5 BC – AD 33 · 532 passages
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c. 2000–1000 BC – Jesus' ancestry from Abraham to King David (traditional dates for the patriarchs and David) Traditional date
Matthew opens his Gospel by tracing Jesus' family line from Abraham through Judah to King David. It presents Jesus as heir to the promises made to both men, and it names several women, including Tamar, Rahab and Ruth.
c. 1010–586 BC – the line of Judah's kings from David and Solomon to the Babylonian exile Well established
The list continues down the royal line from Solomon to Josiah and his sons, ending at the time Judah was carried off to Babylon.
586–c. 6 BC – from the exile in Babylon through the post-exilic period down to Jesus' birth Traditional date
The line continues from Jeconiah after the exile through Zerubbabel down to Joseph, husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born. Matthew sums it up as three sets of fourteen generations.
c. 7–5 BC – 'in the days of Herod king of Judea' (Herod died 4 BC); priest Zechariah and Elizabeth Dated in the text
Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth are introduced as faithful people who have no children and are now elderly.
c. 7–5 BC – Herod's reign: Gabriel appears to Zechariah during his division's temple service Traditional date
Chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple, Zechariah is startled by an angel standing beside the altar while the people pray outside.
c. 7–5 BC – Herod's reign: Gabriel appears to Zechariah during his division's temple service Traditional date
The angel says Zechariah's prayer is heard: Elizabeth will bear a son, John, who will be filled with the Holy Spirit and will prepare Israel for the Lord in the spirit of Elijah.
c. 7–5 BC – Herod's reign: Gabriel appears to Zechariah during his division's temple service Traditional date
Zechariah asks for proof because of their age, and Gabriel makes him unable to speak until the birth. Zechariah returns home, and Elizabeth conceives and praises God for removing her disgrace.
c. 7–5 BC – Herod's reign: Gabriel's announcement to Mary in Nazareth, six months after Elizabeth's Traditional date
Gabriel tells the young virgin Mary she will conceive a son named Jesus, who will be called Son of the Most High and reign on David's throne forever. Mary asks how, is told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and accepts.
c. 7–5 BC – Herod's reign: Mary visits Elizabeth in Judea's hill country Traditional date
Mary hurries to Elizabeth, whose baby leaps at her greeting. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth blesses Mary and calls her the mother of her Lord.
c. 7–5 BC – Herod's reign: Mary visits Elizabeth in Judea's hill country Traditional date
Mary praises God for looking on her humble state and celebrates how He has shown mercy, humbled the proud, lifted the lowly, and kept His promise to Abraham. She then stays about three months and returns home.
c. 6–5 BC – before Jesus' birth, late in the reign of Herod the Great (Herod died 4 BC) Best estimate
Mary, engaged to Joseph, is found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Joseph plans to end the engagement quietly, but an angel tells him in a dream to take Mary as his wife and name the child Jesus, who will save his people from their sins.
c. 6–5 BC – before Jesus' birth, late in the reign of Herod the Great (Herod died 4 BC) Best estimate
Matthew says these events fulfilled a prophecy that a virgin would bear a son called Immanuel, 'God with us.' Joseph obeys the angel, takes Mary as his wife, and names the child Jesus after he is born.
c. 6–5 BC – Magi reach Jerusalem and ask Herod the Great about a newborn king (Herod d. 4 BC) Best estimate
Magi from the east arrive in Jerusalem asking where the newborn King of the Jews is, because they saw his star. Herod, troubled, asks the chief priests and scribes, who point to Bethlehem based on the prophet's words.
c. 6–4 BC – the Magi find Jesus at Bethlehem; Herod the Great still reigning Best estimate
Herod secretly sends the Magi to Bethlehem, asking them to report back. They follow the star, find the child with Mary, worship him and give gifts, then return home by another route after a warning in a dream.
c. 6–4 BC – Herod's reign: John born about nine months after Zechariah's vision Traditional date
Elizabeth gives birth, and at the circumcision she insists the boy be called John. Zechariah confirms it in writing, his speech returns, and the neighbors wonder what the child will become.
c. 6–4 BC – Herod's reign: John born about nine months after Zechariah's vision Traditional date
Filled with the Spirit, Zechariah blesses God for raising up salvation from David's house as promised to Abraham. He then tells John he will prepare the way of the Lord and bring knowledge of forgiveness.
c. 6–4 BC – Jesus born at Bethlehem during a Roman census (Herod the Great d. 4 BC; dating debated) Traditional date
A Roman census sends Joseph and the expectant Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David. There she gives birth to her firstborn son and lays Him in a manger.
c. 6–4 BC – angels and shepherds near Bethlehem on the night of Jesus' birth Traditional date
An angel tells terrified shepherds that a Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born and that they will find Him in a manger. A crowd of angels then praises God.
c. 6–4 BC – angels and shepherds near Bethlehem on the night of Jesus' birth Traditional date
The shepherds go to Bethlehem, find the baby as told, and spread the message, while Mary quietly treasures these things. They return praising God.
