Wikipedia:
Timeline of Christianity
The purpose of this chronology is to give a detailed account of Christianity from the beginning of the current era to the present. Question marks on dates indicate approximate dates. For "Old Testament" chronology, see History of ancient Israel and Judah.
Era of Jesus
The year one is the first year in the Christian calendar (there is no year zero), which is the calendar presently used (in unison with the Gregorian calendar) almost everywhere in the world, because of the current dominance of the Western world. Traditionally, this was held to be the year Jesus was born, however most modern scholars argue for an earlier date and later dates, the most agreed upon being between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C.
- 6 Herod Archelaus deposed by Augustus; Samaria, Judea and Idumea annexed as Iudaea Province under direct Roman administration [1], capital at Caesarea, Quirinius became Legate (Governor) of Syria, conducted Census of Quirinius, opposed by Zealots (JA18, Luke 2:1-3, Acts 5:37)
- 7-26 Brief period of peace, relatively free of revolt and bloodshed in Iudaea & Galilee[2]
- 9 Pharisee leader Hillel the Elder dies, temporary rise of Shammai
- 14-37 Tiberius, Roman Emperor
- 18-36 Caiaphas, appointed High Priest of Herod's Temple by Prefect Valerius Gratus, deposed by Syrian Legate Lucius Vitellius
- 19 Jews, Jewish Proselytes, Astrologers, expelled from Rome[3]
- 26-36 Pontius Pilate, Prefect (governor) of Iudaea, recalled to Rome by Syrian Legate Vitellius on complaints of excess violence (JA18.4.2)
- 28 or 29 John the Baptist began his ministry in the "15th year of Tiberius" (Luke 3:1-2), saying: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matt 3:1-2), a relative of Jesus (Luke 1:36), a Nazirite (Luke 1:15), baptized Jesus (Mark 1:4-11), later arrested and beheaded by Herod Antipas (Luke 3:19-20), it's possible that, according to Josephus' chronology, John was not killed until 36 (JA18.5.2)[4]
Jesus began his ministry after his baptism by John and during the rule of Pilate, preaching: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matt 4:12-17). While the historicity of the gospel accounts is questioned to some extent by most critical scholars and non-Christians, the traditional view states the following chronology for his ministry: Temptation, Sermon on the Mount, Appointment of the Twelve, Miracles, Temple Money Changers, Last Supper, Arrest, Trial, Passion, Crucifixion on Good Friday (Mark 15:42,John 19:42), Nisan 14th (John 19:14,Mark 14:2,Gospel of Peter) or Nisan 15th (Synoptic Gospels), (7Apr30, 3Apr33, 30Mar36, possible Fri-14-Nisan dates, -Meier), entombment by Pharisees Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus of the Sanhedrin, Resurrection by God on Easter Sunday, appearances to Paul of Tarsus (1Cor 15:3-9), Simon Peter (Luke 24:34), Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9,John 20:10-18), and others, Great Commission, Ascension, Second Coming Prophecy to fulfill the rest of Messianic prophecy such as the Resurrection of the dead, the Last Judgment, and establishment of the Kingdom of God and the Messianic Age. See also Chronology of Jesus.
Era of the Apostles
- See also: Apostolic Age, Acts of the Apostles, and Paul of Tarsus
Shortly after the Death (Nisan 14 or 15) and Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, the
Jerusalem church was founded as the first Christian
church with about 120 Jews and Jewish Proselytes (Acts 1:15), followed by Pentecost (Sivan 6), the Ananias and Sapphira incident, Pharisee Gamaliel's defense of the Apostles (5:34-39), the stoning of Saint Stephen
(see also Persecution of Christians) and the subsequent dispersal of the
church (7:54-8:8) which led to the baptism of Simon Magus in Samaria (8:9-24), and also an
- 37-41 Crisis under Caligula[5]
- 44? Saint James the Great: According to ancient local tradition, on 2 January of the year AD 40, the Virgin Mary appeared to James on a Pilar on the bank of the Ebro River at Caesaraugusta, while he was preaching the Gospel in Spain. Following that apparition, St James returned to Judea, where he was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in the year 44 during a Passover (Nisan 15) (Acts 12:1-3).
