Chronological order of the New Testament
- Thread starter ResidentAlien
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Hi Resident,
I haven't investigated this myself but I presume that the books of the NT are generally ordered chronologically. i.e. the four Gospels which talks about the life of Jesus and his ministry, the Letters of the Apostles after Jesus gave the Great Commission, and the Letters written by John about the end times.
Or do you mean when the respective books were written?
I'm also curious what prompted this investigation...interesting...
I haven't investigated this myself but I presume that the books of the NT are generally ordered chronologically. i.e. the four Gospels which talks about the life of Jesus and his ministry, the Letters of the Apostles after Jesus gave the Great Commission, and the Letters written by John about the end times.
Or do you mean when the respective books were written?
I'm also curious what prompted this investigation...interesting...
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Yes, the dates when each book was written. I just think it would be interesting to read them in the order they were written, especially Paul's letters. But there doesn't seem to be a consensus on the exact order. It may be hoping for too much.
I was looking for a book that might explain how the different dates are arrived at. I found one in my local library called Evolution of the Word by Marcus J. Borg. As I started reading something didn't seem quite right. I looked at the author's profile and it turns out he was involved in the Jesus Seminar. I wouldn't recommend this one.
I was looking for a book that might explain how the different dates are arrived at. I found one in my local library called Evolution of the Word by Marcus J. Borg. As I started reading something didn't seem quite right. I looked at the author's profile and it turns out he was involved in the Jesus Seminar. I wouldn't recommend this one.
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do you mean an order of the epistles ?
the book of acts holds a lot of information pertaining to Paul’s missionary journeys and when he wrote his letters though there’s no dates , if you follow Paul’s journeys and what he was doing in acts as recorded by Luke , the order of things is made slightly clearer though not crystal
another thing to help is reading the epistles themselves and knowing a bit about world history and what was happening at that time regarding the siege of Jerusalem and early persecutions of the church in Rome by Nero and Titus.
the Hebrews letter was written just as the temple had been destroyed and the writers were exposing to the Hebrews that this was required for the temple in heaven to be ordained
so we can somewhat place the Hebrews letter immediately after the destruction of the temple Jesus foretold in Matthew 24 which historically was 67-70 ad
placed together with other tidbits of info Especially from acts some order is had and seen from Paul’s early letters to the growth in his later letters.
another example is that Paul’s Romans letter was written before he visited Rome after he was converted he hadn’t met them yet but wanted to desperately bring a citizen of Rome. So places together with the record of Paul’s missionary journeys strewn through acts we can date the Romans letter or rather order it before Th destruction of the temple , before Paul’s imprisonments and eventual deliverance to Rome where he continues for two more years preaching the gospel in chains , which the phrase in Chains gives us clues to further order of other epistles
I’ve found that the epistles and the record of events part of them with acts also provides somewhat of its own order rather than trying on scholars which often compete with “ infallibly” true theories that don’t line up with scripture record
the book of acts holds a lot of information pertaining to Paul’s missionary journeys and when he wrote his letters though there’s no dates , if you follow Paul’s journeys and what he was doing in acts as recorded by Luke , the order of things is made slightly clearer though not crystal
another thing to help is reading the epistles themselves and knowing a bit about world history and what was happening at that time regarding the siege of Jerusalem and early persecutions of the church in Rome by Nero and Titus.
the Hebrews letter was written just as the temple had been destroyed and the writers were exposing to the Hebrews that this was required for the temple in heaven to be ordained
so we can somewhat place the Hebrews letter immediately after the destruction of the temple Jesus foretold in Matthew 24 which historically was 67-70 ad
placed together with other tidbits of info Especially from acts some order is had and seen from Paul’s early letters to the growth in his later letters.
another example is that Paul’s Romans letter was written before he visited Rome after he was converted he hadn’t met them yet but wanted to desperately bring a citizen of Rome. So places together with the record of Paul’s missionary journeys strewn through acts we can date the Romans letter or rather order it before Th destruction of the temple , before Paul’s imprisonments and eventual deliverance to Rome where he continues for two more years preaching the gospel in chains , which the phrase in Chains gives us clues to further order of other epistles
I’ve found that the epistles and the record of events part of them with acts also provides somewhat of its own order rather than trying on scholars which often compete with “ infallibly” true theories that don’t line up with scripture record
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What matters more is the spiritual order of the books, and I believe they have been laid out in spiritual order -- building upon what was previously revealed.
Even though Mark may have been written earlier than Matthew (or so it is claimed) Matthew is logically and spiritually the first book of the NT, and is also the most chronological regarding events in the life of Christ.
