Have you ever wondered how world events and the Bible shape each other?
Dive into the Finding Faith timeline where pivotal moments reveal how scripture, global events, and faith perspectives have shaped every era and region. Filter by period, explore diverse voices, and see the journey across the world.
Antediluvian Period
The dawn of humanity from Creation to the Flood. Where early stories of origins, faith, and the first civilisations unfold in a world before judgment.
BIBLICAL EVENT
God creates the heavens, the earth, light, sky, land, vegetation, animals and humankind
world event
Emergence of early hunter-gatherers as small groups develop tools & survival strategies
BIBLICAL EVENT
Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, bringing sin and death into creation
world event
Beginnings of settled agriculture, shift from nomadic life to farming
BIBLICAL EVENT
Out of jealousy, Cain kills his brother Abel, the first ever human homicide recorded in history
world event
Continued spread of agrarian communities, enabling population growth and the rise of larger villages
BIBLICAL EVENT
Enoch “walks with God” and is taken into heaven without dying, as recounted in Genesis
world event
Early development of proto-urban settlements, with clusters of homes hinting at city life
BIBLICAL EVENT
God judges the world’s wickedness with a flood; Noah builds an ark to preserve life
world event
Rise of Sumerian city-states (e.g., Uruk, Ur), where independent cities advance writing, trade, and governance
Patriarchal Period
The age of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph; a time when God’s promises shape families, tribes, and the roots of faith for generations to come.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Humanity builds a city and tower “with its top in the heavens”; God confuses language and scatters them across the earth
world event
Growth of ziggurat architecture in Mesopotamia, with massive stepped temples reflecting religious and social life
BIBLICAL EVENT
God calls Abram, promises to make him “a great nation,” changes his name to Abraham, and establishes circumcision
world event
Reign of Hammurabi in Babylon; development of law codes, introducing one of the earliest legal systems
BIBLICAL EVENT
Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, fulfilling God’s promise
world event
Middle Kingdom of Egypt reaches its peak, marked by stability, prosperity, and artistic achievements
BIBLICAL EVENT
Jacob, later Israel, is born; deceives Esau and later has the dream of the ladder to heaven
world event
Hyksos rule parts of Egypt, introducing new technologies and influencing local culture
BIBLICAL EVENT
Joseph’s brothers sell him; he rises to become Pharaoh’s vizier, saving Egypt from famine
world event
Construction of Stonehenge continues, as large stone circles are erected for ceremonial or astronomical use
BIBLICAL EVENT
Jacob’s family moves to Egypt; grows into a great nation under Joseph’s protection.
world event
Peak of Minoan civilisation on Crete, with advanced palaces, vibrant art, and wide-reaching trade
Exodus & Conquest
From slavery in Egypt to freedom and the Promised Land, this era follows Moses, the giving of the Law, and Israel’s dramatic journey to nationhood.
BIBLICAL EVENT
God sends ten plagues on Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release Israel
world event
Retreat of the Hittite Empire, leading to shifts in power and trade across Anatolia
BIBLICAL EVENT
Moses parts the Red Sea; Israel escapes while Egyptian army is drowned
world event
Mycenaean Greece at its height, with fortified palaces and legendary leaders inspiring later myths
BIBLICAL EVENT
God gives the law of Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai to guide Israel’s covenant life
world event
Foundation of the Zhou dynasty in China (c. 1046 BCE), establishing a dynasty that shapes Chinese culture
BIBLICAL EVENT
Israel wanders in the wilderness due to disobedience before entering Canaan
world event
Collapse of the Late Bronze Age civilisations, causing upheaval and transformation in the region
BIBLICAL EVENT
Under Joshua’s command, Israel conquers key cities (Jericho, Ai) and allocates land among the tribes
world event
Early Iron Age cultural shifts in the Levant, as ironworking and new social structures emerge
Judges
A turbulent era of loosely confederated tribes, marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance under charismatic “judges” before monarchy.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Deborah judges Israel and leads victory over Sisera
world event
Collapse of the Late Bronze Age civilisations, causing upheaval and transformation in the region
BIBLICAL EVENT
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and marriage to Boaz secures her place in Israel’s lineage
world event
Early Iron Age cultural shifts in the Levant, as ironworking and new social structures emerge
united monarchy
Israel’s golden age under Saul, David, and Solomon, marked by unity, expansion, and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Samuel anoints Saul as Israel’s first monarch to unite the tribes under a single ruler
world event
Expansion of the Assyrian Empire in Mesopotamia, building a powerful military state
BIBLICAL EVENT
Young David slays the Philistine giant Goliath; later succeeds Saul, establishing Jerusalem as the capital
world event
Founding of Rome traditionally dated to 753 BCE, marking the legendary start of the city
BIBLICAL EVENT
Solomon constructs the Temple in Jerusalem, centralising worship and housing the Ark of the Covenant
world event
Iron Age I advances across the Near East, with iron tools transforming society
Divided Kingdom & Exile
A period of division, decline, and prophetic voices, culminating in conquest, exile, and the struggle to remain faithful far from home.