c. 6–4 BC – Jesus circumcised on the eighth day, presented in the Jerusalem temple at forty days Traditional date
At eight days Jesus is circumcised and named as the angel directed. Later His parents bring Him to Jerusalem to be presented and to offer the sacrifice the Law requires.
c. 6–4 BC – Simeon and Anna meet the infant Jesus in the temple Traditional date
Simeon, told by the Spirit he would see the Lord's Christ, takes Jesus in his arms and praises God for salvation for all peoples. He warns Mary that the child will divide many and that a sword will pierce her own soul.
c. 6–4 BC – Simeon and Anna meet the infant Jesus in the temple Traditional date
The elderly prophetess Anna gives thanks and tells everyone awaiting redemption about the child. The family then returns to Nazareth, where Jesus grows in wisdom.
c. 5–4 BC – flight to Egypt; Herod the Great's killing of Bethlehem's boys before his death in 4 BC Best estimate
An angel warns Joseph in a dream that Herod will search for the child to kill him. Joseph takes Mary and Jesus by night to Egypt, where they stay until Herod dies, which Matthew links to 'Out of Egypt I called My Son.'
c. 5–4 BC – flight to Egypt; Herod the Great's killing of Bethlehem's boys before his death in 4 BC Best estimate
Furious at being outwitted, Herod orders the killing of all boys in Bethlehem aged two and under. Matthew ties the grief of that moment to Jeremiah's words about Rachel weeping for her children.
c. 5 BC – AD 28 – John's hidden years until his public appearance (Luke 3:1) Traditional date
A single verse sums up John's childhood: he grew strong in spirit and lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
c. 4 BC – after Herod the Great's death; Archelaus rules Judea, so the family settles in Nazareth Traditional date
After Herod dies, an angel tells Joseph in a dream to go back to Israel. Fearing Herod's son Archelaus, Joseph is warned in a dream and settles the family in Nazareth in Galilee.
c. AD 6–8 – Jesus at twelve visits Jerusalem for Passover (age twelve, if born c. 6–4 BC) Best estimate
Jesus stays behind in Jerusalem, and His parents find Him after three days among the teachers. He says he had to be in His Father's house, though they do not understand, and He returns home and grows.
c. AD 27–29 – John the Baptist preaches by the Jordan (Luke: Tiberius' 15th year) Traditional date
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness calling people to repent because the kingdom of heaven is near. Matthew links him to Isaiah's 'voice in the wilderness,' and crowds come to confess their sins and be baptized in the Jordan.
c. AD 27–29 – John the Baptist preaches by the Jordan (Luke: Tiberius' 15th year) Traditional date
John sharply challenges the Pharisees and Sadducees to show real repentance and not rely on being descended from Abraham. He warns of coming judgment and announces a more powerful One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
c. AD 27–29 – Jesus' baptism by John, at the start of his ministry Traditional date
Jesus comes from Galilee to be baptized by John, who hesitates but consents when Jesus says it fits God's purposes. As Jesus comes up from the water, the Spirit descends like a dove and a voice from heaven calls him the beloved Son.
c. AD 27–29 – Jesus tempted in the wilderness, right after his baptism Traditional date
After fasting forty days, Jesus is tempted by the devil to turn stones to bread, to throw himself from the temple, and to worship the devil for the world's kingdoms. Each time Jesus answers with Scripture, and the devil leaves.
c. AD 27–29 – John the Baptist preaches in the Judean wilderness (Luke 3:1 dates his start to Tiberius' 15th year, AD 28–29) Traditional date
Mark opens by naming his book the gospel of Jesus Christ and quoting prophecy about a messenger who will prepare the Lord's way in the wilderness.
c. AD 27–29 – John the Baptist preaches in the Judean wilderness (Luke 3:1 dates his start to Tiberius' 15th year, AD 28–29) Traditional date
John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes crowds in the Jordan, living simply in the wilderness. He announces that a more powerful one is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 27–29 – John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan, under Pontius Pilate (prefect AD 26–36) and Herod Antipas Traditional date
Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized by John. The Spirit descends like a dove and a voice from heaven calls him the beloved Son.
c. AD 27–29 – just after his baptism, forty days of testing in the Judean wilderness Traditional date
The Spirit sends Jesus into the wilderness, where he spends forty days being tempted by Satan, with wild animals around and angels serving him.
c. AD 27–29 – John the Baptist's ministry begins (Luke dates it to Tiberius's 15th year, AD 28–29) Traditional date
A man named John is sent to testify about the true Light. The Light enters the world but is not recognized or received by many, though those who receive Him become children of God.
c. AD 27–29 – at Bethany beyond the Jordan, John questioned by priests and Levites from Jerusalem Traditional date
Priests, Levites and Pharisees from Jerusalem question John. He says he is not the Christ, Elijah or the Prophet, calls himself a voice from Isaiah, and points to One coming after him.
