When I taught Old Testament and Hebrew at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, I usually could predict who would do well in a Hebrew Grammar class. Those people who were highly motivated and worked hard, of course, would inevitably do well. I found that motivation had more to do with good grades than inate ability. One other area had a profound impact–how the student learned. I, and every other teacher, teaches in the way you learn–the way that makes sense to you. When I found students who learned as I did and worked hard, they usually led the class in good grades.
In order to learn, I need to “see” events in my mind. I need an understanding of the sequence and timeline of events. If you learn in the basic way I do, you are going to love today’s post.
This is a timeline for the events of the New Testament. It should give you a different look at how the New Testament fits together.
Jesus’ earthly life 6/5 BC-AD 30
Jesus birth 6/5 BC
The crucifixion and resurrection AD 30
Paul’s conversion AD 35 (Acts 9)
Paul’s First Missionary Journey AD 46-48 (Acts 13-14)
Council of Jerusalem AD 50-51 (Acts 15)
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey AD 50-52 (Acts 15:36-18:22)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey AD 52-53 (Acts 18:23-21:17)
Paul’s First Imprisonment in Rome AD 59-62
The Gospel of Mark Written AD 60-66
Paul’s Imprisonment and Death AD 67-68
The Gospel of Luke Written AD 60-66
The Destruction of Jerusalem and Its Temple AD 70
Book of Acts Written AD 63-70 (After Luke’s Gospel, Acts 1)
The Gospel of Matthew Written AD 70-80
The Gospel of John Written AD 89-95
John’s Exile on Patmos AD 89-95
This is not a complete timeline by any means. To make it complete, I would need to add the Ceasars in Rome and many other events, including the time of writing of other books (James and Hebrews, for example) along with other non-biblical historical events. This is simply an attempt to help you get started and think deeper about this most important topic.
Those of you who are veteran students of the New Testament know I am making many assumptions. Please be sure to ask questions about the assumptions and give me your views as well. If I have something to add, I will reply to your comments.
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2 Responses
The timeline is a great thread but only one, all-be-it a big one, in the tapestry of history. As important as a timeline is, it is equally important to understand the circumstances or context of the life within the timeline; a much more difficult task. An example would be the difference in cultures Paul penetrated with the leadership of the Holy Spirit. As the Chairman of the Community Committees on Aging Liaison Committee I was able to utilize the principles found in Romans 12, 13 and 14 to heal and develop working relationships between rival factions. The work was successful until I made it clear at a Board Meeting I was using the teachings of Scripture to heal the deep wounds I found in a particular Community Council on Aging and the credit was not mine, as I was just following God’s directions. The turn of events after 4 successful years of making positive change and being the author of the Katrina Awards was sadly amazing, as a tribal humanistic mentality of Board Members dominated after that point. It was a moment of clarity for me in the battle field at the horror these “Christians” expressed at the inappropriateness of bringing God into the meeting after ceremony, the invocation of the opening prayer. I can only wonder at the abandonment Christ must have felt on the Cross, as I asked God what was up as years of relationship building crumbled around me. The shark was jumped.
Thank you. I will make a copy for members of my ABF . Not all will see this nor do all have a PC.