Biblical Timeline
Key events from Creation to the Early Church
Life of Jesus
~6 BCE-33 CE
Birth of Jesus
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod the Great, who died in 4 BCE — placing Jesus's birth at approximately 6-4 BCE. Mary and Joseph had traveled to Bethlehem for a Roman census. Shepherds and later Magi visited the newborn.
Baptism of Jesus
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of his public ministry. The Spirit descended like a dove and a voice from heaven said: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Luke 3:1 dates this to the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar (~26-29 AD).
Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivered his most extensive recorded teaching, including the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, the Golden Rule, and the call to be "salt of the earth" and "light of the world." This sermon defines the ethical foundation of Christianity.
Feeding of the 5,000
The only miracle (besides the Resurrection) recorded in all four Gospels. Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000 men (plus women and children) with five loaves and two fish, with twelve baskets of fragments remaining.
The Transfiguration
Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain where his appearance was transformed — "his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." Moses and Elijah appeared with him, and God's voice declared: "This is my beloved Son; hear him."
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as crowds spread palm branches and cloaks on the road, crying "Hosanna to the son of David!" This fulfilled Zechariah 9:9 and marked the beginning of Passion Week.
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was crucified at Golgotha under the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. Most scholars date this to either April 7, 30 AD or April 3, 33 AD, based on astronomical calculations of Passover dates and the 15th year of Tiberius (Luke 3:1). Darkness covered the land from the sixth to the ninth hour.
Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day after crucifixion, women found Jesus's tomb empty. The risen Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and over 500 people over a period of 40 days (1 Corinthians 15:6). This event is the foundation of Christian faith.
Ascension of Jesus
Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus led his disciples to the Mount of Olives and "was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." Two angels told the disciples he would return "in like manner."
Annunciation — Angel Gabriel Visits Mary
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in Nazareth, announcing she would conceive and bear the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary responded with submission: 'let it be to me according to your word.' This event marks the beginning of the Incarnation.
John the Baptist Born
Elizabeth, Mary's relative and wife of the priest Zechariah, gave birth to John six months before Jesus. Zechariah had been struck mute for doubting the angel's announcement. At the child's circumcision Zechariah's speech was restored and he prophesied over John.
Visit of the Magi
Wise men from the East followed a star to find the young Jesus, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Scripture does not specify their number or names — only that they brought three types of gifts. They visited a 'house' not a manger, suggesting Jesus may have been up to two years old.
Flight to Egypt
Warned in a dream, Joseph took Mary and the infant Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre of children in Bethlehem. Matthew records this as fulfilling Hosea 11:1: 'Out of Egypt I called my son.' The family remained until Herod's death.
Massacre of the Innocents
Herod the Great, realizing the Magi had not returned, ordered the killing of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity. Matthew records this as fulfilling Jeremiah 31:15. Josephus does not mention this specific event but records numerous atrocities by Herod in his final years.
Return from Egypt and Settlement in Nazareth
After Herod's death the family returned from Egypt. Joseph was warned in a dream not to return to Judea (where Herod's son Archelaus now ruled) and went instead to Galilee, settling in Nazareth. Matthew records this fulfilled: 'He shall be called a Nazarene.'
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
In accordance with the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for purification and presentation. Simeon, a righteous man to whom the Holy Spirit had promised he would see the Messiah, held Jesus and declared 'now you are letting your servant depart in peace.' The prophetess Anna also praised God.
Jesus at Age 12 in the Temple
The only recorded event from Jesus's childhood. During Passover in Jerusalem, the 12-year-old Jesus remained behind in the Temple after his parents departed. After three days they found him sitting with the teachers, listening and asking questions. When Mary rebuked him he replied: 'Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?'
Ministry of John the Baptist
John the Baptist began his ministry in the wilderness of Judea preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan River. Luke dates the beginning of his ministry to the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar (~26-29 AD depending on how the regnal year is calculated). He is identified as the fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3: 'a voice crying in the wilderness.'
Temptation in the Wilderness
Immediately after his baptism Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he fasted 40 days and was tempted three times by the devil — to turn stones to bread, to throw himself from the Temple pinnacle, and to worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus answered each temptation with scripture from Deuteronomy.
First Disciples Called at the Jordan
Andrew and another disciple (traditionally identified as John) followed Jesus after John the Baptist pointed to him saying 'Behold, the Lamb of God.' Andrew then brought his brother Simon Peter. The next day Philip was called and brought Nathanael (likely Bartholomew). These were the first disciples.
