Helpful Tools: New Testament Chronological Order

         The dating of the writings of the New Testament Epistles (Letters - Books) is often up for debate within academic circles and scholarly writings.  Much of the debates surround the dating of an Epistle as to how it references various points of historical importance.  One event is the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15.

         As you study always keep in mind the Bible is Scientific and Historical and is never wrong on either, but God is addressing a Spiritual aspect of our life first and foremost.  This is the precedent of Scripture.  Is it okay to study and try to find out specifics regarding when an Epistle is written, Absolutely! But, never let the debatable take place of the Truth clearly revealed in Gods Word.

         Brackets - noting various views of dating   [(47-48AD) OR (55AD)]
         Right of Arrow (à)- general conservative viewing of the dating of the Epistles

Apologies for the misaligned brackets and arrows   

Jerusalem Council of Acts 15      à     49-50 AD

James                                                   à        45-48, before 62  when James was martyred

Galatians                     [(47-48) (55)]  à        48

1 Thessalonians           [(50-51)]          à        50-54

2 Thessalonians           [(51)]               à        50-54 soon after 1 Thessalonians

1 Corinthians               [(53-54)]          à        54-55

2 Corinthians               [(54-53) (58)]  à        56-57

Romans                       [(57)]               à        57-58

Matthew                                              à        50s If before Mark—but before70

Mark                                                    à        57-59

Luke                                                    à        58-60

Ephesians                    [(60-62)]          à        60

1 John                                                  à        60’s

2 John                                                  à        60’s

3 John                                                  à        60’s

Acts                                                     à        60-62

Colossians                   [(60-61)]          à        60-62

Philemon                     [(60-61)]          à        62

Philippians                   [(61-62)]          à        62

1 Timothy                    [(62-63)]          à        63-66

Titus                            [(62-63)]          à        63-66

1 Peter                                                 à        64-65

2 Peter                                                 à        64-68

2 Timothy                    [(64)]               à        67

Jude                                                     à        67-80

Hebrews                                              à        68-69

John                                                     à        85-95

Revelation                                           à        95-96