christian bible History Timeline and Biographies

Composition of the Old Testament

The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Scriptures, was gradually composed over several centuries. It includes texts such as the Torah, historical books, wisdom literature, and prophetic writings, foundational to the Christian Bible and Jewish tradition.

Formation of the New Testament Writings

The New Testament was written in the first century CE, comprising the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. These texts document the life, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, forming a crucial part of the Christian Bible.

Early Christian Canon Development

During this period, early Christian communities began to recognize certain texts as authoritative. The process of canonization laid the foundation for what would become the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

Athanasius' Festal Letter

Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, issued a letter listing the 27 books of the New Testament that are now recognized in the Christian Bible, marking a significant step in the canonization process.

Council of Hippo

The Council of Hippo affirmed the canon of the Christian Bible, including the Old and New Testament books, which influenced later church councils and the acceptance of these texts.

Jerome's Latin Vulgate Translation

Jerome completed the Latin Vulgate, a translation of the Christian Bible into Latin, which became the standard Bible for the Western Church for centuries and influenced many later translations.

First Crusade and the Bible's Role

The First Crusade highlighted the importance of the Christian Bible in motivating and guiding Christian soldiers, reinforcing its role as a central text in Christian faith and culture.

Martin Luther's Reformation and Bible Translation

Martin Luther translated the Christian Bible into German, making it accessible to the laity and challenging the Catholic Church's authority, which led to the Protestant Reformation and diverse biblical interpretations.

Publication of the King James Version

The King James Version (KJV) of the Christian Bible was published, becoming one of the most influential translations in the English-speaking world, renowned for its literary quality and widespread use.

Revised Version of the New Testament

The Revised Version of the New Testament was published, marking the first major revision of the KJV and reflecting advances in biblical scholarship and textual criticism of the Christian Bible.

Dead Sea Scrolls Discovery

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls provided significant insights into the textual history of the Old Testament, confirming the reliability of many biblical texts in the Christian Bible.

New International Version (NIV) Publication

The New International Version of the Christian Bible was published, emphasizing a balance between accuracy and readability, and quickly became popular among evangelical Christians.

English Standard Version (ESV) Release

The English Standard Version was published, aiming to provide an accurate and literary translation of the Christian Bible, gaining popularity in many Protestant denominations.

Update of the Common English Bible (CEB)

The Common English Bible was updated, providing a contemporary translation of the Christian Bible aimed at inclusivity and accessibility for modern readers.