January 483 BC

In the 3rd year of his reign, King Ahasuerus made a feast for all his officials and servants - the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him. Queen Vashti made a feast for the women in the royal palace. The king wanted his wife to appear so he could show her off. She refused to come. The king was furious and decided to give her royal position to another woman. He called for the most beautiful virgins in the land to be brought before him. Each young woman's turn came to go in to the king after she had completed 12 months of preparation. Whichever young girl he chose would reign as Queen.
Mordecai is the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite, who was taken captive to Babylon is 586. Esther was raised by Mordecai her 1st cousin (her father is his uncle). King Ahasuerus is known to us as Xerxes I, one of the richest kings of Persia. [Est 1:5-7]

480 BC

King Ahasuerus was defeated by the Greeks at the battle of Salamis.

January 479 BC

Esther was presented to King Ahasuerus and selected as his queen in the 10th month of the 7th year of his reign. [Est 2:16]

April 474 BC

Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of King Ahasuerus. In the 1st month, in the 12th year of King Ahasuerus, they cast lots before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the 13th day of the 12th month. A decree was written according to all that Haman commanded - to the king's satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king's signet ring - and so was irrevocable. And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the 13th day of the 12th month, and to plunder their possessions. [Est 3:6-7, 13]

When Queen Esther heard of this she told the king. Haman was hanged by order of the king. Esther was set over the house of Haman and a decreed was written to allow the Jews to defend themselves on the 13th day of the 12th month.

23 June 474 BC

King Ahasuerus scribes were called and a decree was written allowing the Jews to gather together and protect their lives - to destroy, kill, annihilate all the forces of any people of any province that would assault them on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the 13th day of the 12th month. A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province and published to all people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. [Est 8:9-13]

13 March 474 BC

The time came for the king's command and his decree to be executed. One the day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. [Est 9:1]
The Feast of Purim is celebrated because of the Jews victory over Haman and his plot to destroy them.

470 BC

King Ahasuerus of Persia died. Artaxerxes I reigned in his place.

469 BC

Socrates is born.

1 April 466 BC

2nd Return from Exile

On the 1st day of the 1st month Ezra began his journey from Babylon. [Ezr 6:9]

1 August 466 BC

On the 1st day of the 5th month Ezra arrives in Jerusalem. [Ezr 6:9]
It took Ezra 4 months to traveled from Babylon to Jerusalem.

20 December 466 BC

Ezra prayed for the Jews, that they should put away their pagan wives and turn to the Lord. On this day the people of Judah and Benjamin came to Jerusalem to settle the matter of foreign wives. [Ezr 9-10]

460 BC

Hippocrates the Greek physician born on the island of Cos, Greece. He became known as the founder of medicine and was regarded as the greatest physician of his time. He based his medical practice on observations and on the study of the human body. He held the belief that illness had a physical and a rational explanation. He rejected the views of his time that considered illness to be caused by superstitions and by possession of evil spirits and disfavor of the gods.... Today Hippocrates is known as the "Father of Medicine".

14 April 450 BC

3rd Return from Exile

In the 20th year of King Artaxerxes I, Nehemiah was made governor of Jerusalem and allowed to return and rebuild the city. [Neh 5:14]
From this date, there are 483 years until Messiah is "cut off" (Jesus crucified, 450-483=33 A.D.). Malachi is prophet of God. [Dan 9:24-26]

"The History of Herodotus", written by Herodotus of Halicarnassus. He was called the father of history. He was a Greek historian.

427 BC

Plato is born.

399 BC

Death of Socrates... Although the amnesty of 405 forestalled direct prosecution for his political activities, an Athenian jury found other charges—corrupting the youth and interfering with the religion of the city—upon which to convict Socrates, and they sentenced him to death in 399 B.C.E. Accepting this outcome with remarkable grace, Socrates drank hemlock and died in the company of his friends and disciples.
Source: http://www.philosophypages.com/ph/socr.htm

384 BC

Aristotle was born in the city of Stagira in Macedonia. His father, Nichomacus, was the personal physician to King Amyntas of Macedonia.

The Greek Empire

356 BC

Alexander the Great, born in Pella, Macedonia, was the son of Philip of Macedon and Princess Olympias of Epirus.

336 BC

At the age of 20, Alexander the Great succeeded his father, Philip II who was assassinated, as King on the Macedonian throne.

333 BC

Alexander the Great defeated King Darius III of Persia at the battle of Issus.

332 BC

Alexander defeated the Persians and ended the Persian rule of Palestine.

331 BC

Alexander the Great conquered Babylon.

326 BC

Alexander defeated the Indian King Porus on the banks of the Hydaspes river.

323 BC

Alexander the Great came down with a fever and died in Babylon. He was 32 years old and had no heirs. His kingdom was divided by his four generals. The two most important being: Seleucus (Syria), and Ptolemy I (Egypt).

322 BC

The Assembly in Athens declared war against Alexander's successor, Antipon. Aristotle was considered an anti-Athenian, pro-Macedonian, and so he was charged with impiety. Aristotle went into voluntary exile to Chalcis, where he died of a digestive ailment at the age of 63. Aristotle's philosophy, logic, science, metaphysics, ethics, politics and system of deductive reasoning have been of inestimable importance ever since.

175 BC

King Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria was a cruel, Jew-hating king who began his occupation of Jerusalem on this date.

168 BC

"Antiochus IV Epiphanes vehemently hated the Jews. He was determined to exterminate them and their religion. He devastated Jerusalem. He forbade circumcision on pain of death, sold thousands of Jewish families into slavery, destroyed all copies of Scripture that could be found, and slaughtered everyone discovered in possession of such copies, and resorted to every conceivable torture to force Jews to renounce their religion. All this led to the Macabean revolt, one of the most heroic feats in history."
Source: Halley's Bible Handbook: An abbreviated Bible Commentary, by Henry H. Halley, Pub. by Zondervan, p. 403.

15 December 168 BC

King Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Temple when he sacrificed a sow on the Temple altar.

25 December 165 BC

Judas Maccabee and his followers recaptured Jerusalem, and the Syrian occupation ended.

The Roman Empire begins

69 BC

Cleopatra born to Ptolemy VII Auletes in Alexandria, Egypt.
Source: - http://www.sonic.net/~exactsci/ancient/egypt/cleopatra.htmlM

63 BC

Palestine was conquered by the Roman General Pompey. Antipater, an Idumean (Edomite, descendant of Esau) was appointed ruler of Judea.
Source: - http://www.sonic.net/~exactsci/ancient/egypt/cleopatra.html

51 BC

Ptolemy VII Auletes dies and his eldest daughter reigns as Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt at the age of 18. Pompey was a senate-appointed guardian of Ptolemy VIII. According to Egyptian law, Cleopatra was forced to have a consort, who was either a brother or a son, no matter what age, throughout her reign. She was married to her younger brother Ptolemy XIII when he was 12 years old. When Cleopatra became co-regent, her world was crumbling down around her. There was anarchy abroad and famine at home.
In the name Ptolemy, the "P" is silent.
Source: - http://www.sonic.net/~exactsci/ancient/egypt/cleopatra.html

28 September 48 BC

Pompey had been defeated at Pharsalus in August of 48 BC. He headed for Alexandria hoping to find refuge with Ptolemy XIII. Pompey did not realize how much his reputation had been destroyed until it was too late. He was murdered as he stepped ashore. The young Ptolemy XIII stood on the dock and watched the whole scene. The Alexandrian War was started when Pothinus called for Ptolemy XIII's soldiers in November and surrounded Caesar in Alexandria with twenty thousand men. During the war, parts of the Alexandrian Library and some of the warehouses were burned. During the fighting, Ptolemy XIII, age 15, drowned in the Nile while he was trying to flee. Because of his death, Cleopatra was now the sole ruler of Egypt. Caesar had restored her position, but she now had to marry her younger brother Ptolemy XIV, who was 11 years old.
Source: - http://www.sonic.net/~exactsci/ancient/egypt/cleopatra.html

2 October 48 BC

Four days later, Caesar arrived in Alexandria. He brought with him 3,200 legionaries and 800 cavalry. He also brought twelve other soldiers who bore the insignia of the Roman government who carried a bundle of rods with an ax with a blade that projected out. This was considered a badge of authority that gave a clear hint of his intentions.
Source: - http://www.sonic.net/~exactsci/ancient/egypt/cleopatra.html

23 June 47 BC

Julius Caesar and Queen Cleopatra's son, Caesarion (Ptolemy Caesar), was born.

