Biblical Timeline
A simple overview of the major stories from Genesis to Revelation.
Genesis & Early History (Pre-2000 BC)
The biblical story begins with the creation of the world and humanity. It covers the Fall of Man, the Great Flood, and the Tower of Babel, which led to the scattering of nations and the confusion of languages.
The Patriarchs (c. 2000 – 1700 BC)
This period focuses on the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, through whom God established His covenant. The story of Joseph in Egypt concludes this era, setting the stage for the Israelites’ eventual slavery.
Exodus & Law (c. 1446 BC)
Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. After crossing the Red Sea, they travel to Mount Sinai where God gives them the Law, including the Ten Commandments, to guide their lives as a holy nation.
Conquest & Judges (c. 1400 – 1050 BC)
Under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites conquer the Promised Land. After his death, they enter a period ruled by “judges,” where they fall into a cycle of disobedience, oppression by enemies, and eventual deliverance by a divinely appointed leader.
The Kingdom (c. 1050 – 931 BC)
Israel unites under its first kings: Saul, followed by the great King David, and his son Solomon. After Solomon’s death, the kingdom is divided into two nations: Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
Prophets & Exile (c. 931 – 586 BC)
God sends prophets to warn the divided kingdoms to repent from their sin. When they refuse, both Israel (in 722 BC) and Judah (in 586 BC) are conquered and taken into exile by foreign empires, with the Temple in Jerusalem being destroyed.
Return & Silent Years (c. 538 – 4 BC)
The Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city and Temple. This is followed by a period of approximately 400 years where no new prophetic books are written, as the people await the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The Gospels (c. 4 BC – AD 33)
The New Testament begins with the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The Gospels document His life, miracles, and teachings, culminating in His crucifixion, death, and resurrection to atone for humanity’s sin.
The Church & Epistles (c. AD 33 – 100)
The Book of Acts records the Holy Spirit’s coming and the establishment of the early church. The rest of the New Testament consists of letters (epistles) written by apostles like Paul, Peter, and John to guide and encourage the spreading Christian communities.
Revelation (c. AD 95)
The Bible concludes with a prophetic vision given to the apostle John. It describes the final triumph of Jesus over all evil, the end of the world as we know it, and the glorious establishment of a new heaven and new earth.
Biblical Timeline: Genesis to Revelation
| Period | Circa Date | Event | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Beginning to the Patriarchs | |||
| 4000-2400 BC | The Creation and The Fall of Man | Genesis 1-3 | |
| 2348 BC | The Flood and Noah’s Ark | Genesis 6-9 | |
| 2091 BC | The Call of Abraham | Genesis 12 | |
| 1876 BC | Jacob’s Family moves to Egypt | Genesis 46 | |
| The Exodus to the United Kingdom | |||
| 1446 BC | The Exodus from Egypt | Exodus 12 | |
| 1406 BC | Israel enters the Promised Land | Joshua 3 | |
| 1051 BC | Saul becomes the first King of Israel | 1 Samuel 10 | |
| 1004 BC | David becomes King over all Israel | 2 Samuel 5 | |
| 966 BC | Solomon begins building the First Temple | 1 Kings 6 | |
| The Divided Kingdom and Exile | |||
| 931 BC | The Kingdom Divides into Israel and Judah | 1 Kings 12 | |
| 722 BC | The Northern Kingdom (Israel) falls to Assyria | 2 Kings 17 | |
| 586 BC | The Fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the Temple | 2 Kings 25 | |
| 538 BC | The First Return of the Exiles to Jerusalem | Ezra 1 | |
| The Gospels and the Early Church | |||
| 4 BC | The Birth of Jesus | Matthew 1-2, Luke 2 | |
| 26 AD | Jesus is baptized and begins His ministry | Matthew 3-4 | |
| 30 AD | The Triumphal Entry | Matthew 21 | |
| 30 AD | The **Wednesday Crucifixion** | Mark 15 | |
| 30 AD | The Resurrection of Jesus | Matthew 28, John 20 | |
| 30 AD | The Day of Pentecost | Acts 2 | |
| 34 AD | The Conversion of Saul (Paul) | Acts 9 | |
| The Apostles and Revelation | |||
| 50-58 AD | Paul’s Missionary Journeys and Epistles | Acts and various Epistles | |
| 67 AD | The martyrdom of Peter and Paul | Historical Tradition | |
| 95 AD | The Book of Revelation is written by John | Revelation 1 | |