The Bible was penned over centuries estimated to be the 13th century BC to at least 90 AD. It wasn’t drafted in one sitting by one author. Though God fuels the Bible as the only author communicating with His people, the books are physically written by various writers with a unified message that points to God.
When Was the Bible Written: Table of Contents
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Historical Timeline
- Canonization of the Bible
- The Apocrypha
- Purpose of the Bible
When Was the Old Testament Written?
During the period when the Old Testament was written, numerous historical events and developments shaped the world in which the ancient Israelites lived. These events spanning several centuries set the backdrop for the formation of the Israelite people and their religious beliefs as recorded in the Old Testament.
In the early stages of Old Testament writing, significant cultural and historical events occurred during the Pre-Monarchic Period (around 2000 BCE to 1000 BCE). It was a time when the Israelite ancestors, including figures such as Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, and Moses, played prominent roles in the narratives. These stories recount the origins of humanity, the covenant between God and Abraham, and the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt.
One of the most pivotal moments in Old Testament history was the Exodus and the subsequent wilderness wanderings. According to biblical accounts, around the 13th century BCE, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, where they had been enslaved. They then embarked on a journey through the wilderness. This period of wandering, as documented in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, shaped the identity of the Israelites and laid the foundation for their religious practices and laws.
In subsequent centuries, the Israelites faced various challenges and experienced periods of both prosperity and hardship. They settled in Canaan, which later became the Kingdom of Israel. During this time, the Israelites interacted with neighboring nations, engaged in wars, and faced the rise and fall of various rulers and empires.
The Old Testament writings also reflect the influence of the Babylonian Exile, which occurred in the 6th century BCE. Following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the First Temple, many Israelites were exiled to Babylon. The books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and portions of the Psalms contain references to this period of exile and the subsequent return to the land of Israel.
Throughout these historical events, the Old Testament writers grappled with questions of faith, justice, obedience, and the relationship between God and humanity. The texts were written by different authors over an extended period, reflecting the ancient Israelites’ evolving religious and cultural perspectives.
When Was the New Testament Written?
The writings of the New Testament were completed over several decades and in different locations, reflecting the evolving nature of early Christianity. These texts not only served as a theological foundation for the faith but also addressed practical issues faced by the early believers, such as communal living, ethical conduct, and navigating the complexities of living in a diverse and often hostile society.
The New Testament was written in a dynamic historical and cultural context during the 1st century CE. At that time, the Roman Empire held dominion over a vast territory, including the region of Judea where Jesus Christ lived and taught. Roman rule profoundly impacted various aspects of society, including governance, trade, and religious practices.
During the early years of the New Testament period, Jesus Christ emerged as a central figure. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection formed the foundation of the Christian faith. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—were written to document the life and ministry of Jesus, providing accounts of his teachings, miracles, and interactions with his disciples and followers.
Parallel to Jesus’ ministry, diverse religious and philosophical movements thrived in the Greco-Roman world. With its rich history and established religious practices, Judaism played a crucial role in shaping the Jewish context in which Jesus and his early followers operated.
Following Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the apostles and other early Christian leaders began spreading the message of Jesus’ teachings, the good news of salvation, and establishing Christian communities. The Epistles, including letters attributed to Paul, Peter, James, John, and others, were written to instruct, encourage, and address specific challenges these early Christian communities faced.
Within this era, significant historical events unfolded. The Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE) destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, an event mentioned in the Gospels and the Book of Acts. This catastrophic event profoundly impacted Jewish society and the nascent Christian movement.
Historical Timeline of the Bible
The timeline for the composition of these texts is complex, and various books were written over a span of many centuries. Here is a general chronological overview, accepted by many scholars:
Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (the Pentateuch or Torah) are among the earliest books, traditionally attributed to Moses, who lived in the 13th century BC, but scholarly views on their composition vary.
Historical Books (Joshua to Esther): These books cover the history of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the post-exilic period. They were composed by various authors over several centuries, with some portions dating back to the 10th century BC.
Wisdom Books (Job to Song of Solomon): Books like Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes are generally dated to different periods, spanning from the 10th to the 4th centuries BC.
Prophets (Isaiah to Malachi): The prophetic books were written by various prophets over several centuries, from the 8th to the 5th centuries BC.
Inter-Testamental Period: The period between the Old and New Testaments is known as the inter-testamental or Second Temple period. It spans from the end of the Old Testament era to the beginning of the New Testament era.
Pauline Epistles (50s-60s AD): The earliest writings of the New Testament are the letters (Epistles) of Paul, which were written in the 50s and 60s AD.
Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke, John): The Gospels, recounting the life and teachings of Jesus, were composed between approximately 70 and 100 AD.
Acts (80-90 AD): The Book of Acts, attributed to Luke, is thought to have been written around 80-90 AD.
General Epistles and Revelation (50s-90s AD): The Epistles (letters) include writings by various authors, such as Peter, James, John, and Jude, and they were composed from the 50s to the 90s AD. The Book of Revelation is traditionally dated to around 95-96 AD.
For a more detailed timeline, read this chronological list of the books of the Bible.
When Was the Bible Canonized?
The canonization of the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament, was a gradual process that occurred over several centuries. The specific events and circumstances varied between the two canons.
The Old Testament’s canonization primarily occurred within the Jewish community. By the time of Jesus, the core books of the Hebrew Bible were already recognized as authoritative scripture. Jewish scholars and rabbis played a crucial role in determining the boundaries of the canon, affirming a set collection of texts that included the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. The exact process and timeline of the Old Testament canonization are partially clear, but by the 2nd century CE, a general consensus had been reached among Jewish scholars.
The canonization of the New Testament unfolded within the early Christian community. In the first few centuries after Jesus’ ministry, various writings circulated among Christian communities, including Gospels, letters, and other texts attributed to apostles and early Christian leaders. Different regions and communities had their collections of writings, which led to a degree of diversity in the texts considered authoritative.
As the early Christian movement grew, concerns arose regarding false teachings and the need for standardized scripture. The canonization process involved careful evaluation and discernment of the writings to determine their authenticity, apostolic origin, and theological coherence. Factors such as apostolic authorship, acceptance by multiple Christian communities, and conformity to orthodox Christian teachings were considered.
Key figures, such as church fathers and early councils, played pivotal roles in shaping the canon. The criteria for inclusion varied, but by the 4th century CE, a consensus began to emerge within the Christian community regarding the New Testament canon. Important councils, such as the Council of Carthage in 397 CE, formally affirmed the list of books accepted as part of the New Testament.
The canonization of the Bible was a gradual and complex process, reflecting the development and maturation of both the Jewish and early Christian communities. Through careful discernment, the scriptures that comprise the Old and New Testaments were recognized as authoritative and foundational to the faith of believers, serving as a guide and source of spiritual nourishment for generations to come.
What Books Were Left Out of the Bible?
Generally speaking, the books left out of the Bible are commonly called the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books. These texts are additional writings not included in the Jewish canon of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and are not universally recognized as part of the Protestant Bible. The specific books and their acceptance as canonical scripture vary among Christian traditions.
The Apocrypha includes several books, such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and First and Second Maccabees. These texts cover a range of genres, including historical accounts, wisdom literature, and religious teachings. Additionally, there are expansions to existing books, such as additions to the Book of Esther and additional verses in the Book of Daniel.
Including or excluding these books in the biblical canon depends on the particular religious tradition. The Catholic Church, for example, considers the Apocrypha as deuterocanonical, meaning they are accepted as part of the Old Testament canon. The Eastern Orthodox Church also includes additional books, such as 1 Esdras and the Prayer of Manasseh, as part of its canon.
What Is the Purpose of the Bible?
If someone were to gather a photo album of your childhood or a specific period in your life, they would see a more significant message that explains the story of who you are. Throughout the pages of scripture, the illustrations and direction for life reveal the message of who God is. The purpose of the Bible is to direct us, but most importantly, show us God—take us to God. The Book of John is penned with an introduction that communicates to every believer that the scriptures are God Himself. He is the Word, illustrated throughout the collection of religious records.
Brought to Earth in ancient times, the Bible has been translated into many languages. No matter when it was written, it certainly impacts the world today.
Understanding the historical context in which the Old Testament was written provides valuable insights into the beliefs, practices, and struggles of the Israelite people and the formation of their religious traditions as recorded in these sacred texts.
By applying context to the messaging throughout the Bible, we can see the bigger picture of what God was trying to say then and what God is trying to say to us now. Therefore, understanding what exactly was going on when the Old Testament scriptures were written only strengthens a believer’s knowingness of God to better apply these biblical themes and lessons to our lives today amongst the situations we face. Understanding when scripture was written helps give meat to the bones of words we memorize found in the Bible. This effort helps us receive God’s word with context.
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Ashford Sonii is a lover of Jesus, husband, and father. Ashford enjoys ministry, learning, and communicating practical life applications of God’s Word within marriage, family, and how to walk with Jesus. He and his wife Olivia currently live in North Carolina with their twin girls, Ivey and Oakley.
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