Wedding at Cana — First Miracle
At a wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus turned water into wine at his mother's prompting after the wine ran out. John records this as the first of Jesus's signs, noting it 'manifested his glory' and his disciples believed in him. Jesus told the servants to fill six stone water jars — the wine produced was of superior quality according to the master of the feast.
Cleansing of the Temple (First)
John records Jesus driving out money changers and animal sellers from the Temple in Jerusalem early in his ministry, overturning their tables and declaring: 'Do not make my Father's house a house of trade.' When asked for a sign Jesus replied: 'Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up' — referring to his body. The synoptics record a similar event at the end of his ministry.
Jesus and Nicodemus
A Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council named Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. Jesus told him: 'Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' When Nicodemus asked how this was possible, Jesus explained spiritual rebirth and spoke the words recorded in John 3:16.
Jesus and the Woman at the Well
Traveling through Samaria, Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well in Sychar. He revealed knowledge of her five husbands and offered her 'living water.' She became the first person Jesus explicitly told he was the Messiah. Many Samaritans believed because of her testimony.
Rejection at Nazareth
Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth and read from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, declaring: 'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.' The crowd initially marveled but turned hostile when Jesus implied Gentiles would receive what Israel rejected. They attempted to throw him from a cliff; he passed through their midst.
The Twelve Apostles Chosen
After a night of prayer Jesus chose twelve from his disciples and named them apostles: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. They were given authority to preach and cast out demons.
Healing of the Centurion's Servant
A Roman centurion in Capernaum sent elders to ask Jesus to heal his dying servant. When Jesus came near the centurion said he was unworthy for Jesus to enter his house and that Jesus only needed to say the word. Jesus declared he had not found such faith in all Israel. The servant was healed at that hour.
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead four days after burial in Bethany near Jerusalem. John records Jesus wept at the tomb. Jesus prayed aloud and then commanded: 'Lazarus, come out.' John records this miracle directly provoked the Sanhedrin's decision to seek Jesus's death, with the high priest Caiaphas prophesying unknowingly that one man should die for the people.
The Last Supper
On the night before his crucifixion Jesus shared a final Passover meal with his twelve disciples. He instituted the Lord's Supper with bread and cup, washed the disciples' feet, predicted Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial, and gave the farewell discourse recorded in John 13-17. This meal is observed as communion/Eucharist across all Christian traditions.
Gethsemane — Jesus Prays Before Arrest
After the Last Supper Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives with his disciples and prayed in great anguish: 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.' Luke records an angel strengthened him and his sweat became like great drops of blood. Judas then led the arrest party.
Trial Before the Sanhedrin
After his arrest Jesus was brought before the high priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. The high priest asked directly: 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?' Jesus replied: 'I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.' The Sanhedrin condemned him for blasphemy and handed him to Pilate.
Trial Before Pontius Pilate
Pilate questioned Jesus and found no basis for charges. He attempted to release Jesus by offering the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas (a convicted insurrectionist), but the crowd demanded crucifixion. Pilate washed his hands publicly and handed Jesus over. This trial is confirmed by both Tacitus and Josephus as independent non-Christian sources.
Peter's Denial
During Jesus's trial Peter denied knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crowed — exactly as Jesus had predicted. After the third denial Peter remembered Jesus's words and wept bitterly. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, notable for its honest portrayal of the chief apostle's failure.
Death of Judas Iscariot
After Jesus was condemned Judas returned the 30 silver pieces to the chief priests, declared 'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,' and went out and hanged himself. Matthew records the priests used the money to buy a potter's field called the Field of Blood. Acts 1:18-19 describes him falling headlong and his body bursting open — different in detail but recording the same death.
Burial in Joseph of Arimathea's Tomb
Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin who had not consented to Jesus's death, requested the body from Pilate and buried Jesus in his own new tomb hewn from rock, sealed with a large stone. Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes for burial preparation. Matthew records Pilate assigned guards to the tomb at the request of the chief priests.
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Acts 1:3 records Jesus appearing to the apostles over a period of 40 days speaking about the kingdom of God. Paul's early creed in 1 Corinthians 15 lists: Cephas, then the twelve, then more than 500 at once (most still living when Paul wrote), then James, then all the apostles, then Paul himself. The Great Commission was given during this period.
36 events · Sources: Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts