Introduction to the Chronology of Biblical Events
Tracing God’s Redemptive Plan from Creation to the Apostolic Age
This comprehensive timeline offers a theologically grounded and historically informed chronology of the Bible’s major events—from the Creation narrative in Genesis to the conclusion of the Apostolic Age. Spanning the Old Testament, the Second Temple Period, and the New Testament, it aims to provide readers with a cohesive understanding of God’s unfolding redemptive plan throughout history. Each date has been meticulously determined using a combination of scriptural analysis, historical records, and scholarly research, all within a Dispensational Premillennial framework.
Methodology & Chronological Framework
Our approach is anchored in the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation, ensuring that each event is contextualized both theologically and historically.
1. Scriptural Anchors
Primary reliance is placed on the Bible’s internal chronology—genealogies, reigns of kings, prophetic timelines, and specific date references (e.g., “In the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar” in Luke 3:1). These serve as foundational markers for dating events.
2. Correlation with Historical Records
We integrate data from extrabiblical sources such as:
- Ancient Near Eastern inscriptions
- Roman imperial records
- Jewish intertestamental literature
- Early Church historians (e.g., Josephus, Eusebius)
This cross-referencing aids in aligning biblical events with established historical timelines, enhancing the accuracy of our chronology.
3. Calendar Synchronization
Understanding the variances between Jewish, Roman, and modern calendars is crucial. We account for these differences, especially when dating events like the Passover, to ensure chronological consistency.
4. Theological Considerations
In areas where historical data is sparse, theological inference is employed, always grounded in a conservative evangelical perspective. For instance, the dating of Creation is based on genealogical records and theological interpretations.
5. Confidence Levels
Each event is assigned a confidence level to indicate the degree of certainty:
- ✅ Widely Accepted – Strong consensus among scholars and corroborated by multiple sources.
- 🟡 Traditional Estimate – Based on traditional interpretations with some scholarly support.
- ❌ Theologically Inferred – Primarily derived from theological reasoning with limited historical data.
Why This Timeline Matters
Understanding the chronological flow of biblical events deepens our comprehension of Scripture’s narrative and theological coherence. It illuminates the progression of God’s covenantal relationships, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the historical context of pivotal events. This timeline serves as a valuable tool for educators, students, and anyone seeking to grasp the grand narrative of the Bible.
Approximate dates are provided based on traditional and scholarly consensus. Events are marked by confidence level.
Old Testament: Chronological Overview
Old Testament: From Creation (ca. 4004 BC) to the close of the prophetic era (ca. 430 BC), covering key events like the Flood, the Exodus, the establishment of the monarchy, and the Babylonian exile.
| Event | Scripture Reference | Approx. Date | Academic Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creation of the heavens and the earth | Genesis 1:1–2:3 | ca. 4004 BC | ❌ Theologically Inferred |
| The Fall of Man | Genesis 3:1–24 | ca. 4003 BC | ❌ Theologically Inferred |
| Cain kills Abel | Genesis 4:1–8 | ca. 3875 BC | ❌ Theologically Inferred |
| Birth of Seth | Genesis 4:25; 5:3 | ca. 3874 BC | ❌ Theologically Inferred |
| God takes Enoch | Genesis 5:21–24 | ca. 3017 BC | ❌ Theologically Inferred |
| Noah is born | Genesis 5:28–29 | ca. 2948 BC | ❌ Theologically Inferred |
| The Flood | Genesis 7:1–24 | ca. 2348 BC | ❌ Theologically Inferred |
| Tower of Babel | Genesis 11:1–9 | ca. 2242 BC | ❌ Theologically Inferred |
| Call of Abram | Genesis 12:1–5 | ca. 2100 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Birth of Isaac | Genesis 21:1–7 | ca. 2066 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Birth of Jacob and Esau | Genesis 25:24–26 | ca. 2006 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Joseph sold into slavery | Genesis 37:28 | ca. 1898 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Jacob enters Egypt | Genesis 46:5–7 | ca. 1876 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Exodus from Egypt | Exodus 12 | ca. 1446 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Law given at Sinai | Exodus 19–20 | ca. 1446 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Wilderness wandering begins | Numbers 14 | ca. 1446–1406 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Entry into Canaan | Joshua 1–5 | ca. 1406 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Conquest of Jericho | Joshua 6 | ca. 1406 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Othniel judges Israel | Judges 3:7–11 | ca. 1373 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Ehud delivers Israel | Judges 3:12–30 | ca. 1316 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Deborah and Barak judge | Judges 4–5 | ca. 1237 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Gideon delivers Israel | Judges 6–8 | ca. 1170 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Jephthah judges Israel | Judges 11–12 | ca. 1100 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Samson begins deliverance | Judges 13–16 | ca. 1075 BC | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Samuel serves as judge and prophet | 1 Samuel 1–7 | ca. 1075–1050 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Saul becomes king | 1 Samuel 10 | ca. 1050–1010 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| David becomes king | 2 Samuel 5 | ca. 1010–970 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Solomon becomes king | 1 Kings 1–2 | ca. 970–931 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Temple construction begins | 1 Kings 6:1 | 966 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Kingdom divides | 1 Kings 12 | 931 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Jeroboam I reigns in Israel | 1 Kings 12–14 | 931–910 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Rehoboam reigns in Judah | 1 Kings 12–14 | 931–913 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| King Ahab reigns in Israel | 1 Kings 16–22 | 874–853 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Jehoshaphat reigns in Judah | 1 Kings 22; 2 Chr 17–20 | 873–849 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Elijah confronts Ahab | 1 Kings 17–19 | ca. 870–850 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Elisha’s prophetic ministry | 2 Kings 2–13 | ca. 850–800 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Isaiah’s prophetic ministry | Isaiah | ca. 740–681 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Hezekiah reigns in Judah | 2 Kings 18–20 | 715–686 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Josiah reigns in Judah | 2 Kings 22–23 | 640–609 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry | Jeremiah | 627–586 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Fall of Samaria (Israel) | 2 Kings 17 | 722 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Fall of Jerusalem (Judah) | 2 Kings 25 | 586 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Lamentations written | Lamentations | 586 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Daniel’s prophetic ministry | Daniel | 605–536 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry | Ezekiel | 593–571 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Decree of Cyrus to return | Ezra 1 | 538 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| First return under Zerubbabel | Ezra 2 | 538 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Temple reconstruction completed | Ezra 6:15 | 516 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Haggai’s prophetic ministry | Haggai | 520 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Zechariah’s prophetic ministry | Zechariah | 520–470 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Ezra’s return to Jerusalem | Ezra 7 | 457 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem’s wall | Nehemiah 2 | 444 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Malachi’s prophetic ministry | Malachi 1–4 | ca. 433–424 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
Second Temple Period: Chronological Overview
Second Temple Period: Spanning from the decree of Cyrus (538 BC) to the birth of Christ (ca. 5–4 BC), this era includes the rebuilding of the temple, the Maccabean revolt, and the rise of Roman influence.
| Event | Reference | Approx. Date | Academic Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persian Empire dominates the Near East | Historical | 539–331 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Alexander the Great conquers Persian Empire | Historical | 331 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Alexander dies; empire divided among generals | Historical | 323 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Ptolemaic control over Judea begins | Historical | 323–198 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Seleucid Empire gains control of Judea | Historical | 198–167 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrates the Temple | Historical | 167 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Maccabean Revolt begins | Historical | 166 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Temple rededicated (Hanukkah) | 1 Maccabees 4 | 164 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Hasmonean Dynasty (Jewish independence) | Historical | 164–63 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Roman Republic conquers Jerusalem | Historical | 63 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Antipater (Herod’s father) appointed procurator by Rome | Historical | 47 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Julius Caesar becomes dictator | Historical | 46 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Julius Caesar assassinated | Historical | 44 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Herod the Great appointed “King of the Jews” by Rome | Historical | 40 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Herod captures Jerusalem and begins rule | Historical | 37 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Herod renovates the Second Temple (Temple of Herod) | Josephus/History | ca. 20–19 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Caesar Augustus becomes emperor (Rome transitions to Empire) | Historical | 27 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Herod the Great dies | Historical | 4 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
New Testament: Chronological Overview
New Testament: From the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ to the death of the Apostle John (ca. AD 100), encompassing the crucifixion, resurrection, the spread of the early Church, and the writing of the New Testament texts.
