BIBLE BOOKS IN CHRONOLOGICAL SEQUENCE OF WRITING

(All dates are approximations, according to conservative scholars.)

THE OLD TESTAMENT

Job
2000-1500 BC, possibly written later around 1440 BC
Often considered the oldest book in the Bible, potentially written during the time of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). A poetic dialogue on suffering and God's justice. Job, a righteous man, endures great suffering and seeks answers from God.
 
Genesis
ca 1445 BC, traditionally attributed to Moses
The book of beginnings – creation, the fall, the flood, and the patriarchal stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, ending with Israel in Egypt.
 
Exodus
ca 1445 BC, traditionally attributed to Moses
Describes Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and instructions for the Tabernacle.
 
Leviticus
ca 1445 BC, traditionally attributed to Moses
Contains laws regarding worship, sacrifices, and holiness, outlining how Israel is to live as a holy nation in relationship with God.
 
Numbers
ca 1407 BC, traditionally attributed to Moses
Chronicles Israel's wilderness wanderings, focusing on their disobedience, God's provision, and the preparation to enter the Promised Land.
 
Deuteronomy
ca 1406 BC, traditionally attributed to Moses
Moses' final speeches to Israel, reviewing the Law and urging obedience as they prepare to enter Canaan. It ends with Moses' death.
 
Joshua
ca 1380 BC
Details Israel's conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership and the division of the land among the twelve tribes.
 
Judges
ca 1050-1040 BC
Recounts the cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance during the time of the judges, with figures like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.
 
Ruth
1050 BC
A love story about Ruth, a Moabite widow, who shows loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, and eventually marries Boaz, leading to the lineage of David.
 
1 Samuel
1021-1000 BC
Chronicles Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, focusing on the prophet Samuel, King Saul's reign, and David's anointing. Traditionally attributed to Samuel.
 
2 Samuel
1021-1000 BC
Covers the reign of King David, including his victories, personal failures (like his sin with Bathsheba), and family turmoil. Traditionally attributed to Samuel.
 
Psalms
1440-400 BC
A collection of 150 songs and prayers, covering themes of worship, lament, thanksgiving, and praise. Traditionally attributed to David and others, as indicated in the texts.
 
Proverbs
950-700 BC
A collection of wise sayings offering practical advice for living wisely and righteously, primarily attributed to Solomon.
 
Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)
965 BC
A poetic dialogue celebrating romantic love between a bride and groom, often interpreted as an allegory for God's love for His people. Attributed to Solomon.
 
Ecclesiastes
935 BC
A reflection on the meaning of life, with the author concluding that all is vanity without the fear of God. Traditionally attributed to Solomon.
 
Jonah
ca 780 BC
The story of Jonah's reluctant mission to the city of Nineveh, where his message leads the people to repentance. Jonah struggles with God's mercy toward Israel's enemies. Active during the reign of Jeroboam II.
 
Amos
750 BC
One of the earliest writing prophets during the reign of Jeroboam II in Israel. Preached against the social injustices and idolatry of Israel, warning of coming judgment.
 
Hosea
ca 715 BC
Uses the metaphor of an unfaithful wife to illustrate Israel's spiritual adultery and God's enduring love. Prophesied during the final days of the northern kingdom of Israel.
 
Isaiah
740-700 BC
A major prophet calling Judah to repentance, prophesying judgment and hope through the coming Messiah and the restoration of God's people, during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
 
Micah
ca 700 BC
Contemporary of Isaiah, warns both Israel and Judah of judgment for their sins but offers hope of restoration and the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem.
 
Nahum
650 BC
A prophecy of the fall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, as divine judgment for its cruelty and wickedness. Prophesied after Jonah.
 
Zephaniah
ca 625 BC
Warns of the coming "Day of the Lord", a day of judgment for Judah and the nations, but also promises restoration for the faithful. Active during the reign of Josiah.
 
Habakkuk
ca 610 BC
Just before the Babylonian invasion. A dialogue between the prophet and God, in which Habakkuk questions why God allows evil to go unpunished. God reveals that He will use Babylon to bring judgment.
 
Jeremiah
ca 585 BC
A prophet who warned Judah of the coming Babylonian exile, preached repentance, and foretold a future new covenant. Prophesied during the final years of Judah and the early years of exile.
 
Lamentations
586 BC
A series of laments, attributed to Jeremiah, mourning the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, expressing sorrow, repentance, and hope in God's mercy.
 
Obadiah
ca 586 BC
A prophecy after the fall of Jerusalem, against Edom for their mistreatment of Israel during Jerusalem's fall, foretelling Edom's destruction.
 
Ezekiel
ca 570 BC
A prophet who ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. He had visions of God's glory, the valley of dry bones, and prophesied future restoration.
 
1 Kings
560-540 BC
Begins with Solomon's reign, the building of the temple, and the division of the kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south).
 
2 Kings
560-540 BC
Continues the history of Israel and Judah, focusing on the decline of the two kingdoms, leading to the fall of Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon.
 
Daniel
ca 530 BC
A book of historical narrative and apocalyptic visions. Daniel, living in exile, interprets dreams and prophesies the rise and fall of world empires. Written during the Babylonian and Persian empires, focusing on God's sovereignty.
 
Haggai
ca 520 BC
Urges the returned exiles to rebuild the temple and renew their faithfulness to God after the Babylonian exile.
 
Zechariah
ca 518 BC
Encourages the rebuilding of the temple and delivers visions of the future, including prophecies of the Messiah and the ultimate restoration of God's people. Contemporary of Haggai.
 
Joel
ca 500-400 BC
Describes a locust plague and calls for repentance, prophesying the "Day of the Lord" and an outpouring of God's Spirit. Focuses on the coming Day of the Lord.
 