BIBLICAL EVENT
After Solomon’s death, the kingdom splits: ten tribes form Israel in the north; Judah and Benjamin remain loyal to David’s line
world event
Rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, reasserting dominance and expanding territory
BIBLICAL EVENT
Elijah confronts Ahab and Baal-worship in Israel; Elisha succeeds him, performing miracles and advising kings of both realms
world event
Babylonian Empire rising under Nebuchadnezzar II, known for monumental building and conquest
BIBLICAL EVENT
The northern kingdom (Israel) is conquered by Assyria; ten tribes are exiled (“Lost Tribes of Israel”)
world event
Assyrian Empire reaches its height, controlling vast lands and influencing culture
BIBLICAL EVENT
Babylonian army destroys Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple; Judah’s elite are exiled to Babylon
world event
Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II invades Judah, leading to exile and major shifts
BIBLICAL EVENT
Following the temple’s destruction, surviving Judeans, including Daniel are deported, leading to the Babylonian Exile
world event
Deportation policies of Neo-Babylonian Empire, relocating conquered peoples across regions
Return & Restoration
The return from exile brings rebuilding and renewal, as the Jewish people restore Jerusalem, the Temple, and their covenant identity.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Persian king Cyrus issues a decree permitting exiled Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple
world event
Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great begins restoration policies, allowing exiles to return home
BIBLICAL EVENT
Zerubbabel leads the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem and lays the temple’s foundation amid opposition
world event
Construction of the Second Temple begins in Jerusalem, rekindling Jewish worship and community
BIBLICAL EVENT
Completion and dedication of the Second Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest
world event
Completion of the Parthenon in Athens, showcasing Greek artistic and religious achievement
BIBLICAL EVENT
Esther risks her life to save her people from genocide
world event
Height of Achaemenid Persia’s administrative reforms, creating a vast and efficient bureaucracy
BIBLICAL EVENT
Ezra the scribe leads a spiritual revival, reading the Law publicly and enforcing covenant faithfulness
world event
Height of Achaemenid Persia’s continues
BIBLICAL EVENT
Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem’s walls, instituting civic and religious reforms to secure the community
world event
Construction of the Great Wall of China begins under the Qin state, starting massive fortifications
Intertestamental Period
Centuries of silence and upheaval between the Testaments, filled with foreign rule, revolts, and the seeds of new hope for a coming Messiah.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Approximately 400 years with no recognised prophetic writings between Malachi and John the Baptist
world event
Rise of the Hellenistic kingdoms after Alexander’s death, as Greek-influenced states emerge
BIBLICAL EVENT
Hebrew Scriptures are translated into Greek in Alexandria, making Jewish law accessible throughout the Hellenistic world
world event
Ptolemaic rule established in Egypt, blending Greek and Egyptian culture
BIBLICAL EVENT
Various Jewish communities compose apocryphal/deuterocanonical books reflecting faith and myth during Persian and Greek rule
world event
Cultural exchange under Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires, fostering new ideas and trade
BIBLICAL EVENT
Jewish revolt against Seleucid oppression led by Mattathias and his sons, establishing an independent Hasmonean kingdom
world event
Expansion of Roman Republic into the eastern Mediterranean, integrating diverse peoples
BIBLICAL EVENT
Pompey incorporates Judea into the Roman sphere; later, Herod the Great renovates the Second Temple on a grand scale
world event
Roman Republic becomes Empire under Augustus, marking the start of imperial rule
New Testament Period
The life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the explosive growth of the early church.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Mary, mother of Jesus, responds “Let it be to me” to the angel’s announcement
world event
Roman Republic becomes Empire under Augustus, marking the start of imperial rule
BIBLICAL EVENT
Jesus of Nazareth is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling messianic prophecies
world event
Roman Empire under Augustus consolidates peace (Pax Romana), enabling prosperity and growth
BIBLICAL EVENT
Jesus preaches, performs miracles, is crucified under Pontius Pilate, and rises on the third day
world event
Construction of the Colosseum begins in Rome (AD 72), destined to host grand spectacles
BIBLICAL EVENT
The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles at Pentecost, empowering them to preach and establish the early Church
world event
Roman Empire at its territorial peak, uniting lands from Britain to the Middle East
BIBLICAL EVENT
Mary Magdalene is the first to witness and proclaim the risen Christ
world event
Roman roads facilitate travel across the empire, connecting distant regions
BIBLICAL EVENT
Apostle Paul undertakes multiple journeys across Asia Minor and Greece, planting churches and writing epistles
world event
First Jewish–Roman War begins (AD 66), leading to upheaval in Judea and beyond
BIBLICAL EVENT
Priscilla, alongside Aquila, teaches Apollos the way of God more accurately
world event
Expansion of Roman Republic into the eastern Mediterranean, integrating diverse peoples
BIBLICAL EVENT
