Chronology of the Bible: New Testament
Published August 1, 2024 at 4:50 PM
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As someone who loves history, one thing I enjoy doing is putting the events of the Bible on a timeline. For those who have a similar interest, this article is for you. This article will place events of the New Testament on a timeline, alongside non-biblical historical events that correspond to what was happening; some dates are rough estimates.
Before reading this article, I recommend you check out the Old Testament version. The link is below: https://realtruthspeaker.com/chronology-of-bible-events-old-testament
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JESUS AND THE EARLY CHURCH
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, during the reign of Herod the Great; John the Baptist is born 6 months before (5 BC).
Herod hears of Jesus’ birth and has young boys in Bethelem, and the surrounding districts, massacred. Jesus and his family flee to Egypt (by instruction from an angel) until Herod dies (4 BC).
Jesus is found teaching and learning in the temple at age 12 (8 AD).
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, spends 40 days in the wilderness, and calls his 12 disciples. He then begins his public ministry around age 30 (27 AD).
During the ministry of Jesus, John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod Antipas. Shifting focus, Jesus heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, and raises the dead. Jesus talks a lot about the kingdom of God, and makes it clear that He is the only way to The Father. Some believe that Jesus is the Messiah, while the religious leaders (Pharisees, chief priests, and scribes) see him as a blasphemer (27-30 AD).
After being betrayed by Judas, and handed over to the Jewish and Roman authorities, Jesus dies via crucifixion. Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea, Simon of Cyrene helped carry the cross, and Joseph of Arimathea provided the tomb for his burial (Passover, 30 AD).
Jesus is raised from the dead on the third day! He appears to multiple people (the women first) and stays with his disciples (soon-to-be apostles) for 40 days. He then gives The Great Commission (Matthew 28) to them, before ascending into heaven (30 AD).
The Apostles are gathered together when the Holy Spirit comes like a rushing mighty wind, and they are given tongues of fire (Pentecost, 30 AD). The prophecy of Joel is fulfilled when God’s spirit is poured out (Joel 2:28-32).
The early church continues to grow, under the leadership of Peter and John. The Apostles preach the gospel to various nations, with the most notable being Philip preaching to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8). They also perform miracles (Peter raises Dorcas/Tabitha from the dead in Acts 9), and bring people to Jesus. There are still tares in the church, which is especially revealed when Simon tries to buy the Holy Spirit (Acts 8), and when Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5). Persecution also increases, and Stephen becomes the first martyr of the early church (30-33 AD).
Saul (Paul) is a Pharisee who persecutes Christians, but he encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus (34 AD). He gets saved and becomes a vessel to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.
God deals with Peter’s heart concerning Gentiles through his ministry to Cornelius (Acts 10). God is no respecter of person and wants all to be saved – Jew or Gentile (38 AD).
King Herod Agrippa I persecutes Christians and has James, the brother of John, killed. (Acts 12) He has Peter put in prison, but Peter is freed by an angel. Herod is soon struck dead by an angel (44 AD).
James, the brother of Jesus, writes his letter to Jews and calls out a wide variety of sins. Christianity should not be lawless, nor should believers be prideful. James reminds us to be doers of the word, not just hearers; faith without works is dead (45 AD).
Paul goes on his first missionary journey (Acts 13-15) (47-48 AD).
Judaizers arise, so Paul writes Galatians to combat their doctrine. He talks about justification by faith and how the Law does not save (it reveals sin). He also compels them to walk in the Spirit, and not in the flesh; against such, there is no law (49 AD).
The Jerusalem Council occurs (Acts 15), and the church settles the issue of circumcision and whether Gentiles were bound by the entire Law (49 AD). Gentiles are told to stay away from idols, blood, strangled things, and sexual immorality.
Around this time, the first Gospels are written, though it is difficult to give the exact years.
Matthew (as early as 45 AD, as late as 65 AD) writes to a Jewish audience and presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. Jesus is painted as a Greater Moses who fulfilled the Law. Matthew notably includes a genealogy from Moses to Jesus and quotes the Old Testament more than any other gospel. Moreover, this gospel was likely written in Hebrew/Aramaic, then translated to Greek.
