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Bible Learning

The Bible Timeline at a Glance

From creation to the early church, here is the big sweep of the Bible laid out by era. Tap any event to read its character or event story. Dates are traditional and approximate.

Old Testament

Creation & the Early World

In the beginning

God makes the world and humanity; the first disobedience breaks the relationship, and that brokenness spreads into the story of all humanity.

  1. CreationGod makes the world and all life by his word.
  2. Adam and EveThe first humans, made in God's image.
  3. The FallOne act of disobedience lets sin and death enter.
  4. Noah's FloodJudgment, the ark, and the rainbow covenant.
  5. Tower of BabelProud humanity is scattered and languages divide.
Old Testament

The Patriarchs

Traditionally c. 2000 BC

God chooses one family — the descendants of Abraham — and begins the promise that "all nations will be blessed."

  1. The Call of AbrahamThe father of faith who left home trusting a promise.
  2. IsaacThe son of promise who carried the covenant on.
  3. JacobFather of the twelve tribes of Israel.
  4. JosephThrough suffering, he saved his family and a nation.
Old Testament

The Exodus & Wilderness

Traditionally c. 1500–1400 BC

God delivers enslaved Israel out of Egypt and, at Mount Sinai, makes them his covenant people.

  1. The ExodusThe ten plagues, Passover, and crossing the Red Sea.
  2. MosesThe liberator who led the people and mediated the Law.
  3. The Ten CommandmentsThe words of the covenant given at Sinai.
  4. AaronIsrael's first high priest.
Old Testament

Conquest & the Judges

Traditionally c. 1400–1050 BC

Israel enters the promised land, but in a kingless, turbulent age, cycles of failure and rescue repeat.

  1. The Fall of JerichoThe first victory, won by obedient faith.
  2. JoshuaThe leader who brought Israel into the land.
  3. DeborahA prophet and judge who led by faith.
  4. Gideon & SamsonJudges used by God in their weakness.
  5. RuthA story of loyalty and restoration in a dark age.
Old Testament

The United Kingdom

Traditionally c. 1050–930 BC

The people ask for a king, and the kingdom is established through Saul, David, and Solomon.

  1. SamuelThe last judge and the prophet who anointed kings.
  2. SaulIsrael's first king and his tragic fall.
  3. David & GoliathShepherd David defeats a giant and becomes king.
  4. SolomonThe wise king who built the temple.
Old Testament

Divided Kingdom & Prophets

Traditionally c. 930–586 BC

The kingdom splits in two, and the prophets call for repentance and proclaim restoration.

  1. Elijah & ElishaProphets of power who confronted idolatry.
  2. IsaiahHe sang of the suffering servant and coming Savior.
  3. JeremiahHe warned of ruin yet promised a new covenant.
  4. JonahSent to Nineveh, the enemy city.
Old Testament

Exile & Return

Traditionally c. 586–430 BC

Jerusalem falls and the people are exiled, yet God brings them back home again.

  1. DanielFaith kept in the heart of Babylon.
  2. EstherA Persian queen who risked her life to save her people.
  3. NehemiahHe rebuilt the fallen walls of Jerusalem.
New Testament

The Life of Jesus

Traditionally c. 4 BC – AD 30

Jesus, the promised Messiah, comes and teaches, and accomplishes salvation through the cross and resurrection.

  1. The NativityThe Word becomes flesh, born in Bethlehem.
  2. John the BaptistThe prophet who prepared the way of the Lord.
  3. Jesus ChristHe taught and revealed the kingdom of God.
  4. The Last SupperThe new-covenant meal shared with the disciples.
  5. The CrucifixionHis death, bearing the sin of humanity.
  6. The ResurrectionRising again, conquering death.
  7. The AscensionAscending to heaven with the promise to return.
New Testament

The Early Church

c. AD 30 onward

The Spirit comes, the church is born, and the gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

  1. PentecostThe Spirit comes and the church is born.
  2. PeterThe apostle who led the early church.
  3. StephenThe first martyr, who died for the gospel.
  4. CorneliusThe turning point: the gospel opens to the Gentiles.
  5. Paul's MissionThe apostle who carried the gospel to the nations.

※ The dates shown are traditional approximations, and scholars differ on them.