Apostles and disciples compose letters to early churches (Romans–Philemon) addressing theology, ethics, and practice
world event
Eruption of Mount Vesuvius buries Pompeii (AD 79), preserving the city in ash
BIBLICAL EVENT
John of Patmos records the apocalyptic vision of Christ’s return, final judgment, and the new creation
world event
Domitian persecutes Christians (AD 81–96), as the faith spreads across the empire
Church Growth & Persecution
As the gospel spreads, believers face opposition and hardship – yet faith communities multiply across diverse cultures and empires.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Persecutions under emperors like Nero, Domitian, and Decius lead to widespread martyrdom of believers, strengthening faith
world event
Great Fire of Rome (AD 64); Decian persecutions across Empire (AD 250), challenging communities
BIBLICAL EVENT
Christian communities establish in major cities; Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, as believers share the Gospel across Asia and Europe
world event
Hadrian’s Wall constructed in Britain (AD 122); Pax Romana facilitates travel and trade
BIBLICAL EVENT
Apologists like Justin Martyr and Clement defend Christianity to Roman officials, using philosophy and reason
world event
Philosophical schools flourish in Alexandria and Athens, shaping thought and science
BIBLICAL EVENT
Church leaders (Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen) articulate doctrines on Trinity, Christ’s nature, and canon formation
world event
Crisis of the Third Century (political upheaval), with invasions and turmoil in the empire
BIBLICAL EVENT
Emperor Constantine convenes the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), defining the Nicene Creed and affirming Christ’s divinity
world event
Edict of Milan grants religious freedom (AD 313), transforming Christianity’s status
Christianity as State Religion
Christianity moves from persecuted minority to imperial faith, shaping laws, society, and the spiritual landscape of the Roman world and beyond.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Constantine and Licinius grant religious freedom throughout the Roman Empire
world event
Rome formalises Tetrarchy system, adopting multiple rulers for vast territories
BIBLICAL EVENT
Theodosius I issues the Edict of Thessalonica, making Nicene Christianity the official state church
world event
Fall of the Western Roman Empire approaches, as instability and invasions mount
BIBLICAL EVENT
Church councils and theologians finalise the New Testament canon, affirming 27 books as authoritative Scripture
world event
Vandals sack Rome (AD 455), symbolising the decline of Roman power
Middle Ages
A millennium of monasticism, learning, crusades, and reform. Where faith weaves through kingdoms, art, and daily life across continents.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Benedict of Nursia establishes the Rule of Saint Benedict; monasticism preserves texts and learning across Europe
world event
Collapse of Western Roman administration, paving the way for new kingdoms
BIBLICAL EVENT
The Church splits into Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches over disputes
world event
Seljuk Turks defeat Byzantines at Manzikert (AD 1071), weakening Byzantine power
BIBLICAL EVENT
Theodosius I issues the Edict of Thessalonica, maSeries of military campaigns (First Crusade AD 1096–1099 onward) aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land.king Nicene Christianity the official state church
world event
Norman Conquest of England (AD 1066), transforming English society and governance
BIBLICAL EVENT
Johannes Gutenberg invents movable-type printing, revolutionising dissemination of Bible and knowledge
world event
Fall of Constantinople looms (AD 1453), marking the end of the Byzantine Empire
Reformation & Beyond
Movements for renewal and reform transform the church, sparking new denominations, global missions, and debates about faith and authority.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Luther nails his theses to the Wittenberg church door, sparking the Protestant Reformation
world event
Age of Discovery (Columbus: AD 1492), as explorers connect continents and reshape trade
BIBLICAL EVENT
Protestant translators produce Bibles in local languages, broadening access to Scripture
world event
English Reformation under Henry VIII (AD 1534), leading to profound religious changes
BIBLICAL EVENT
Catholic response defining doctrine, reforming church practices, and reaffirming Scripture and tradition
world event
Scientific Revolution underway (Copernicus: AD 1543), challenging old beliefs with new ideas
Enlightenment to Missions
Reason, science, and exploration challenge old certainties, while global missionary movements carry faith into every corner of the world.
BIBLICAL EVENT
Series of evangelical revivals emphasising personal faith, conversion, and piety
world event
American & French Revolutions, sparking dramatic changes in government and society
BIBLICAL EVENT
Organisations like the London Missionary Society and American Board send missionaries globally
world event
Industrial Revolution transforms societies, driving urbanisation and economic growth
BIBLICAL EVENT
Societies print and distribute affordable Bibles worldwide, democratising access to Scripture
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Abolition movement gains ground, reshaping laws and advancing human rights
BIBLICAL EVENT
Darwin’s evolutionary theory challenges traditional creation accounts, provoking theological and scientific debates
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Unification of Germany under Bismarck, altering the balance of power in Europe