Mark (as early as 50 AD, as late as 70 AD) writes to a Roman audience and presents Jesus as both a Miracle Worker and a Suffering Servant. Jesus came to help us and laid down his life so that we could be saved. Mark is notably the shortest gospel, and it presents the life of Jesus in story form. Moreover, this gospel was likely influenced by the testimony of Peter.
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PAULINE MINISTRY WITH LUKE
Following the Jerusalem Council, Paul embarks on his second missionary journey (Acts 15-18) (49 AD). He most notably visits Athens, where he encounters the altar to the unknown god (Acts 17).
Emperor Claudius expels the Jews from Rome (Acts 18). Aquila and Priscilla are amongst those who leave Rome and go to Corinth, which is where they meet Paul (49 AD).
While in Corinth, Paul writes 1 Thessalonians, in which he expresses his longing to visit them. He also talks about the Day of the LORD and how the dead in Christ will rise first (the rapture), and then those who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet them in the air (50 AD).
There is confusion over 1 Thessalonians, so Paul writes 2 Thessalonians to clear things up. The Great Apostasy must occur, and the Antichrist must come, before Jesus comes back. Don’t be deceived by rapture date setters or people saying that Jesus already came back (51 AD).
Paul continues his second missionary journey until 52 AD, then begins his third missionary journey, traveling to Asia Minor and Ephesus (Acts 18-21) (53 AD).
Claudius dies, so the Jews are allowed to return to Rome (54 AD).
The church in Corinth is a mess, so Paul writes 1 Corinthians to set them straight. They are practicing sins that the Pagans don’t even condone (a man sleeping with his father’s wife). Paul notably calls out sexual immorality and sectarianism, then reminds them of what Godly love (agape) is (54 AD).
Paul writes 2 Corinthians as a follow-up to 1 Corinthians (55 AD). He talks about his severe letter (likely lost) that produced Godly sorrow, which led them to repentance. Paul also uses this letter to defend his authority and remind them of basic Christian principles (i.e. walking by faith, casting down strongholds, being new creatures in Christ, and bringing our thoughts under the obedience of Christ).
Paul writes Romans to the Jews who were in Rome, hammering in that circumcision doesn’t save and that the patriarchs were justified by faith. He talks about how the Law reveals our sin, and how the punishment of sin is death. However, we have eternal life through Jesus, who frees us from sin. The Law is the diagnosis of the sin problem, while Jesus is our only solution (56 AD).
After preaching in Ephesus for a few years, Paul leaves after the Riot in Ephesus is sparked by Demetrius (56 AD). He goes to Greece, before setting sail for Jerusalem. Before reaching Jerusalem, Paul is warned by Agabus that the Jews would deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles (Acts 21).
Paul arrives in Jerusalem, after his missionary journey, and is arrested. He stands before the Sanhedrin and receives mixed reactions because he is a Pharisee on the one hand, but a Christian on the other hand. While some want to kill Paul, he uses his dual citizenship (Jewish and Roman) to his advantage; a Roman cannot be put to death by Jewish authorities (Acts 22-24). Governor Felix is unsure what to do with Paul, so he leaves him in prison (57 AD).
After two years, Festus becomes governor and Paul appeals to Caesar. However, Festus makes him stand trial before Herod Agrippa II and Bernice first. Paul preaches his life story and testimony to them, and is very compelling. King Agrippa deems Paul innocent and believes Paul would be free if he didn’t appeal to Caesar. However, Paul’s appeal is granted, so he remains a prisoner and will go to Rome (Acts 25-26) (59 AD).
On the way to Rome, Paul survives the shipwreck at Malta and preaches to the locals. He then arrives at Rome and preaches to the Jews there (Acts 27-28) (60 AD).
Luke writes his gospel to Theophilus as an account of the life of Jesus. Luke is writing to a Greek audience, and he presents Jesus as the Savior For All. Luke notably mentions the most women of any gospel, emphasizing their role in the life and ministry of Jesus (60 AD).
