Bible Timeline
A simple, chronological walk through Bible history. All dates are approximate; the exact date of some early events is debated. This is intended as a helpful map, not a precise chart.
Old Testament Timeline
- c. 2000 BC
Abraham
Called by God to leave Ur and travel to the land of Canaan. Beginning of the covenant story.
- c. 1900 BC
Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
The patriarchs. The family of Israel eventually settles in Egypt during a great famine.
- c. 1400–1250 BC
Exodus and Sinai
Moses leads Israel out of Egypt. The Ten Commandments are given at Mount Sinai. (Scholars debate the exact date.)
- c. 1200 BC
Settlement in Canaan; Judges
Joshua leads Israel into the land. A long period of tribal leaders (judges), including Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.
- c. 1050 BC
Saul, the first king
The united monarchy begins.
- c. 1010–970 BC
King David
Establishes Jerusalem as capital. Traditional author of many Psalms.
- c. 970–930 BC
King Solomon
Builds the first Temple. Traditionally associated with Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
- c. 930 BC
The kingdom divides
Israel (north) and Judah (south) become separate kingdoms.
- 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
Assyria destroys Israel and carries much of its population into exile.
- 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylon destroys the Temple and exiles Judah. Prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel speak into this season.
- 539 BC
Persian Empire rises
King Cyrus permits Jewish exiles to return home.
- c. 516 BC
Second Temple completed
Under leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah.
- c. 430 BC
Malachi and the close of the Old Testament
A long period of relative silence follows.
New Testament Timeline
- c. 6–4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Born in Bethlehem during the reign of Caesar Augustus.
- c. AD 27–30
Public ministry of Jesus
Baptism, teaching, healings, and calling of the twelve disciples.
- c. AD 30–33
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. The event that reshapes the calendar of Western civilization.
- c. AD 30–33
Pentecost and the Jerusalem church
The Holy Spirit descends on the disciples; the first Christian community forms.
- c. AD 34
Conversion of Saul (Paul)
On the road to Damascus. He becomes the leading missionary to non-Jewish peoples.
- c. AD 46–60
Paul’s missionary journeys
Founding churches across Asia Minor and Greece; writing many of the New Testament letters.
- c. AD 50–95
New Testament written
Gospels, Acts, letters, and Revelation composed over about half a century.
- AD 70
Destruction of the Temple
Rome destroys Jerusalem after a Jewish revolt. Christianity increasingly a distinct movement.
- c. AD 90–95
Revelation and Gospel of John
Written during a season of Roman persecution.
How to use this timeline
Skim it. Print it if you like. When you read a Bible book, come back here to see roughly when it fits — and what was happening in the wider world around it. Context makes almost every passage of Scripture come alive.
Continue with our Bible History overview or explore individual Bible characters.