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Can you give me a basic timeline of the Bible?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

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Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
In the most basic sense, the Bible timeline is endless and eternal, as it chronicles creation (date unknown; Genesis 1:1-31) through the end of ages (Matthew 28:20). From a more practical viewpoint...

July 01 2013 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair
Here's a basic timeline of key events in the Bible, focusing on the major periods:

1. Creation and Early Humanity (Genesis 1-11)

Creation (Day 1–6): God creates the universe, earth, and everything in it, including humanity (Adam and Eve).

The Fall: Adam and Eve sin by disobeying God, resulting in humanity's separation from God. “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

Promise of RedemptionFlood (Noah): Due to the corruption of humanity, God floods the earth but saves Noah, his family, and animals in an ark.

Tower of Babel: Humanity attempts to build a tower to heaven, but God scatters them and confuses their language.

2. The Patriarchs (Genesis 12-50)

Abraham: God promises Abraham that his descendants will become a great nation (Israel).

Isaac: The promised son of Abraham, through whom God's covenant is passed.

Jacob/Israel: Isaac’s son, who has 12 sons (the 12 tribes of Israel).

Joseph: Jacob's son, sold into slavery in Egypt, later becomes a leader there.

3. Exodus and the Wilderness (Exodus-Deuteronomy)

Exodus: God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses. The Israelites journey through the desert.

The Ten Commandments: God gives the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Wandering: The Israelites wander in the wilderness for 40 years due to their disobedience.

4. The Conquest of Canaan and the Judges (Joshua-1 Samuel)

Conquest: Under Joshua, the Israelites enter the Promised Land (Canaan).

Judges: Israel is ruled by judges who lead the people in times of crisis.

5. The United Kingdom (1 Samuel-1Kings 11)

Saul: Israel's first king, anointed by Samuel, but later rejected by God.

David: A man after God’s own heart, who unites the tribes and establishes Jerusalem as the capital.

Solomon: David’s son, known for his wisdom and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem.

6. The Divided Kingdom (1 Kings 12-2 Kings 25)

Division: After Solomon’s death, the kingdom splits into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah).

Prophets: Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and others prophesy to the kings and people, calling them to repentance.

Exile: Israel is conquered by Assyria, and Judah is conquered by Babylon, leading to the exile of the people.

7. The Exile and Return (Ezra-Nehemiah)

Babylonian Exile: The people of Judah are taken captive to Babylon.

Return: After 70 years, some Israelites return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah to rebuild the city and the Temple.

8. The Life of Jesus (Matthew-John)

Birth: Jesus is born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph.

Ministry: Jesus teaches, heals, and performs miracles, proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Death and Resurrection: Jesus is crucified for the sins of humanity, rises from the dead, and ascends to heaven. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

9. The Early Church (Acts-Jude)

Pentecost: The Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to spread the gospel.

Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul spreads the gospel across the Roman Empire.

Persecution: The early church faces persecution but continues to grow.

10. The Revelation (Revelation)

The Apocalypse: The Apostle John receives visions of the end times, the return of Christ, the final judgment...

March 14 2025 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


0
Mini Jeffrey Johnson Supporter
The Bible timeline runs from Creation to the Apostolic Age, moving through a clear sequence of major events.

Bible Timeline

Creation to Early Humanity (Genesis 1–11)

Creation of the world

Adam and Eve in Eden

The Fall

Cain & Abel

Noah and the Flood (before 2500 BC) Tower of Babel

The Patriarchs (c. 2100–1800 BC)

Abraham was called by God (c. 2091 BC)

Isaac was born (c. 2066 BC)

Jacob (Israel) and his 12 sons

Joseph sold into Egypt (c. 1898 BC)

Israel in Egypt & The Exodus (c. 1800–1400 BC)

Israelites enslaved in Egypt.

Moses leads the Exodus.

Ten Commandments given at Sinai

40 years in the wilderness

Joshua leads the entry into the Promised Land.

Judges to the United Kingdom (c. 1400–930 BC)

Period of Judges (Deborah, Gideon, Samson)

Saul becomes the first king

David becomes king

Solomon builds the First Temple

Divided Kingdom & Exile (930–538 BC)

Kingdom splits: 

Israel (North) & Judah (South)

Assyria destroys Israel (722 BC)

Babylon destroys Judah & the Temple (586 BC)
Exile in Babylon

Return & Second Temple Period (538–4 BC)

The Persian decree allows Jews to return.rn

Ezra & Nehemiah rebuild Jerusalem

Prophets: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Life of Jesus (c. 4 BC–AD 30)

Birth of Jesus

Ministry in Galilee & Judea 

Death of Jesus Christ, Resurrection, Ascension

Early Church & Apostolic Age (AD 30–100)

Pentecost and the spread of Christianity

Ministry of Peter, Paul, and other apostles

Letters to early churches from Paul

Revelation was written near the end of the 1st century.

4 days ago 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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