| Event | Scripture Reference | Approx. Date | Academic Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reign of Caesar Augustus | Luke 2:1 | 27 BC – AD 14 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Reign of Tiberius Caesar | Luke 3:1 | AD 14–37 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Birth of John the Baptist foretold | Luke 1:5–25 | ca. 6–5 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Birth of Jesus Christ | Matthew 1–2; Luke 2 | ca. 5–4 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Herod the Great dies | Historical | 4 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Flight to Egypt / Return to Nazareth | Matthew 2:13–23 | ca. 4 BC | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Jesus at the temple (age 12) | Luke 2:41–52 | ca. AD 8–9 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Ministry of John the Baptist begins | Matthew 3; Luke 3 | AD 26 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Jesus is baptized and begins public ministry | Matthew 3–4; Luke 3–4 | AD 27 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| First disciples follow Jesus | John 1:35–51 | AD 27 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Sermon on the Mount | Matthew 5–7 | AD 28 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Raising of Lazarus | John 11 | AD 30 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem | Matthew 21; John 12 | March 29, AD 33 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Last Supper | Matthew 26; John 13 | April 2, AD 33 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Crucifixion of Jesus | Matthew 27; Luke 23 | April 3, AD 33 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Resurrection of Jesus | Matthew 28; Luke 24 | April 5, AD 33 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Ascension of Jesus | Acts 1:9–11 | May AD 33 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Pentecost and birth of the Church | Acts 2 | May/June AD 33 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Stephen martyred | Acts 7 | ca. AD 35 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul’s conversion | Acts 9 | ca. AD 35 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul’s early ministry in Arabia and Tarsus | Galatians 1 | AD 35–46 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul’s First Missionary Journey | Acts 13–14 | AD 46–48 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Jerusalem Council | Acts 15 | AD 49 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul’s Second Missionary Journey | Acts 15–18 | AD 49–52 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul’s Third Missionary Journey | Acts 18–21 | AD 52–57 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul writes Romans | Romans | AD 57 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul arrested in Jerusalem | Acts 21 | AD 57 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul’s voyage and shipwreck | Acts 27–28 | AD 59 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul under house arrest in Rome | Acts 28 | AD 60–62 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul writes prison epistles | Eph, Phil, Col, Philemon | AD 60–62 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Paul released; writes 1 Timothy and Titus | Pastoral Epistles | AD 62–64 | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Paul possibly travels to Spain | Romans 15:24, 28; Tradition | AD 64–66 | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Paul recaptured and imprisoned in Rome | 2 Timothy 1:8, 16 | AD 66–67 | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
| Paul writes 2 Timothy | 2 Timothy | AD 66–67 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Martyrdom of Paul in Rome | Historical | ca. AD 67 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Martyrdom of Peter in Rome | Historical | ca. AD 67 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Jewish revolt begins against Rome | Historical | AD 66 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple | Matthew 24 (fulfilled); Josephus | AD 70 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| John exiled to Patmos | Revelation 1:9 | ca. AD 90–95 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| John writes Revelation | Revelation | ca. AD 95 | ✅ Widely Accepted |
| Death of the Apostle John | Historical | ca. AD 98–100 | 🟡 Traditional Estimate |
Approximate dates are provided based on traditional and scholarly consensus. Events are marked by confidence level.
✅ Academic Confidence Key
- ✅ Widely Accepted: Strong agreement from biblical scholars and ancient historians.
- 🟡 Traditional Estimate: Common tradition with some scholarly variance.
- ❌ Theologically Inferred: Based on internal biblical or theological dating.