The Gospels are followed by the Acts of the Apostles, and that is perfectly in order, since the ascension of Christ was followed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Romans is the most important book for understanding Gospel truths so it is first among the epistles. And Revelation is chronologically and spiritually the last book of the Bible since it closes out all genuine prophecy and gives an overview from the first coming of Christ to the eternal state.
Even though Mark may have been written earlier than Matthew (or so it is claimed) Matthew is logically and spiritually the first book of the NT, and is also the most chronological regarding events in the life of Christ.
The Gospels are followed by the Acts of the Apostles, and that is perfectly in order, since the ascension of Christ was followed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Romans is the most important book for understanding Gospel truths so it is first among the epistles. And Revelation is chronologically and spiritually the last book of the Bible since it closes out all genuine prophecy and gives an overview from the first coming of Christ to the eternal state.
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The info in this website is useful.
The fact that these books were written during the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, who saw Jesus and the Apostles, certainly brings veracity and reliability to the historical accounts. One could argue that since the authors were from Jesus' inner-circle, the accounts could be biased sources as they were all 'singing to the same tune'. But if the books were written in the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, any false accounts would have been easily verified and called out as untrue, or even heretical.
Thanks for sharing.
The fact that these books were written during the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, who saw Jesus and the Apostles, certainly brings veracity and reliability to the historical accounts. One could argue that since the authors were from Jesus' inner-circle, the accounts could be biased sources as they were all 'singing to the same tune'. But if the books were written in the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, any false accounts would have been easily verified and called out as untrue, or even heretical.
Thanks for sharing.
-
1
- Show all
The info in this website is useful.
The fact that these books were written during the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, who saw Jesus and the Apostles, certainly brings veracity and reliability to the historical accounts. One could argue that since the authors were from Jesus' inner-circle, the accounts could be biased sources as they were all 'singing to the same tune'. But if the books were written in the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, any false accounts would have been easily verified and called out as untrue, or even heretical.
Thanks for sharing.
The fact that these books were written during the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, who saw Jesus and the Apostles, certainly brings veracity and reliability to the historical accounts. One could argue that since the authors were from Jesus' inner-circle, the accounts could be biased sources as they were all 'singing to the same tune'. But if the books were written in the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, any false accounts would have been easily verified and called out as untrue, or even heretical.
Thanks for sharing.
Very recently I came across these lost or misplaced writings of apostles and so far I find them good to read .... I have read Thomas, Barnabas, and Andre, but the last two I must reread... texst aloud is agreat boon for my study. God bless. You do not need to give approval or disapproval. I rely on the same Holy Spirit as do all who have been born of the Light.
Precious friend, rather than change God's Order Of HIS Preserved {In HIS
Correct Order} Word, shouldn't we be "studying" and striving for this instead?:
Col_2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the
acknowledgement of The MYSTERY of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
+
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
+
1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His SON
1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by The Name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you;
but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the
same judgment."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF these are a high Concern for us "Called," who see a spiritually weak And DIVIDED Body Of CHRIST, Today {Many denominations / vehement discussions here/elsewhere}, then maybe, IF God Is Directing us to find out Much More
About HIS:
The Dispensation Of The MYSTERY ?
{I have been investigating this for quite some time now/clearing up Confusion...}
Be Blessed!
to be continued...
Correct Order} Word, shouldn't we be "studying" and striving for this instead?:
Col_2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the
acknowledgement of The MYSTERY of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
+
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
+
1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His SON
1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by The Name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you;
but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the
same judgment."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF these are a high Concern for us "Called," who see a spiritually weak And DIVIDED Body Of CHRIST, Today {Many denominations / vehement discussions here/elsewhere}, then maybe, IF God Is Directing us to find out Much More
About HIS:
The Dispensation Of The MYSTERY ?
{I have been investigating this for quite some time now/clearing up Confusion...}
Be Blessed!
to be continued...
Precious friends, for those who hate to "click" on unknown tongues, er, links:
Dispensation of the Mystery
by Precious brother Vincent Bennett
For the “Dispensation of the Mystery” special Divine choice was made of the instrument for the revelation and this peculiar ministry was committed to the
Apostle Paul. But it was not made known until the crisis was reached, in
Acts 28, by the setting aside of Israel.
God has a definite plan and purpose for Israel on the EARTH and our God Who
cannot lie will yet fulfill the Covenants He has made with His people. The entire
prophetic Word has its climax in the coming of the Messiah and the setting up
of His Kingdom; and furthermore, we know who this King is, (Luke 1:32 and 33).