- 44 Death of Herod Agrippa I (JA19.8.2, Acts 12:20-23)
- 44-46? Theudas beheaded by Procurator Cuspius Fadus for saying he would part the Jordan river (like Moses and the Red Sea) (JA20.5.1, Acts 5:36-37 places it before the Census of Quirinius)
- 45-49? Mission of Barnabas and Paul, (Acts 13:1-14:28), to Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (there they were called "gods ... in human form"), then return to Syrian Antioch. Map1
- 47? The Church of the East is created by Saint Thomas
- 48-100 Herod Agrippa II appointed King of the Jews by Claudius, seventh and last of the Herodians
- 49 "Since the Jews constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus,[6] he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome." (referenced in Acts 18:2)[7]
- 50 Passover riot in Jerusalem, 20-30,000 killed (JA20.5.3,JW2.12.1)
- 50? Council of Jerusalem and the "Apostolic Decree", Acts 15:1-35, same as Galatians 2:1-10?, which is followed by the "Incident at Antioch"[8] at which Paul publicly accused Peter of "Judaizing" (2:11-21)
- 50-53? Paul's 2nd mission, (Acts 15:36-18:22), split with Barnabas, to Phrygia, Galatia, Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, "he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken", then return to Antioch; 1 Thessalonians, Galatians written? Map2
- 51-52 or 52-53 proconsulship of Gallio according to an inscription, only fixed date in chronology of Paul[9]
- 52? Saint Thomas Christians of India
- 53-57? Paul's 3rd mission, (Acts 18:23-22:30), to Galatia, Phrygia, Corinth, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece, and Jerusalem where James the Just challenged him about rumor of teaching antinomianism (21:21), he addressed a crowd in their language (most likely Aramaic), Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Philippians written? Map3
- 55? "Egyptian Prophet" (allusion to Moses) and 30,000 unarmed Jews doing The Exodus reenactment massacred by Procurator Antonius Felix (JW2.13.5, JA20.8.6, Acts 21:38)
- 58? Paul arrested, accused of being a revolutionary, "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes", teaching resurrection of the dead, imprisoned in Caesarea (Acts 23-26)
- 59? Paul shipwrecked on Malta, there he was called a god (Acts 28:6)
- 60? Paul in Rome: greeted by many "brothers" (NRSV: "believers"), three days later called together the Jewish leaders, who hadn't received any word from Judea about him, but were curious about "this sect", which everywhere is spoken against; he tried to convince them from the "Law and Prophets", with partial success, said the Gentiles would listen and spent two years proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching the "Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 28:15-31); Epistle to Philemon written?
- 62 James the Just stoned to death for law transgression by High Priest Ananus ben Artanus, popular opinion against act results in Ananus being deposed by new procurator Lucceius Albinus (JA20.9.1)
- 63-107? Simeon, 2nd Bishop of Jerusalem, crucified under Trajan
- 63? Glastonbury Abbey founded according to tradition
- 64-68 after July 18 Great Fire of Rome, Nero blamed and persecuted the Christians, earliest mention of Christians, by that name, in Rome, see also Tacitus on Jesus, Paul beheaded? (Col 1:24,Eph 3:13,2 Tim 4:6-8,1Clem5:5-7), Peter crucified upside down? (Jn 21:18,1 Pet 5:13,Tertullian's Prescription Against Heretics chapter XXXVI,Eusebius' Church History Book III chapter I), "...a vast multitude, were convicted, not so much of the crime of incendiarism as of hatred of the human race. And in their deaths they were made the subjects of sport; for they were wrapped in the hides of wild beasts and torn to pieces by dogs, or nailed to crosses, or set on fire, and when day declined, were burned to serve for nocturnal lights." (Annals (Tacitus) XV.44)
Early Christianity
- See also: Early Christianity
- 64/67(?)-76/79(?) Pope Linus succeeds Peter as Episcopus Romanus (Bishop of Rome)
- 65? Q document, a hypothetical Greek text thought by many critical scholars to have been used in writing of Matthew and Luke
- 66-73 Great Jewish Revolt: destruction of Herod's Temple, Qumran community destroyed, site of Dead Sea Scrolls found in 1947
- 68-107? Ignatius, third Bishop of Antioch, fed to the lions in the Roman Colosseum, advocated the Bishop (Eph 6:1, Mag 2:1,6:1,7:1,13:2, Tr 3:1, Smy 8:1,9:1), rejected Sabbath on Saturday in favor of The Lord's Day (Sunday). (Mag 9.1), rejected Judaizing (Mag 10.3), first use of term Christianity (Mag 10).