While awaiting his trial before Caesar, Paul writes the prison letters, which are Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (60-62 AD).
Ephesians is a letter to the Christians in Ephesus, reminding them that we are dead in sin, but how God redeemed us; we are saved by grace through faith. He also tells them to walk in the Spirit and put on the full armor of God; we war against principalities, not against flesh.
Philippians is a letter to the Christians in Philippi, and is Paul’s happiest letter, though he is in prison. He reminds them to be united in Christ and always be centered on Him. This letter shows how we find joy through Christ, even while we are suffering.
Colossians is a letter to the Christians in Colossae, reminding them of the preeminence of Christ, and warning against legalism and the philosophies of men. Additionally, he tells them that Christians should be new men, not walking in the former ways of the flesh.
Philemon is a personal letter that compels Philemon to receive his slave Onesimus back as a brother. Paul will even cover the debts, as he truly wants Philemon to treat Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
Luke writes the book of Acts, detailing how Christianity grew. It especially focuses on how Paul brought the gospel to the Gentiles, ending with him in prison in Rome (62 AD).
Paul likely stands before Nero Caesar, though we don’t know how it went because Luke doesn’t record it in Acts. We do know that he is released from prison around 63 AD and likely went on a fourth missionary journey to Spain.
After being released from prison, Paul writes 1 Timothy and Titus as pastoral letters detailing qualifications for church leadership and giving personal advice to each recipient (63-65 AD).
1 Timothy talks about the qualifications for bishops/overseers and deacons. Timothy is reminded of the coming Great Apostasy and not to entertain false doctrines. The letter also exhorts us to pray constantly, and to honor widows and elders.
Titus talks about the qualifications for elders and the characteristics of a sound church. Pastors and lay Christians are both held to a high standard. We should avoid foolish arguments and divisiveness, while also focusing on preaching the Gospel and walking in the fruit of the Spirit.
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PERSECUTION AND THE RISE OF HERESIES
Nero blames the fire of Rome on Christians and begins persecuting them (64 AD). Paul is likely put in a Roman prison for a 2nd time, shortly after writing 1 Timothy and Titus.
Amid persecution, Peter writes 1 Peter to churches in Asia Minor. He talks about submission to husbands, wives, and authority. He views suffering for God as an honor, and he compels the church to not be discouraged by the trials they face (64 AD).
Hebrews is written to Jews as an explanation of the change from the Old to the New Covenant. There was a fault in the Old Covenant, so God gave us a better one. The priestly system and animal sacrifices are done away with because Jesus is our high priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek (65 AD).
Tired of the oppressive Roman governors (tensions boiled over under Governor Gessius Florus), the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Zealots unite to start the Great Jewish Revolt (66 AD). They hope to free themselves from Roman rule, just as the Maccabees did so against the Seleucids.
2 Peter is written at the end of Peter’s life, as he knows that he is about to die. He warns of destructive doctrines and false teachers, and talks about the Day of the LORD. God is not slack concerning his coming (he is not willing that any should perish), and when he comes, the world will be judged and destroyed by fire. Soon after this letter is written, Nero has Peter crucified upside down (67 AD).
2 Timothy is written at the end of Paul’s life, as he knows that he is about to die. He writes to Timothy to warn him about the coming perilous times and to charge him to keep the faith. Timothy should preach the word, for times are coming when people will no longer endure sound doctrine. Soon after this, Nero has Paul beheaded (67 AD).
Apostates and false teachers begin to creep into the church, as Peter and Paul warned, so Jude writes his letter to condemn the apostates and remind the Christians to stay on the right path (68 AD). This book is similar to 2 Peter, but could’ve been written earlier than 68 AD if Peter was quoting from Jude, instead of the other way around.
The Romans besiege Jerusalem as a result of the Great Jewish Revolt (Passover, 70 AD).
The sign of Jonah that Jesus spoke of is fulfilled in two ways. The first is that he rose from the dead on the 3rd day, just as Jonah spent 3 days in the great fish. The second is that Jerusalem was given 40 years to repent before destruction came, just as Jonah proclaimed that Nineveh had 40 days to repent.
