One of the keys to understanding the Bible is to see the big picture- which is presented below in 12 steps designed to help you understand the broad sweep of biblical history. Each step has four sub sections, a quick summary of important events, main actors and general physical location.
This work is based upon several works and sources including:
- 30 Days To Understanding The Bible – Max E Anders I first read this 25 years ago – it deserves it’s five star reputation
- Agape Bible Study Overview a Catholic study – theological in content
- http://www.on-mission.com/outlines/periods.html
- https://quizlet.com/27183699/12-eras-of-the-bible-flash-cards/ Flash cards for memorisation
12 Step Biblical Overview
A description of the Bible's big story through history in 12 steps.| Name | Events | People | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creation | Creation Fall Flood Tower | Adam Eve Noah | God creates everything, including humans, who rebel against God and destroy God's perfect creation |
| The Patriarchs | Abraham Isaac Jacob Joseph | Abraham Isaac Jacob Joseph | God chooses Abraham to start a family that would make God known to the world |
| Exodus | Deliverance The Law Rebellion (Kardesh Barnea) 40 Years Wandering | Moses Aaron | God chooses Moses to rescue the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt and gives them the law |
| Conquest | Jordan Jericho Conquest Dominion | Joshua Rahab | Joshua leads the Hebrew people into the promised land and conquers it. |
| Judges | Judgement Rebellion Cycles of sin Ruth | Sampson Ruth Deborah Gideon Samuel | Samson and others were chosen as judges to govern the people for four hundred rebellious years. |
| Kingdom | United Divided Northern Southern | David Solomon Rehoboam Josiah | King David, is followed by mostly unrighteous kings and God eventually judges Israel sending her into captivity. |
| Exile | Prophecies Prophets Exile Power Change | Daniel Shadrach Meshach Abednego | Daniel gives leadership and encourages faithfulness amongst the exiles for the next 70 years |
| Return | Disrepair Temple People Wall | Ezra Nehemiah Esther | Ezra leads the people back from exile to rebuild Jerusalem |
| Silence | The Changing Guard Political Sect Religious Sect Messianic Hope | Pharisees Sadducee Maccabeans Zealots | Pharisees and others entomb the Israelites in legalism for the next four hundred years. |
| Jesus | Early Life Early Ministry Later Ministry Death and Resurrection | Jesus John Disciples | Jesus comes in fulfilment of the Old Testament prophesies of a saviour and offers salvation and the true kingdom of God. While some accept Him, most reject Him, and He is crucified, buried and resurrected. |
| Church | Creation Growth Persecution Transition | Peter Stephen | Peter, shortly after the Ascension of Jesus, is used by God to establish the church, God’s next major plan for humans. |
| Mission | First Journey Second Journey Third Journey Trials and Imprisonment | Paul Silas Timothy | God uses Paul and others to take the good news about Jesus to non-Jewish people all over the known world. |