- 70(+/-10)? Gospel of Mark, written in Rome, by Peter's interpreter (1 Peter 5:13), original ending apparently lost, endings added c.400, see Mark 16
- 70? Signs Gospel written, hypothetical Greek text used in Gospel of John to prove Jesus is the Messiah
- 70-100? additional Pauline Epistles
- 70-200? Didache; Other Gospels: Unknown Berlin Gospel, Gospel of Peter, Gospel of Thomas, Oxyrhynchus Gospels, Egerton Gospel, Fayyum Fragment, Dialogue of the Saviour; Jewish Christian Gospels: Gospel of the Ebionites, Gospel of the Hebrews, Gospel of the Nazarenes
- 76/79(?)-88 Pope Anacletus first Greek Pope, who suceeds Linus as Episcopus Romanus (Bishop of Rome)
- 80(+/-20)? Gospel of Matthew, based on Mark and Q, most popular in Early Christianity
- 80(+/-20)? Gospel of Luke, based on Mark and Q, also Acts of the Apostles by same author
- 88-101? Clement, fourth Bishop of Rome, wrote Letter of the Romans to the Corinthians (Apostolic Fathers)
- 90? Council of Jamnia of Judaism (disputed), Domitian applied the Fiscus Iudaicus tax even to those who merely "lived like Jews"[10]
- 90(+/-10)? 1 Peter
- 94 Testimonium Flavianum, disputed section of Jewish Antiquities by Josephus in Aramaic, translated to Koine Greek
- 95(+/-30)? Gospel of John and Epistles of John
- 95(+/-10)? Book of Revelation written, by John (son of Zebedee) and/or a disciple of his
- 100(+/-30)? Epistle of Barnabas (Apostolic Fathers)
- 100(+/-25)? Epistle of James
- 100(+/-10)? Epistle of Jude written, probably by doubting relative of Jesus (Mark 6,3), rejected by some early Christians due to its reference to apocryphal Book of Enoch (v14), Epistle to the Hebrews written
- 100-150? Apocryphon of James, Gospel of Mary Magdalene, Gospel of James, Infancy Gospel of Thomas, Secret Gospel of Mark (Complete Gospels, published by Jesus Seminar)
- 110-130? Papias, bishop of Hierapolis, wrote: "Expositions of the Sayings of the Lord", lost, widely quoted (Apostolic Fathers)
- 110-160? Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, Letter to the Philippians, (Apostolic Fathers)
- 120? Rabbi Tarfon advocated burning the Gospels[11]
- 125(+/-5)? 2 Peter written, not accepted into canon until early 400s, drew upon Epistle of Jude, "catholic" epistle, Pastoral Epistles written
- 125? Rylands Library Papyrus P52, oldest extant NT fragment, p.1935, parts of Jn18:31-33,37-38
- 130-250? "Christian Apologists" writings against Roman religion: Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Apology of Aristides, Theophilus of Antioch, Tatian, Quadratus, Melito of Sardis, Apollinaris Claudius, Marcus Minucius Felix, Arnobius, Epistle to Diognetus
- 132-135 Bar Kokhba's revolt: final Jewish revolt, Judea and Jerusalem erased from maps, region renamed Syria Palæstina (the term Palestine was originally coined by Herodotus), Jerusalem renamed Aelia Capitolina
- 142-144? Marcion of Sinope, bishop according to Catholic Encyclopedia, went to Rome, possibly to buy the bishopric of Rome, upon rejection formed his own church in Rome, later called Marcionism, rejected Old Testament, decreed canon of one Gospel, one Apostolicon (10 Letters of Paul) and one Antithesis[1] which contrasted the Old Testament with the New Testament, cited Western text-type, see also Expounding of the Law#Antithesis of the Law
- 150? "Western Revisor" adds/subtracts from original Acts to produce Western version which is 10% larger and found in Papyrus P29,38,48 and Codex Bezae (D)
- 150? Valentinius, most famous Christian Gnostic, according to Tertullian narrowly lost election for Bishop of Rome
- 150(+/-10)? Shepherd of Hermas, written in Rome (Apostolic Fathers)
- 155?