On the same day that the Babylonians destroyed Solomon’s Temple, Titus and the Roman army destroy Herod’s Temple (10th of Av, 70 AD). They then pry the stones apart (to get the gold melted in between), leaving it in ruins; no stone was left standing, as Jesus said.
Heresies begin to spread like wildfire in the church, particularly concerning the divinity of Jesus. Most of the apostles are dead, besides John, so he is tasked with fighting these heresies (namely Gnosticism and Docetism).
To combat the rise of Gnosticism, especially through Cerinthus, John writes his gospel boldly proclaiming that Jesus is God. John notably differs from the synoptic gospels, as he includes unique stories (Nicodemus, feet washing, etc.) and is the only gospel written from the perspective of someone in the inner circle of Jesus (85 AD).
John writes 1-3 John as letters to the church. 1 John reminds us that God is love and that the way we love God is by keeping his commandments. 2 John further reminds the church to walk in Christ’s commandments and to beware of antichrists. 1 and 2 John also include refutations of Doceticism (1 John 4:1-3, 2 John 1:7). 3 John is a personal letter to Gaius (90 AD)
Emperor Domitian begins to heavily persecute Christians (90 AD). He tries to kill John, but fails, so he exiles John to the island of Patmos instead (94 AD).
While exiled to the island of Patmos, John has visions from God and writes Revelation (95 AD). The book makes it clear that judgment is coming to the world, and though evil is rising, Jesus will come to put an end to it and reign forever; He is the Alpha and the Omega.
Emperor Domitian dies and John is freed from Patmos (96 AD). He continues preaching and growing the church for a short period, before dying (98 AD) and passing things over to the Apostolic Fathers (Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, and Papias).
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HOW WE GOT THE NEW TESTAMENT CANON
In the 100s AD, there were debates over which books were considered canon. There were 20 universally accepted books (4 Gospels, Acts, all 13 of Paul’s letters, 1 Peter, and 1 John)
Hebrews and Revelation upped the canon to 22, though these books faced some questioning.
Hebrews was questioned for being anonymous, but was accepted for its sound doctrine and because it was written during the time of the apostles. Revelation was questioned because of its prophecies, but was accepted because of its undeniable apostolic origin (multiple church fathers say that John wrote it).
The 5 books that faced deeper questioning were James, 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude.
James was questioned for being too Jewish and legalistic, and people believed it contradicted Paul. Jude was questioned because it leans on the Apocrypha (Enoch). 2 Peter, 2 John, and 3 John were questioned as being pseudepigrapha, especially 2 Peter because it differed from 1 Peter in terms of grammar usage. Moreover, 2 John and 3 John were written by “the Elder”, which raised questions on if John wrote them.
Extra books like the Didache, Shepherd of Hermas, and Epistle of Clement were read in some churches, as they were seen as authoritative writings.
By the late 200s/early 300s AD, the 27 NT books were widely accepted.
2 Peter was helped by the fact that the Apostolic Fathers accepted it (Clement of Rome even quoted it), and because it is thematically similar to 1 Peter. Additionally, 2 and 3 John are similar in style to 1 John, which helped their case as all being written by the same person. James and Jude were seldom questioned as being authentic, rather the church decided that they didn’t contradict the message of Christianity (James isn’t preaching works-based salvation, while Jude’s quotation of the Apocrypha isn’t heretical).
The Didache, Epistle of Clement, and Shepherd of Hermas were rejected for not being apostolic. They were treated how we treat the Apocrypha today (respectable writings, but not believed to be divinely inspired).
IN SHORT: The 27 Books of the New Testament were accepted based on apostolic origin, and by ensuring that they didn’t contract other books of the Bible.
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CONCLUSION
I pray that you learned from this article, and that it helped you understand how the New Testament fits chronologically. I also pray that you have a better understanding of the complex process that took place in deciding the books of the New Testament. The early church placed every book under strict scrutiny, which is why we should be confident in the 27 books that made it in.
Thank you for reading, and always remember to stay vigilant!