We also know that when Jesus Christ came to His own “His own received Him
not;” in fact, He was rejected and the crucifixion was Israel’s emphatic
declaration that they would not have this Man to reign over them.
Peter, on the day of Pentecost, like His Lord, still carried on with the message
of the Kingdom, addressing his words to “ye men of Judea,” “ye men of Israel,”
“all the house of Israel,” (Acts 2:14, 22 and 36).
Peter’s astounding declaration was this, that Jesus Christ who had been raised
from the dead, had been raised to sit on David’s throne (Acts 2:30) and had
been exalted to be “a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance unto Israel.”
Acts 5:31.
Let us not anticipate later revelation concerning Gentile salvation, and we
shall better understand the Lord’s message to Israel and His Kingdom program.
Israel did not repent; therefore Christ did not return. The promised Kingdom
was not restored and the restoration of all things was postponed. Surely
students of the Word should know the difference between Acts 3
and Ephesians 3.
It is truly a pitiful fact that because the Church today does not understand its
distinct calling, preachers and teachers are trying with every conceivable plan
and program to bring in an earthly kingdom of blessedness that is God’s
Purpose for Israel.
How different are the blessings of Matthew 10:5 to 8 and Ephesians 1:3. Would
to God that Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:19 could be answered in us today.
The Church today, not understanding the Lord’s distinct calling, which is
“heavenly”, in ignorance seeks to realize the vocation of Israel which is
earthly, claiming, though not realizing the promised Kingdom blessings.
While the Kingdom is in abeyance and “blindness is happened to Israel,”
(Romans 11:25) God, “according to His eternal purpose”, is making known by
Paul a “secret” of which he “was made a minister”; and to him was committed
the “Dispensation of The MYSTERY” which fulfilled or made complete, the
Word of God. Ephesians 3:11; Colossians 1:25.
Let us distinguish between the whole counsel of God and the eternal
purpose of God in Christ. None of the prophets knew this “MYSTERY”.
Neither did John the Baptist nor the twelve apostles.
Not until The Glorified LORD Revealed it to Paul, was the wisdom of God
made known, that before the foundation of the world Ephesians 1:4),
God had purposed the making of a new thing, whose nature, calling
and destiny would be “heavenly”. Compare II Timothy 1:9 with
Ephesians 1:3; 1:19 to 22; Ephesians 2:5 to 7 and Ephesians 3:8 to 11:
Paul was the minister of this truth which completed the Word of God.
This concerns the making of the “One New Man” (Ephesians 2:15).
“The Church which is His Body and Christ Jesus our Lord its glorious
Head, is a different message and purpose than the King and the
Kingdom. Ephesians 1:22 and 23; Colossians 1:18.
One day the “Body” will be complete. Then the last member will be added
and then the saints will realize “His inheritance in the saints”
(Ephesians 1:16 to 22). When that day shall come our heavenly hopes will
be realized (Philippians 3:20 and 21; Titus 2:13) and “Head and Body” will
be joined in glory.
After that God will deal with Israel again, for their blindness is temporary.
They have not been cast away forever. Romans 11:27.
The Epistle to the Ephesians has a distinct message for this age; in it is found
truth concerning “the Church which is His Body”. This is “Body truth” as distinct
from “Kingdom truth” which is God’s message concerning Israel and the two
must not be confounded for each is unique in calling, character and destiny.
The Body has its relation to the Kingdom of God and there certainly was, and
shall be, grace in the Kingdom Gospel, but we must test thing’s that differ.
Philippians 1:10 (R.V.)
The Church which is His Body was chosen “before” the foundation of the world
and Israel “since” the foundation of the world. The sphere of blessing for the
Church is “In the heavenlies” and is our present position “in Christ” for “we are,
seated together with Him. . .” Israel’s inheritance is the land of promise and the
hope of a Kingdom set up on earth.
The Church which is His Body is not an adjustment or a development of
anything “Jewish”. The Body of Christ is not a continuation of the kingdom
of heaven. Neither is it Israel, either real or figurative.
In the Body there is an equality of membership. In the Body there are Jews and Gentiles; but they lose their distinction, as such, for God is creating something absolutely NEW. “For to create in Himself of the two, “One New Man”. . .
so making peace. . . . Ephesians 2:15.
In this dispensation “hearings”, “tongues” and other sign-gifts have
ceased. These passed away with the setting aside of the people Israel
(Acts 28:25 to 28) and connected with this distinct message, we are
enjoined to keep the sevenfold unity, Ephesians 4:4 to 6:
“There is one Body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling: One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all, Who is
above all and through all and in you all.”