Montanus , claimed to be the Paraclete ("Counselor") of John 14:16 - 160? Martyrdom of Polycarp (Apostolic Fathers)
- 170? Dionysius, bishop of Corinth[2] claimed Christians were changing and faking his own letters just as [he knew] they had changed the Gospels (Eusebius' EH 4 c.23 v.12;Ante-Nicene Fathers,v.8)
- 170? Tatian produces "Diatessaron" (Harmony) by blending 4 "Western" text-type Gospels into 1
- 170? Symmachus the Ebionite, new Greek translation of Hebrew Bible
- 177 Persecution in Lyon
- 180? Hegesippus
- 180-202? Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyon, combated heresies, cited "Western" Gospel text-type (Ante-Nicene Fathers)
- 185-350? Muratorian fragment, 1st extant canon for New Testament after Marcion?, written in Rome by Hippolytus?, excludes Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 3 John; includes Wisdom of Solomon, Apocalypse of Peter
- 186? Saint Apollonius, used the term catholic in reference to 1 John
- 188-231 Saint Demetrius, bishop of Alexandria, condemned Origen
- 189-198 Pope Victor I, 1st Latin Pope, excommunicated Eastern churches that continued to observe Easter on Nisan 14 Quartodeciman
- 196? Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus (Ante-Nicene Fathers)
- 199-217? Caius [3] [4], presbyter of Rome, wrote "Dialogue against Proclus" in Ante-Nicene Fathers, rejected Revelation, said to be by Gnostic Cerinthus, see also Alogi
- 200? Papyrus 46: 2nd Chester Beatty, Alexandrian text-type; Papyrus 66: 2nd Bodmer, John, 1956, "Alexandrian/Western" text-types; Papyrus 75: Bodmer 14-15, Luke & John, earliest extant Luke, ~Vaticanus; 200? Papyrus 32: J. Rylands Library: Titus 1:11-15;2:3-8; Papyrus 64 (+67): Mt3:9,15; 5:20-22,25-28; 26:7-8,10,14-15,22-23,31-33
- 200? Sextus Julius Africanus
- 200? Antipope Natalius[5], rival bishop of Rome, according to Eusebius's EH5.28.8-12, quoting the Little Labyrinth of Hippolytus, after being "scourged all night by the holy angels", covered in ash, dressed in sackcloth, and "after some difficulty", tearfully submitted to Pope Zephyrinus
- 217-236 Antipope Hippolytus, Logos sect?
- 218-258 Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, cited "Western" NT text-type, claimed Christians were freely forging his letters to discredit him (Ante-Nicene Fathers)
- 220? Clement of Alexandria, cited "Alexandrian" NT text-type & Secret Gospel of Mark & Gospel of the Egyptians; wrote: "Exhortations to the Greeks"; "Rich Man's Salutation"; "To the Newly Baptized"; (Ante-Nicene Fathers)
- 220?-340? Codex Tchacos, manuscript containing a copy of the Gospel of Judas has been written.
