THE BIBLE STORY OVERVIEW


The Bible is a big and beautiful story, and this page is designed to help you see how it all fits together.


Here you’ll find videos, background, and timelines that give you a more clear overview of the biblical narrative—helping you understand what the 66 books of the Bible are all about and how they connect into one unified story. Whether you’re new to Scripture or have been reading it for years, our goal is to provide a framework that brings clarity and confidence as you read and study.


The Bible is expansive. It was written over more than 1,500 years by over 40 authors, in three different languages, across three continents. Yet through all of that diversity, it tells one unified story—the story of our Creator God and His deep love for His creation, and His ongoing desire to be in relationship with us.


As you explore these resources, we hope you begin to see the Bible not as a collection of disconnected books, but as one grand story that ultimately points to Jesus—and invites you to find your place in it.

I encourage you to save this page to your home screen on your phone for easier reference at small group or personal study times.


The Big Picture - a five minute overview

The Bible: The Old Testament


The Old Testament is the first part of the Bible and tells the foundational story of God’s relationship with His people. It is the Scripture that Jesus and the early followers of Jesus read and referenced—what we often call the Jewish Scriptures.

In its original form, the Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew and arranged differently than in our English Bibles. The Jewish Bible is organized into three sections known as the TaNaK:


  • Torah (the Law)
  • Nevi’im (the Prophets)
  • Ketuvim (the Writings)


In the New Testament, this order and reference shows up in several places helping us to understand the Bible that Jesus read was the Jewish Scriptures in the three sections of the TaNaK. Luke writes, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (24:44). This is short hand for the TaNaK with the Law of Moses representing the Torah and the Psalms representing the Writings. Typically, the phrase the Law and the Prophets represented the Hebrew Scriptures, especially when Matthew records Jesus saying, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets…” (Matt 5:17) and “…for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt 7:12) which serve as bookends to the main section of the Sermon on the Mount. This phrase also shows up in Matt 22:40, Luke 16:16, and Acts 13:15.)


Our English Old Testament contains the same 39 books, but they are arranged differently, into five sections:


  • Law (Pentateuch) – the first five books are shared with the Torah section in the TaNaK
  • History – 12 books telling the story of Israel’s journey
  • Poetry/Wisdom – 5 books expressing worship, wisdom, and reflection
  • Major Prophets – 5 books of larger prophetic writings
  • Minor Prophets – 12 shorter prophetic books


While the order is different, the message is the same. The Old Testament tells the story of creation, humanity’s fall, God’s covenant with Israel, and His ongoing work to bring redemption to the world.


As you explore these resources, the goal is not just to understand individual books, but to see the larger story unfolding—a story that ultimately points forward to Jesus.


Key Historical Dates during the Old Testament

  • 2000 BC — Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.) God establishes His covenant family. Jacob, also known as Israel, has 12 sons who later, mostly make up the ancestors of the 12 tribes of the nation Israel)
  • 1500 BC — Moses: The Exodus & the Giving of the Law or Covenant (Christians today refer to this as the Old Covenant because we now have a New Covenant in Jesus. But to the Jews, it was the Covenant, the special relationship God established with the people of Israel built on promises and commitments, loyalty, trust, and faithfulness, not just rules. This period included the Exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Ten Commandments and the Law, and the Tabernacle was established. It is traditionally viewed that the books of the Torah, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy were written during this time. Although a good case can be made that it may have been after this period.)
  • 1400 BC — Conquest of the Promised Land Led by Joshua (Israel enters and takes the Promised Land. The book of Joshua was likely later compiled after these events, but records these events were preserved during this period))
  • 1200–1050 BC — Israel Led by Judges (Cycle of sin → oppression → repentance → deliverance. Led by judges like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. The OT books of Judges and Ruth were set during this period.)
  • 1000 BC — Kingdom United: David (and Saul, Solomon) (Jerusalem established as the capital. Promise of a forever King, or Messiah, line. Psalms, many attributed to David, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Song were possibly started or written during this time.)
  • 930 BC — Kingdom Divided (Israel splits with 10 tribes in the North known as Israel and 2 tribes in the South known as Judah.)
  • 722 BC — Fall of Israel (North) (Assyrians conquer Israel. The Northern tribes scattered. Elijah and Elisha, Amos, and Hosea were prophets preaching to the North prior to its fall to the Assyrians. Their main message was against idolatry of false god, social injustice, and warning of a judgment of God from an enemy. After the fall of the Northern Kingdom, all of the focus shifts to the Southern Kingdom. There are no more prophets in the North.)
  • 586 BC — Fall of Judah (South) (Babylonians destroy Jerusalem & Temple. Exile begins for 70 years in Babylon. Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah were active with their prophetic voices prior to the fall of Judah. They all most preached against Judah over false worship, corrupt leadership and warning of a Babylonian exile.)
  • 586 BC-530 BC — Exiled (Daniel and the boys [Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego] thrive even in captivity. Key themes during this period are: Hope in exile, God’s sovereignty over nations [Gentiles], and a future restoration.)
  • 538 BC — Return from Exile (The Persians conquer Babylon and subsequently allow the Jews to return to rebuild the temple that was destroyed led by Ezra and Nehemiah. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi speak their prophetic messages during this period.)
  • 516 BC — Second Temple Completed (Worship restored in Jerusalem. This is the beginning of what is known as the 2nd Temple period that lasts through the expansion of this temple and the ultimate destruction of the temple by the Romans in AD 70. Ezra, Nehemiah, and I and 2 Chronicles were compiled during this time, make Chronicles the actual last book of the Jewish Scriptures, even thought Malachi was the last OT prophet and last book in the English OT. )
  • 400 BC — End of Old Testament Era (Final prophets, including Malachi, proclaim on behalf of God ultimately leading to the "400 Years of Silence.")


