the apostle James and jails Peter. An angel leads Peter out past the guards.
- About AD 46–48Paul’s first journey
The church at Antioch sends Paul and Barnabas to Cyprus and the towns of Galatia.
- About AD 49The council at Jerusalem
The apostles agree that people who are not Jews do not have to keep the law of Moses to follow Jesus.
- About AD 49–52Paul’s second journey
Paul crosses into Europe: Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens and 18 months in Corinth.
- About AD 50Paul writes 1 Thessalonians
Writing from Corinth, Paul encourages a young church he had to leave in a hurry. It may be the oldest book in the New Testament.
- About AD 53–57Paul’s third journey
Paul spends more than two years teaching in Ephesus, and writes to the church in Corinth.
- About AD 57Paul writes Romans
From Corinth Paul writes his longest letter, to a church in Rome he has not yet visited.
- About AD 57Paul is arrested in Jerusalem
A riot breaks out in the temple over Paul. Roman soldiers take him, and he spends two years held in Caesarea.
- About AD 60Paul reaches Rome
After a shipwreck on Malta, Paul arrives in Rome. He lives two years under guard, welcoming everyone who comes.
Read Acts 28:11-16Follow the voyage to Rome on the Bible map
- AD 64Outside the BibleNero blames Christians for the fire of Rome
After a great fire in Rome, the emperor Nero blames the Christians and has many put to death.
Outside the Bible. From The Roman historian Tacitus.
- About AD 64–67DebatedOutside the BiblePeter and Paul are killed in Rome
Early Christian writers say both apostles died in Rome under Nero, Peter crucified and Paul beheaded. Paul’s last letter waits for that day.
Debated date. The New Testament does not tell their deaths. Tradition places both in Rome under Nero, who died in AD 68. The exact years are not known.
Outside the Bible. From Early church writers (1 Clement, about AD 96; Eusebius later).
- About AD 55–70DebatedMark’s Gospel is written
Most scholars think Mark was the first Gospel written down. Early tradition says Mark wrote what Peter preached.
Debated date. No Gospel gives its own date. Many scholars place Mark in the late 60s; others say the 50s. Matthew and Luke are usually placed after Mark.
- AD 70Outside the BibleRome destroys the temple
Roman armies crush a Jewish revolt and burn the temple, as Jesus said: not one stone will be left on another.
Outside the Bible. From Josephus, who saw it.
- About AD 90DebatedJohn’s Gospel is written
John writes so that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in his name.
Debated date. Most date John’s Gospel to about AD 90. Some argue for before AD 70.
- About AD 95DebatedJohn writes Revelation
Exiled on the island of Patmos, John sees visions of the risen Christ and writes them to seven churches.
Debated date. Early church writers put Revelation near the end of the emperor Domitian’s reign, about AD 95. Some scholars date it to the late 60s, under Nero.
Dates people ask about
When was the Exodus?
About 1446 BC by the count in 1 Kings 6:1, or about 1260 BC on the view many scholars hold. Christians hold both.
When did Abraham live?
Adding up the Bible’s ages puts Abraham’s call around 2091 BC. Many scholars place him later, around 1900–1700 BC.
When was King David?
David reigned about 1010–970 BC, first at Hebron and then in Jerusalem. Solomon followed him.
When was Jesus born?
About 6–4 BC. Jesus was born before Herod the Great died, and Herod died around 4 BC.
What year did Jesus die?
AD 30 or AD 33. Both years fit the Gospels and Pilate’s time as governor, and scholars are split.
How long between the Old and New Testaments?
About 400 years, from Malachi around 430 BC to the birth of Jesus around 6–4 BC.
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