It is a great blunder to have Israel set aside before Acts 28:25 to 28 or to
confuse the one baptism of Ephesians 4:5 with Israel’s water ceremony.
Water could never add a sinner to Christ.
In II Timothy 1:12 and 14 Paul speaks of this sacred trust committed to Him.
It was then passed on to Timothy and subsequently “to faithful men who
should be able to teach others also”. II Timothy 2:2.
Let us qualify, if possible to carry on the deposit. It is to this appeal that we
desire to respond and we seek grace to “make known the fellowship of the
“MYSTERY” and to preach The unsearchable (untraceable) riches of Christ.
Will you suffer with Christ to carry on with God’s message for today? Denominationalists and even Fundamentalists will persecute and
malign, and use carnal weapons. But let us remember the sufferings
of Paul and obey II Timothy 1:8.
Known link:
The Dispensation Of The MYSTERY
Be Blessed!
Dispensation of the Mystery
by Precious brother Vincent Bennett
For the “Dispensation of the Mystery” special Divine choice was made of the instrument for the revelation and this peculiar ministry was committed to the
Apostle Paul. But it was not made known until the crisis was reached, in
Acts 28, by the setting aside of Israel.
God has a definite plan and purpose for Israel on the EARTH and our God Who
cannot lie will yet fulfill the Covenants He has made with His people. The entire
prophetic Word has its climax in the coming of the Messiah and the setting up
of His Kingdom; and furthermore, we know who this King is, (Luke 1:32 and 33).
We also know that when Jesus Christ came to His own “His own received Him
not;” in fact, He was rejected and the crucifixion was Israel’s emphatic
declaration that they would not have this Man to reign over them.
Peter, on the day of Pentecost, like His Lord, still carried on with the message
of the Kingdom, addressing his words to “ye men of Judea,” “ye men of Israel,”
“all the house of Israel,” (Acts 2:14, 22 and 36).
Peter’s astounding declaration was this, that Jesus Christ who had been raised
from the dead, had been raised to sit on David’s throne (Acts 2:30) and had
been exalted to be “a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance unto Israel.”
Acts 5:31.
Let us not anticipate later revelation concerning Gentile salvation, and we
shall better understand the Lord’s message to Israel and His Kingdom program.
Israel did not repent; therefore Christ did not return. The promised Kingdom
was not restored and the restoration of all things was postponed. Surely
students of the Word should know the difference between Acts 3
and Ephesians 3.
It is truly a pitiful fact that because the Church today does not understand its
distinct calling, preachers and teachers are trying with every conceivable plan
and program to bring in an earthly kingdom of blessedness that is God’s
Purpose for Israel.
How different are the blessings of Matthew 10:5 to 8 and Ephesians 1:3. Would
to God that Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:19 could be answered in us today.
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may
know what is the hope of His calling.”
The Church today, not understanding the Lord’s distinct calling, which is
“heavenly”, in ignorance seeks to realize the vocation of Israel which is
earthly, claiming, though not realizing the promised Kingdom blessings.
While the Kingdom is in abeyance and “blindness is happened to Israel,”
(Romans 11:25) God, “according to His eternal purpose”, is making known by
Paul a “secret” of which he “was made a minister”; and to him was committed
the “Dispensation of The MYSTERY” which fulfilled or made complete, the
Word of God. Ephesians 3:11; Colossians 1:25.
“Even The MYSTERY which hath been hid from the ages and from
generations but now is made manifest to His saints.”
Colossians 1:26.
Let us distinguish between the whole counsel of God and the eternal
purpose of God in Christ. None of the prophets knew this “MYSTERY”.
Neither did John the Baptist nor the twelve apostles.
Not until The Glorified LORD Revealed it to Paul, was the wisdom of God
made known, that before the foundation of the world Ephesians 1:4),
God had purposed the making of a new thing, whose nature, calling
and destiny would be “heavenly”. Compare II Timothy 1:9 with
Ephesians 1:3; 1:19 to 22; Ephesians 2:5 to 7 and Ephesians 3:8 to 11:
Paul was the minister of this truth which completed the Word of God.
This concerns the making of the “One New Man” (Ephesians 2:15).
“The Church which is His Body and Christ Jesus our Lord its glorious
Head, is a different message and purpose than the King and the
Kingdom. Ephesians 1:22 and 23; Colossians 1:18.
