Bible Timeline

See how God’s plan unfolds across the centuries—toward Christ and His Church.

Guide: Bible Timeline Guide

14 results

Primeval History

Creation and Fall

God creates; humanity falls; promise of a Redeemer.

Genesis 1–3 opens salvation history. The protoevangelium (Gen 3:15) foreshadows Christ and Mary.

Reference: Gen 1–3; CCC 279–421

Patriarchs

The Patriarchs (c. 2000–1500 BC)

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Covenant, promise of land and descendants, and God’s fidelity despite human weakness.

Reference: Gen 12–50

Exodus

Exodus and Sinai (c. 1250 BC*)

Liberation from Egypt and the Covenant.

Passover, Law, Tabernacle—foundations of Israel’s liturgy and identity. *Traditional/scholarly dates vary.

Reference: Ex–Deut

Israel in the Land

Conquest and Judges

Entry into Canaan; cycles of sin and deliverance.

Joshua leads; Judges show need for faithful kingship fulfilled ultimately in Christ.

Reference: Josh–Ruth

Monarchy

United Monarchy (c. 1000–930 BC)

Saul, David, and Solomon.

Jerusalem becomes capital; Temple built; Psalms and wisdom flourish.

Reference: 1–2 Sam; 1 Kgs 1–11

Monarchy

Divided Kingdom & Prophets

Israel and Judah; classical prophecy.

Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah call to covenant fidelity.

Reference: 1–2 Kgs; Major/Minor Prophets

Exile

Exile (586 BC) and Return

Temple destroyed; hope of restoration.

Babylonian exile; edict of Cyrus; Second Temple; rise of synagogue life.

Reference: 2 Kgs 25; Ezra–Neh

Intertestamental

Maccabean Period

Persecution, fidelity, and purification of the Temple.

1–2 Maccabees (Catholic canon) narrate courage, martyrdom, and prayer for the dead.

Reference: 1–2 Macc

New Testament

Birth of Jesus (c. 4–6 BC)

Incarnation in the fullness of time.

Annunciation, Nativity, Presentation. God enters history under Caesar Augustus.

Reference: Lk 1–2; Gal 4:4

New Testament

Public Ministry (c. AD 27–30)

Teaching, miracles, and revelation of the Kingdom.

Baptism, Sermon on the Mount, parables, healings, and the Bread of Life.

Reference: Mt–Jn

New Testament

Paschal Mystery (c. AD 30)

Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension.

The center of time for Christians: the Cross and empty tomb.

Reference: Mt 26–28; 1 Cor 15

New Testament

Pentecost and Early Church

The Spirit descends; the Church is publicly born.

Peter’s preaching; communal life; mission to the nations.

Reference: Acts 2–15

New Testament

Pauline Mission & New Testament Writings

Gospel reaches the Gentile world.

Letters form the earliest Christian theological corpus; Gospels written for the churches.

Reference: Acts; NT Letters

Early Church

Destruction of the Temple (AD 70)

End of Temple sacrifice; Christian identity clarified.

Jerusalem falls to Rome; Church continues the true worship in spirit and truth—fulfilled in the Eucharist.

Reference: Lk 21; Heb