1 Chronicles
450-400 BC, traditionally attributed to Ezra A historical record focusing on genealogies and the reign of King David, emphasizing the priestly aspects and worship.
 
2 Chronicles
450-400 BC, traditionally attributed to Ezra
Continues from Solomon's reign to the Babylonian exile, focusing on temple worship, reforms, and the kings of Judah.
 
Ezra
450 BC
Chronicles the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple. Ezra, a priest, leads a spiritual renewal through teaching the Law.
 
Nehemiah
430 BC
Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, returns to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. He reforms the community spiritually and socially.
 
Esther
ca465 BC
A narrative set in Persia where Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen and saves her people from a plot to annihilate them.
 
Malachi
ca 420 BC
The last prophet of the Old Testament, calling Israel to repentance and faithfulness, warning of judgment, and promising a future messenger to prepare the way for the Lord.

THE NEW TESTAMENT

James
AD 45
Likely the oldest New Testyament book. A practical letter written by James, the brother of Jesus, focusing on living out faith through good works, perseverance in trials, and the importance of righteous living and controlling the tongue.
 
Galatians
AD 48
Paul defends the gospel of justification by faith alone and not by works of the Law. He challenges the Galatians not to return to Jewish legalism and emphasizes freedom in Christ.
 
The Gospel of Mark
AD 50-60
Likely the first Gospel, based on Peter's testimony. The shortest of the four Gospels, it presents a fast-paced narrative of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing His miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection.
 
1 Thessalonians
AD 50
Paul encourages the believers in Thessalonica to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution and offers teachings on the return of Christ (the Second Coming).
 
2 Thessalonians
AD 51
Paul addresses confusion about the timing of the Second Coming, urging the Thessalonians to stand firm and not to be deceived by false claims that Christ has already returned.
 
1 Corinthians
AD 54
Paul addresses divisions, moral issues, and doctrinal confusion in the Corinthian church, offering teaching on spiritual gifts, love, the resurrection, and orderly worship.
 
The Gospel of Matthew
AD 54-55
Written to a Jewish audience, showing Jesus as the Messiah. Focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and presents Him as the long-awaited Messiah and King. It emphasizes His teaching, especially in the Sermon on the Mount.
 
2 Corinthians
AD 55
Paul defends his apostleship, offers comfort to the afflicted, encourages generosity, and explains the nature of Christian ministry.
 
Romans
AD 57
Paul's theological masterpiece. A comprehensive theological letter in which Paul explains humanity's need for salvation, justification by faith, the role of the Law, and the new life in Christ. It also deals with issues of Jewish and Gentile believers in the church.
 
The Gospel of Luke
AD 60-62
A detailed account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, written for a Gentile audience, emphasizing His compassion for the marginalized and His role as the Savior of all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
 
1 Timothy
AD 60
Written to Timothy, Paul gives instructions on church leadership, sound doctrine, and godly living, emphasizing the qualities of church elders and deacons.
 
Hebrews
AD 60-70
A letter to Jewish Christians emphasizing the superiority of Christ over the old covenant, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood, encouraging perseverance in faith despite persecution. Author unknown.
 
1 Peter
AD 60-64
Peter encourages Christians facing persecution to stand firm in their faith, live holy lives, and find hope in the living hope of Christ's resurrection.
 
Jude
AD 60's
A short letter warning against false teachers who have infiltrated the church and urging believers to contend for the faith and persevere. Written by Jude, the brother of Jesus.
 
Ephesians
AD 61
Paul explains the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, unity in the church, and offers practical instructions for Christian living, especially in relationships.
 
Philippians
AD 61
A letter written from prison, expressing Paul's gratitude to the church in Philippi, encouraging them to rejoice in all circumstances, and emphasizing the humility of Christ.
 
Colossians
AD 61
Paul warns against false teachings that threaten to diminish the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. He emphasizes Christ's divine nature and the believers' complete salvation in Him.
 
Philemon
AD 61
A personal letter to Philemon, urging him to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a slave but as a brother in Christ.
 
Acts
AD 62-64
Luke's sequel, detailing the history of the early church, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the spread of the gospel through the apostles, and Paul's missionary journeys. Ends with Paul in house arrest in Rome.
 
Titus
AD 63
Paul advises Titus on how to organize and lead the churches in Crete, emphasizing sound teaching, good works, and the qualifications for church leaders.
 
2 Timothy
AD 64-67
Paul's final letter before his death, written to encourage Timothy to remain faithful in the face of suffering and false teaching. Paul reflects on his life and ministry, and gives a personal charge to continue preaching the gospel.
 
2 Peter
AD 65-68
Peter warns against false teachers, emphasizes the certainty of Christ's return, and urges believers to grow in grace and knowledge.
 
The Gospel Of John
AD 80-90
The last Gospel written, by the apostle John, focusing on the divine nature of Jesus and His identity as the Son of God. It includes many unique narratives and discourses, emphasising belief in Jesus as the way to eternal life.
 
1 John
AD 80-90
A letter emphasizing love, obedience, and the importance of true doctrine, especially concerning the identity of Jesus Christ and the nature of salvation. Written by the apostle John.
 
2 John
AD 80-90
Written by the apostle John. A brief letter warning against false teachers and encouraging believers to walk in truth and love.
 
3 John
AD 80-90
A personal letter from the apostle John to Gaius, commending him for his hospitality to traveling missionaries and warning against the behavior of a disruptive church leader, Diotrephes.
 
Revelation
AD 95
The final book of the Bible. A prophetic vision given to the apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos. It reveals the final victory of Christ over evil, the judgment of the wicked, and the eternal kingdom of God. It is filled with symbolic imagery of the end times and the return of Christ.
 

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