- 223? Tertullian, sometimes called "father of the Latin Church" because he coined trinitas, tres Personae, una Substantia, Vetus Testamentum, Novum Testamentum, convert to Montanism, cited "Western" Gospel text-type (Ante-Nicene Fathers)
- 225? Papyrus 45: 1st Chester Beatty Papyri, Gospels (Caesarean text-type, mixed), Acts (Alexandrian text-type)
- 235-238 Maximinus Thrax, emperor of Rome, ends Christian schism in Rome by deporting Pope Pontian and Antipope Hippolytus to Sardinia where they soon die
- 248-264 Dionysius, Patriarch of Alexandria see also List of Patriarchs of Alexandria
- 250? Apostolic Constitutions, Liturgy of St James, Old Roman Symbol, Clementine literature
- 250? Letters of Methodius, Pistis Sophia, Porphyry Tyrius, Commodianus (Ante-Nicene Fathers)
- 250? Papyrus 72: Bodmer 5-11+, pub. 1959, "Alexandrian" text-type: Nativity of Mary; 3Cor; Odes of Solomon 11; Jude 1-25; Melito's Homily on Passover; Hymn fragment; Apology of Phileas; Ps33,34; 1Pt1:1-5:14; 2Pt1:1-3:18
- 250? Origen, Jesus and God one substance, adopted at First Council of Nicaea in 325, compiled Hexapla; cites Alexandrian, Caesarean text-type; Eusebius claimed Origen castrated himself for Christ due to Mt19:12 (EH6.8.1-3)
- 251-424? Synods of Carthage
- 251-258 Antipope Novatian, decreed no forgiveness for sins after baptism
- 254-257 Pope Stephen I; major schism over rebaptizing heretics and apostates
- 258 "Valerian's Massacre": Roman emperor issued edict to execute immediately all Christian Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons, including Pope Sixtus II, Antipope Novatian, Cyprian of Carthage (CE: Valerian, Schaff's History Vol 2 Chap 2 § 22)
- 264-269 Synods of Antioch, condemned Paul of Samosata, Bishop of Antioch, founder of Adoptionism (Jesus was human until Holy Spirit descended at his baptism), also condemned term homoousios adopted at Nicaea
- 265 Gregory Thaumaturgus (Ante-Nicene Fathers)
- 270? Anthony begins monastic movement
- 275? Papyrus 47: 3rd Chester Beatty, ~Sinaiticus, Rev9:10-11:3,5-16:15,17-17:2
- 276 Mani (prophet), crucified, founder of the dualistic Manichaean sect in
Persia - 282-300? Theonas, bishop of Alexandria (Ante-Nicene Fathers)
- 290-345? St Pachomius, founder of Christian monasticism
- 296-304 Pope Marcellinus, offered pagan sacrifices for Diocletian
- 301 Armenia, first to adopt Christianity as state religion
- 303-312 Diocletian's Massacre of Christians
- 303 Saint George, patron saint of England, and other states
- 304? Victorinus, bishop of Pettau
- 306 Synod of Elvira, prohibited relations between Christians and Jews
- 310 Maxentius deports Pope Eusebius and Heraclius [6] [7] to Sicily (relapse controversy)
- 312 Lucian of Antioch, founded School of Antioch, martyred
- 312 Vision of Constantine: while gazing into the sun he saw a cross with the words by this sign conquer, see also Labarum, he was later called the 13th Apostle and Equal-to-apostles
- 313 Edict of Milan, Constantine and Licinius end persecution, establish toleration of Christianity
- 313? Lateran Palace given to Pope Miltiades for residence by Constantine
- 314 Council of Arles [8], called by Constantine against Donatist schism
- 314-340? Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea, church historian, cited Caesarean text-type, wrote Ecclesiastical History in 325 [9]
- 317? Lactantius
- 321 Constantine decreed Sunday as state "day of rest" (CJ3.12.2), see also Sol Invictus
Era of the Seven Ecumenical Councils
Constantine called the First Council of Nicaea in 325 to unify
Christology, also called the first great Christian council by Jerome, the first ecumenical, decreed the Original Nicene Creed, but rejected by
- 325 The Kingdom of Aksum (Modern Ethiopia) declares Christianity as the official state Religion becoming the second country to do so
- 325 Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, ordered by Constantine
- 326, November 18 Pope Sylvester I consecrates the Basilica of St. Peter built by Constantine the Great over the tomb of the Apostle.