One day the “Body” will be complete. Then the last member will be added
and then the saints will realize “His inheritance in the saints”
(Ephesians 1:16 to 22). When that day shall come our heavenly hopes will
be realized (Philippians 3:20 and 21; Titus 2:13) and “Head and Body” will
be joined in glory.
After that God will deal with Israel again, for their blindness is temporary.
They have not been cast away forever. Romans 11:27.
The Epistle to the Ephesians has a distinct message for this age; in it is found
truth concerning “the Church which is His Body”. This is “Body truth” as distinct
from “Kingdom truth” which is God’s message concerning Israel and the two
must not be confounded for each is unique in calling, character and destiny.
The Body has its relation to the Kingdom of God and there certainly was, and
shall be, grace in the Kingdom Gospel, but we must test thing’s that differ.
Philippians 1:10 (R.V.)
The Church which is His Body was chosen “before” the foundation of the world
and Israel “since” the foundation of the world. The sphere of blessing for the
Church is “In the heavenlies” and is our present position “in Christ” for “we are,
seated together with Him. . .” Israel’s inheritance is the land of promise and the
hope of a Kingdom set up on earth.
The Church which is His Body is not an adjustment or a development of
anything “Jewish”. The Body of Christ is not a continuation of the kingdom
of heaven. Neither is it Israel, either real or figurative.
In the Body there is an equality of membership. In the Body there are Jews and Gentiles; but they lose their distinction, as such, for God is creating something absolutely NEW. “For to create in Himself of the two, “One New Man”. . .
so making peace. . . . Ephesians 2:15.
In this dispensation “hearings”, “tongues” and other sign-gifts have
ceased. These passed away with the setting aside of the people Israel
(Acts 28:25 to 28) and connected with this distinct message, we are
enjoined to keep the sevenfold unity, Ephesians 4:4 to 6:
“There is one Body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling: One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all, Who is
above all and through all and in you all.”
It is a great blunder to have Israel set aside before Acts 28:25 to 28 or to
confuse the one baptism of Ephesians 4:5 with Israel’s water ceremony.
Water could never add a sinner to Christ.
In II Timothy 1:12 and 14 Paul speaks of this sacred trust committed to Him.
It was then passed on to Timothy and subsequently “to faithful men who
should be able to teach others also”. II Timothy 2:2.
Let us qualify, if possible to carry on the deposit. It is to this appeal that we
desire to respond and we seek grace to “make known the fellowship of the
“MYSTERY” and to preach The unsearchable (untraceable) riches of Christ.
Will you suffer with Christ to carry on with God’s message for today? Denominationalists and even Fundamentalists will persecute and
malign, and use carnal weapons. But let us remember the sufferings
of Paul and obey II Timothy 1:8.
Known link:
The Dispensation Of The MYSTERY
Be Blessed!
Last edited:
P
The info in this website is useful.
The fact that these books were written during the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, who saw Jesus and the Apostles, certainly brings veracity and reliability to the historical accounts. One could argue that since the authors were from Jesus' inner-circle, the accounts could be biased sources as they were all 'singing to the same tune'. But if the books were written in the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, any false accounts would have been easily verified and called out as untrue, or even heretical.
Thanks for sharing.
The fact that these books were written during the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, who saw Jesus and the Apostles, certainly brings veracity and reliability to the historical accounts. One could argue that since the authors were from Jesus' inner-circle, the accounts could be biased sources as they were all 'singing to the same tune'. But if the books were written in the lifetime of the eyewitnesses, any false accounts would have been easily verified and called out as untrue, or even heretical.
Thanks for sharing.
So anytime anyone reads the New Testament except in the current order they're transgressing God's sacred order? What if I'm looking for a quote in Galatians; do I have to read the whole thing up to that point first so as not to read out of order?
I'm not looking to change the "sacred order" of the New Testament. I just want to read it in the chronology it was written to see the progression.
I'm not looking to change the "sacred order" of the New Testament. I just want to read it in the chronology it was written to see the progression.
why doesn't anyone understand.
Its so simple.
Take only what you need for your own basic needs,
and love your neighbor as yourself.
you cannot have more than you need AND follow Jesus.
God loves us and gave us Jesus so that we can know that He does.
It's so simple, and yet no one (including me) can see it.
Stop studying and learning and trying to understand,
and just love.
Its so simple.
Take only what you need for your own basic needs,
and love your neighbor as yourself.
you cannot have more than you need AND follow Jesus.
God loves us and gave us Jesus so that we can know that He does.
It's so simple, and yet no one (including me) can see it.
Stop studying and learning and trying to understand,
and just love.