Watch the Old Testament Summary Video (a 13 min video by the Bible Project)

The Intertestamental Period - the "400 Years of Silence"


Between the Old Testament and the New Testament is a period often called the “400 Years of Silence.” At first glance, it may seem like nothing was happening—but in reality, this was a time of incredible activity that set the stage for the arrival of Jesus.


While no new biblical books were written during this time, God was still at work behind the scenes. Empires rose and fell—the Persians gave way to the Greeks, and eventually the Romans came to power. Greek culture spread widely, leading to a common language that would later help the message of Jesus travel quickly across the world.


During this period, key Jewish groups emerged, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, along with synagogues becoming central places of worship and teaching. The Jewish people also experienced both oppression and moments of independence, shaping their deep longing for a coming Messiah—a deliverer who would rescue and restore them.


By the time we arrive at the New Testament, the world is uniquely prepared: politically structured under Rome, culturally connected through Greek influence, and spiritually expectant for God to act.


So while it’s often called “silence,” this period is better understood as a time of preparation—God setting the stage for the moment when Jesus, the promised Messiah, would enter the story. The following video provides a decent overview of all that was happening between the testaments. It's important to have a basic understanding of this period in order to better be able to understand and interpret the New Testament.


Key Historical Dates during the Intertestamental Period


(NOTE: c. = approximately)

  • 539 BC – Persian Empire (Persia conquers Babylon. Jewish exiles are allowed to return to Jerusalem. Remember Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Sets the stage for the post-exilic Jewish world)
  • c. 458–430 BC – Ezra & Nehemiah (Ezra restores spiritual life and the teaching the Law, while Nehemiah rebuilds the city and particularily the walls of Jerusalem.)
  • 332 BC – Alexander the Great Conquers the Region (Greek or Hellenistic culture spreads across the known world. Greek language becomes widespread...important for later NT writings)
  • 323 BC – Death of Alexander the Great (His empire is divided among his generals Two key dynasties impact Israel: the Ptolemies in Egypt and the Seleucids in Syria, north of Israel)
  • c. 250 BC – Septuagint (The Hebrew Scriptures [the TaNaK] is translated into the Greek language in Alexandria, Egypt, known as the Septuagint, meaning 70 for approximately the number of scholars who worked on it. This makes the Jewish Scriptures accessible to the wider world.)
  • 198 BC – Seleucids Take Control of Israel (There is a shift from relatively peaceful rule, under the Ptolemies, to harsher oppression
  • 167 BC – Antiochus IV Epiphanes Desecrates the Temple (The Seleucid ruler outlaws Jewish practices and sets up pagan worship in the Temple. This sets the stage for a major Jewish revolt.)
  • 164 BC – Maccabean Revolt & Temple Rededication (Jewish rebels, led by Mattathias and son Judas Maccabeus, reclaim Jerusalem. Temple is cleansed and rededicated. This is the origin of Hanukkah.)
  • 142–63 BC – Hasmonean (Jewish) Independence (A period of Jewish self-rule. Rise of religious/political groups, including the Pharisees and Sadducees.)
  • 63 BC – Roman Empire Takes Control (Pompey conquers Jerusalem. Israel becomes part of the Roman world
  • 37–4 BC – Reign of Herod the Great (Appointed “King of the Jews” by Rome. Massive building projects, including rebuilding and expanding of the Temple that was rebuilt in 458-430 BC. Rules during the time leading up to Jesus’ birth)


The anticipation for the long-awaited Messiah (Hebrew meaning “Anointed One,” someone chosen and set apart by God for a special purpose—especially a king). This is the “fullness of time” as mentioned by Paul in Galatians 4:4.


Watch the Intertestamental Period Summary Video (a 27 min video by the Christian Channel)

The Bible: The New Testament


The New Testament picks up where the Old Testament story leaves off...with a deep sense of anticipation. God’s people had been waiting for a Deliverer, the Messiah—a word that means “Anointed One” or the chosen King sent by God to rescue and restore His people.


The New Testament begins with the four Gospels, which means “Good News.” These books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they follow a similar timeline and include many of the same events. The Gospel of John, written by one of Jesus’ closest disciples, shares the same story but with a unique perspective and structure.


Next is the Book of Acts, written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel. Acts tells the story of the early church—how the message of Jesus spread and how the first followers lived out their faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.


Following Acts are a collection of letters (or epistles) written by leaders like Paul, Peter, James, and John. These letters were written to churches and individuals to teach, encourage, correct, and guide them in living as apprentices of Jesus.


