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The whole story, in order

Dates in the Bible come with very different levels of certainty. We mark each one honestly.

  1. 01

    Creation & primeval history

    • UncertainNot datable — theological narrative about origins

    God creates, humanity turns away, and God does not abandon it: creation, the fall, Noah, Babel.

    Genesis 1Genesis 3Genesis 11

  2. 02

    Abraham & the patriarchs

    • TraditionalTraditionally c. 2000–1700 BC
    • UncertainHistoricity and dating debated by scholars

    God calls Abraham and promises land, descendants and blessing to all nations; Isaac, Jacob, Joseph.

    Genesis 12:1–4Abraham

  3. 03

    Egypt & the Exodus

    • ApproximateOften placed in the 13th century BC; some prefer the 15th

    Slavery in Egypt, Moses, the Passover, the crossing of the sea, the covenant and Law at Sinai.

    Exodus 3:1–15Exodus 12Exodus 20Moses

  4. 04

    Conquest & Judges

    • Approximatec. 1200–1050 BC

    Israel in the land; a cycle of unfaithfulness, oppression and deliverance through judges.

    Judges 2:11–19

  5. 05

    The united kingdom: Saul, David, Solomon

    • Approximatec. 1050–930 BC

    Monarchy; David's kingdom and God's promise of an everlasting dynasty; Solomon builds the Temple.

    2 Samuel 7:12–161 Kings 8DavidSolomon

  6. 06

    Divided kingdom & the prophets

    • Firmc. 930 BC; Israel falls to Assyria 722/721 BC

    Israel (north) and Judah (south); prophets call the people back to the covenant.

    1 Kings 12Isaiah 6:1–8Isaiah

  7. 07

    Exile in Babylon

    • FirmJerusalem falls 587/586 BC

    The Temple destroyed; exile; hope of a new covenant and a new heart.

    Jeremiah 31:31–34Ezekiel 37:1–14JeremiahEzekielDaniel

  8. 08

    Return & rebuilding

    • FirmFrom 538 BC (edict of Cyrus)

    Return to Judah, the Second Temple, Ezra and Nehemiah.

    Ezra 1:1–4

  9. 09

    Second Temple period

    • Firmc. 515 BC – AD 70; Maccabean revolt 167–164 BC

    Persian, Greek and Roman rule; the Maccabees; growing expectation of the Messiah.

    1 Maccabees 1

  10. 10

    Jesus of Nazareth

    • ApproximateBorn c. 6–4 BC; public ministry c. AD 28–30; crucified c. AD 30 or 33

    Birth, ministry, parables and miracles, Passion, death and Resurrection.

    Luke 2:1–20Luke 15:11–32Luke 23:33–34Mary, Mother of JesusJosephJohn the BaptistPeter

  11. 11

    The apostles & Pentecost

    • ApproximateFrom c. AD 30

    The Spirit is poured out; Peter preaches; the Church grows from Jerusalem outward.

    Acts of the Apostles 2:1–41PeterPaul

  12. 12

    The early Church

    • ApproximatePaul's letters c. AD 50–65; Jerusalem destroyed AD 70

    Paul's journeys and letters; the Gospels written down; persecution and martyrdom in Rome.

    Acts of the Apostles 9:1–19Paul