- 328-373 Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, first cite of modern 27 book New Testament canon
- 330 Old Church of the Holy Apostles, dedicated by Constantine
- 330, May 11 Constantinople solemly inaugurated. Constantine moves the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium, renaming it New Rome
- 335 Council in Jerusalem, reversed Nicaea's condemnation of Arius, consecrated Jerusalem Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- 337 Mirian III of Georgia, third to adopt Christianity as state religion
- May 22, 337: Constantine the Great dies. Baptized shortly prior to his death.
- 341-379 Shapur II's persecution of Persian Christians
- 343? Council of Sardica
- 350? Julius Firmicus Maternus
- 350? Codex Sinaiticus(א), Codex Vaticanus(B): earliest Christian Bibles, Alexandrian text-type
- 350? Ulfilas, Arian, apostle to the Goths, translated Greek NT to Gothic
- 350? Comma Johanneum 1Jn5:7b-8a(KJV)
- 350? Aëtius, Arian, "Syntagmation": "God is agennetos (unbegotten)", founder of Anomoeanism
- 350? School of Nisibis founded
- 353-367 Hilary, bishop of Poitiers
- 355-365 Antipope Felix II, Arian, supported by Constantius II, consecrated by Acacius of Caesarea
- 357 Council of Sirmium, issued so-called Blasphemy of Sirmium or Seventh Arian Confession[12], called high point of Arianism
- 359 Council of Rimini, Dated Creed (Acacians)
- 360: Julian the Apostate becomes the last non-Christian Roman Emperor.
- 363-364 Council of Laodicea, canon 29 decreed anathema for Christians who rest on the Sabbath, disputed canon 60 named 26 NT books (excluded Revelation)
- 366-367 Antipope Ursicinus, rival to Pope Damasus I
- 367-403 Epiphanius, bishop of Salamis, wrote Panarion against heresies
- 370-379 Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea
- 370? Doctrine of Addai at Edessa proclaims 17 book NT canon using Diatessaron (instead of the 4 Gospels) + Acts + 15 Pauline Epistles (inc. 3 Corinthians) Syriac Orthodox Church
- 372-394 Gregory, Bishop Of Nyssa
- 373 Ephrem the Syrian, cited Western Acts
- 374-397 Ambrose, bishop & governor of Milan
- 375-395 Ausonius, Christian governor of Gaul
- 379-381 Gregory Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople
- 380, February 27: Emperor Theodosius issues the edict De Fide Catolica declaring Christianity as the official state religion of the Roman Empire[13]
- 380, November 24: Emperor Theodosius I is baptised.
- 381 First Council of Constantinople, 2nd ecumenical, Jesus had true human soul, Nicene Creed of 381
- 382 Council of Rome under Pope Damasus I sets the Biblical Canon, listing the inspired books of the Old Testament and the New Testament (disputed)
- 383? Frumentius, Apostle of Ethiopia
- 385 Priscillian, first heretic to be executed?
- 390? Apollinaris, bishop of Laodicea, believed Jesus had human body but divine spirit
- 391: The Theodosian decrees outlaw most pagan rituals still practiced in Rome.
- 396-430 Augustine, bishop of Hippo, considered the founder of formalized Christian theology (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers)
- 397? Saint Ninian evangelizes Picts in Scotland
- 398-404 John Chrysostom Patriarch of Constantinople, see also List of Patriarchs of Constantinople, (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers)
- 400: Jerome's Vulgate Latin edition and translation of the Bible is published.
- 400? Ethiopic Bible: in Ge'ez, 81 books, standard Ethiopian Orthodox Bible
- 400? Peshitta Bible in Syriac (Aramaic), Syr(p), OT + 22 NT, excludes: 2Pt, 2-3Jn, Jude, Rev; standard Syriac Orthodox Church Bible
- 406 Armenian Bible, translated by Saint Mesrob, standard Armenian Orthodox Bible
- 24 August 410: Sack of Rome by Alaric and the Visigoths.
- 412-444 Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, coined