The New Testament concludes with the book of Revelation, which points to the future and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan—a new heaven and a new earth. This is the restoration of what was broken in the opening chapters of Genesis, where God will once again dwell with His people and make all things new.


Together, the New Testament reveals that Jesus is the promised King and Savior, and it invites us into the ongoing story of God’s redemption.


Key Historical Dates during the New Testament

c. 6–4 BC — Birth of Jesus (The Roman Emperor is Caesar Augustus. Jesus is born during the reign of Herod the Great, who orders the killing of infants in Matthew 2.

4 BC — Death of Herod the Great (Herod dies in 4 BC, which necessitates the dating of 4 years before what the ancient calendars declared was the birth year of Jesus. His kingdom was divided among his sons: Herod Archelaus of Judea, Herod Antipas of Galilee, and Herod Philip of the northern regions)

c. AD 26–30 — Ministry of Jesus (The Roman Emperor during Jesus' ministry is Tiberius Caesar and the Herod you will read about during Jesus' life is Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great. Jesus teaches, performs miracles, and proclaims the Kingdom of God

c. AD 30 — Crucifixion & Resurrection of Jesus (the Roman Governor in Judea is Pontius Pilate. This is the central event of the New Testament.)

AD 30–33 — Early Church Begins (Acts 1–7) (The church, ekklesia, begins during the Jewish festival of Pentecost, 50 days after the death of Jesus. The growth of the church expands in Jerusalem

c. AD 33–35 — Conversion of Saul, the Persecutor of the Church (Saul, his Hebrew name, becomes a follower of Jesus and is later known as Paul, his Greek name.

AD 37–41 — Expansion of the Church to non-Jews (The Roman emperor is now Caligula. The Gospel, or Good News that Jesus is King, spreads beyond Jews to Gentiles or all nations.)

AD 41–44 — Persecution under Herod Agrippa I (Herod Agrippa is the son of Herod Antipas and the grandson of Herod the Great. The Roman Emperor is Claudius. James, the brother of John, is executed as Luke records it in Acts 12.)

AD 46–57 — Paul’s Missionary Journeys Expanding the Gospel to the Known World (Claudius is the Roman Emperor at the beginning with Nero the ruler of the Roman empire beginning in AD 54. Churches planted across Asia Minor and Greece to which Paul writes many of his letters.)

AD 49 — Jews Expelled from Rome (This affects early Christians like Aquila and Priscilla in Acts 18.)

AD 60–62 — Paul Imprisoned in Rome (This happens under Emperor Nero. Paul writes the prison letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon)

AD 64 — Great Fire of Rome & Persecution (A massive fire broke out in Rome, destroying much of the city. Rumors quickly spread that Emperor Nero may have been responsible, or at least had allowed it to happen. To deflect blame, Nero accused a relatively small and misunderstood group—the Christians. Nero launched one of the first major persecutions of Christians in the Roman Empire. According to early historians, like Tacitus, Christians were arrested and falsely blamed for starting the fire and publicly executed in brutal ways, including: being torn apart by wild animals, being crucified, and being burned alive as human torches to light Nero’s gardens at night.)

AD 66–70 — Jewish Revolt (The New Testament narrative seems to reach its historical edge around this period. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70 is notably not described as a past event in the New Testament writings. Instead, Jesus speaks of it as something yet to come [e.g., Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21]. Because such a monumental event is absent as a recorded fulfillment, many conclude that most of the New Testament was written prior to AD 70, during a time when the Temple was still standing but its destruction was anticipated.)

AD 70 — Destruction of Jerusalem & Temple (This occurs under emperor Vespasian. It was actually the roman general, Titus, who destroys Jerusalem. This fulfills Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24.

AD 81–96 — Persecution under Domitian (There is an Increased pressure on Christians to worship the emperor, which causes several writers to refer to Rome as Babylon, as in I Peter 5:13 and Revelation 17-18, symbolically to referring to Rome, highlighting its power, opposition to God, and role in persecuting believers as did Babylon when it destroy Judah in 586 BC.)

c. AD 95 — Writing of Revelation (Written by the apostle John, while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It was written during the reign of Emperor Domitian to encourage Christians facing persecution and to remind them that Jesus is the true King who will make all things new. This is the final vision of Jesus’ victory and new creation


Watch the New Testament Summary Video (an 8 min video by the Bible Project)

Reading the Bible with Humility and Understanding


As we read and study the Bible, we seek to understand it as it was originally written—within its historical, cultural, and linguistic context. The Scriptures were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, in a world very different from our own, which means careful interpretation is important. At times, words, customs, and expressions don’t translate perfectly across centuries, and it can be easy to misunderstand passages if we read them only through a modern lens.


Because of this, we approach the Bible with humility. We do our best to learn, study, and listen—recognizing that we are interpreting an ancient text while asking how it faithfully applies to our lives today. At the same time, we can be confident that what we have in the Bible is trustworthy and reliable. Through thoughtful study, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and learning within community, we grow in our understanding and are shaped by God’s Word as we seek to live it out in our everyday lives.

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