c. AD 27–29 – the day after: John sees Jesus and names him the Lamb of God Traditional date
Seeing Jesus approach, John calls Him the Lamb of God who takes away the world's sin. He describes seeing the Spirit descend on Him and testifies that He is the Son of God.
c. AD 27–29 – next day: Andrew and another follow Jesus Traditional date
Two of John's disciples, one being Andrew, follow Jesus and spend the day with Him. Andrew brings his brother Simon, whom Jesus renames Cephas, meaning Peter.
c. AD 27–29 – the following day: Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael Traditional date
Jesus calls Philip, who brings Nathanael. Nathanael doubts Nazareth but then confesses Jesus as Son of God and King of Israel, and Jesus promises he will see greater things.
c. AD 27–28 – early in Jesus' ministry: first sign at Cana in Galilee Traditional date
At a wedding in Cana the wine runs out. At His mother's prompting, Jesus has servants fill jars with water, which becomes fine wine. John calls this the first sign, revealing His glory.
Passover, c. AD 27–28 – first Passover of Jesus' ministry; temple 'built forty-six years' (from Herod's start c. 20 BC) Traditional date
At Passover Jesus drives merchants and money changers from the temple courts. Asked for a sign, He speaks of raising the temple in three days, which John explains refers to His body.
Passover, c. AD 27–28 – people believe in Jesus at the feast in Jerusalem Traditional date
Many believe because of the signs, but Jesus does not entrust Himself to them because He knows human nature without needing anyone to tell Him.
c. AD 27–28 – at night in Jerusalem, Nicodemus comes to Jesus Traditional date
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish leader, visits Jesus by night. Jesus says one must be born again, or born of water and Spirit, and compares the Spirit's working to the wind.
c. AD 27–28 – at night in Jerusalem, Nicodemus comes to Jesus Traditional date
Puzzled, Nicodemus asks how this can be. Jesus rebukes his lack of understanding, speaks of testifying to what He has seen, and says the Son of Man must be lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness.
c. AD 27–28 – at night in Jerusalem, Nicodemus comes to Jesus Traditional date
Jesus (or John's reflection on His words) says God gave His Son so that believers would have eternal life, that He came to save rather than condemn, and that people avoid the Light because of their deeds.
c. AD 28–29 – Jesus baptizes in Judea while John, not yet jailed, baptizes at Aenon Best estimate
Jesus and His disciples baptize in Judea while John also baptizes nearby. John's disciples worry that everyone is going to Jesus, and John replies that he is only the bridegroom's friend and Jesus must increase.
c. AD 28–29 – Jesus baptizes in Judea while John, not yet jailed, baptizes at Aenon Best estimate
Speaking of the One who comes from heaven, the speaker says He testifies to what He has seen, speaks God's words with the Spirit without limit, and those who believe in the Son have eternal life.
c. AD 28–29 – after John's arrest, Jesus begins preaching and calling disciples in Galilee Best estimate
Hearing that John was imprisoned, Jesus withdraws to Galilee and settles in Capernaum. Matthew sees Isaiah's words about a great light for Galilee fulfilled, and Jesus begins preaching the same message John did: repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.
c. AD 28–29 – after John's arrest, Jesus begins preaching and calling disciples in Galilee Best estimate
Walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls two pairs of fishermen brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, then James and John. They immediately leave their nets, boat and family to follow him.
c. AD 28–29 – after John's arrest, Jesus begins preaching and calling disciples in Galilee Best estimate
Jesus travels throughout Galilee teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing many kinds of sickness. His fame spreads and large crowds from many regions follow him.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Jesus opens his teaching by declaring who is blessed: the poor in spirit, mourners, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, peacemakers and the persecuted. He tells his followers to rejoice, since prophets before them were also persecuted.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Jesus calls his followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Their good deeds should be visible so that others will glorify the Father in heaven.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Jesus says he has come not to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them. He says the Law's commands still matter and that his followers' righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Quoting the command against murder, Jesus says anger and insults toward a brother also bring judgment. He urges settling disputes quickly, even before offering a gift at the altar.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Jesus says that looking at a woman with lust is already adultery in the heart. He uses vivid exaggeration, about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand, to stress how seriously sin should be dealt with.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Jesus recalls the rule about giving a certificate of divorce and says that divorcing a wife, except for sexual immorality, leads to adultery. It is a strict standard meant to protect the woman's position.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Jesus tells his followers not to swear by heaven, earth, Jerusalem or their own head. Their plain 'Yes' and 'No' should be enough.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Jesus cites 'eye for eye' and tells his followers not to resist an evil person by force: turn the other cheek, give the cloak also, go the second mile and give to those who ask.
c. AD 28–29 – the Sermon on the Mount, early in the Galilean ministry (Luke places a parallel sermon later) Best estimate
Jesus tells his hearers to love their enemies and pray for persecutors, imitating a Father who gives sun and rain to good and bad alike. Loving only those who love you is nothing special, and they are to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.