July 46 BC

Caesar returned to Rome from Egypt and was given many honors and a ten-year dictatorship. These celebrations lasted from September to October and he brought Cleopatra over, along with her entourage. The conservative Republicans were very offended when he established Cleopatra in his home. Her social manners did not make the situation any better. She upset many. Cleopatra had started calling herself the new Isis and was the subject of much gossip. She lived in luxury and had a statue made of gold placed by Caesar, in the temple of Venus Genetrix. Caesar also openly claimed Caesarion as his son. Many were upset that he was planning to marry Cleopatra regardless of the laws against bigamy and marriages to foreigners. Upon returning to Alexandria, Cleopatra had her consort, Ptolemy XIV, assassinated and established Caesarion as her co-regent at the age of 4.
Source: - http://www.sonic.net/~exactsci/ancient/egypt/cleopatra.html

15 March 44 BC

On the Ides of March, Julius Caesar, age 55, was assassinated outside the Senate Building in Rome. He was killed in a conspiracy by his Senators. Caesar is said to have been tall, fair, and well built, with a rather broad face and keen, dark brown eyes. His health was sound, apart from sudden comas and a tendancy to nightmares which troubled him towards the end of his life; but he twice had epileptic fits while on campaigns. He was something of a dandy, always keeping his head carefully trimmed and shaved; and has been accused of having certain other hairy parts of his body dipilated with tweezers. His baldness was a disfigurement which his enemies harped upon, much to his exasperation; but he used to comb the thin strands of hair forward from his poll, and of all the honours voted him by the Senate and People, none pleased him so much as the privilege of wearing a laurel wreath on all occasions. His dress was, it seems, unusual: he had added wrist-length sleeves with fringes to his purple-striped senatorial tunic, and the belt which he wore over it was never tightly fastened. He drank moderately, was an expert swordsman and horseman. It is said he equaled, if not surpassed, the greatest orators and generals the world had ever known

Augustus (Octavian) Caesar, becomes Emperor of Rome.

1 January 42 BC.

Caesar was officially divinized in Rome.

41 BC.

Cleopatra was invited by Mark Antony to Tarsus in 41 BC. She sailed with silver oars, purple sails with her Erotes fanning her and the Nereid handmaids steering and she was dressed as Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This was a very calculated entrance; considered vulgar by many.
Source: - http://www.sonic.net/~exactsci/ancient/egypt/cleopatra.html

37 BC

Antipater died. He was succeeded by his son, Herod the Great (r. 37 BC-4 AD). He was appointed procurator of Judea by Julius Caesar.
procurator = governor

30 BC

Mark Antony committed suicide by falling on his own sword.

12 August 30 BC

After Antony's death, Cleopatra was taken to Octavian (Augustus) where her role in Octavian's triumph over Egypt was carefully explained to her. He had no interest in any relationship, negotiation or reconciliation with the Queen of Egypt. She would be displayed as a slave in the cities she had ruled over. She would not live this way, so she had an asp, (an Egyptian cobra), brought to her hidden in a basket of figs. She died on August 12, 30 BC at the age of 39. After Cleopatra's death, Caesarion was strangled and the other children of Cleopatra were raised by Antony's wife, Octavia. After her death, the Roman Emperors came to rule in Egypt. The Ptolemies were Macedonian in decent, but ruled as Egyptians, as Pharaohs. Cleopatra VII was the last Pharaoh of Egypt.
Source: - http://www.sonic.net/~exactsci/ancient/egypt/cleopatra.html

Birth of Jesus Christ

4 BC

Herod Antipas I (4 BC - 40 AD)
He ruled with the Roman title of "tetrarch" over the lands of Galilee and Perea (part of what is modern Jordan).

Herod Philip II (ruled 4 BC - 34 AD)
Philip received a corner of his father's kingdom along with the title of Tetrarch.

Emporer Augustus Caesar issued a decree that everyone in Israel should be registered. [Luk 2:1]

John the Baptist was born 6 months before Jesus to Elizabeth and Zacharias. [Luk 1:13, 26-36]

Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to be registered and Jesus was born.
Mary was a young girl at the time of Jesus' birth, about 15 years old. As to whether Mary remained a virgin until her death, the Bible is very clear... "Joseph did not know (have intercourse with) Mary until she had her firstborn Son, and named Him Jesus." Joseph and Mary clearly had 5 other children after Jesus was born: James, Jose, Simon, Judas and a sister, Salome. In Acts 1:13-14, it is also clear that His 11 remaining disciples, His mother Mary, and His brothers are gathered together in the upper room at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell upon them. Mary was probably about 15 years old when Jesus was born. Joseph was probably quite a bit older than Mary. [Matt 1:22; 13:55-56; Acts 1:13-14]

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. [Mat 2:1-3]

Joseph was warned in a dream by God not to return to Jerusalem, but to go to Egypt. [Mat 2:13-14]

Shortly before his death, King Herod the Great, spoke with the wise men trying to learn the exact location of Jesus. When he had no luck with them, he summoned the scribes and chief priests and inquired of them. They told him, "Bethlehem." He then ordered all baby boys in Bethlehem, aged 2 years and under slaughtered... in the hopes of eliminating this new King of the Jews. [Mic 5:2; Mat 2:3-11]

13 March 4 BC

King Herod the Great died in severe agony. That night there was an eclipse of the moon.
"And that very night there was an eclipse of the moon. But now Herod's distemper greatly increased upon him after a severe manner, and this by God's judgement upon him for his sins: for a fire glowed in him slowly, which did not so much appear to the touch outwardly, as it augmented him pains inwardly; for it brought upon him a vehement appetite to eating, which he could not avoid to supply with one sort of food or other. His entrails were also exulcerated, and the chief violence of his pain lay on his colon; an aqueous and transparent liquor also settled itself about his feet, and a like matter afflicted him at the bottom of his belly. Nay, further, his privy-member was putrefied, and produced worms; and when he sat upright he had a difficulty breathing, which was very loathsome, on account of the stench of his breath and the quickness of its returns; he had also convulsions in all parts of his body, which increased his strength to an insufferable degree."
Source: Josephus: Complete Works; by Josephus (Joseph Ben Matthias), written shortly after 100 A.D., age abt. 63; translated by William Whiston, Pub. by Kregel Publications, © 1981, p 365

King Herod's kingdom was divided among his 3 sons. Herod Antipas was given Galilee and Peraea (east of Jordan). Herod Philippos received Gaulanitis, Trachonitis, Batanaea, and Panias. Herod Archelaus was made Tetrarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumaea.

A.D.

9

Herod Antipas tetarach of Galilee. Herod Archelaus Tetrarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumaea.

Jesus sits in the Temple. He listened to and instructed the teachers.
Sometime after 9 AD Joseph died... as he is not presented as if alive again.

19 August 14

Augustus Caesar died of natural causes at the age of 75. He was succeeded by Tiberius Claudius Nero.
Tiberius was married to Livia Drusilla and they had one child, Tiberius. Augustus decided he wanted Livia for his wife, and while she was still pregnant with Tiberius' 2nd child Drusus, Tiberius gave her up and Augustus married her and adopted her two sons. Tiberius Nero died shortly thereafter. Tiberius Claudius Nero Caesar was the son of Tiberius Nero and Livia Drusilla... he was the step-son of Augustus Caesar.
Source: "The Twelve Caesars," by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (born: abt 69 A.D); Translated by Robert Graves; Pub. Penguin Books, Ltd., Translation copyrighted 1957; pp 48-82

Tiberius becomes Emperor of Rome

26

Pontius Pilate is governor of Judea,

29

In the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar, John the Baptist began his ministries. [Luk 3:1, 23]
Jesus begins his ministry about 30 years of age. Sometime during his first year, John the Baptist was beheaded by King Herod at the request of his daughter Salome.

Last Week of Christ's Life

Sunday, 9 April 33

Six days before Passover Jesus went to Bethany and visited Martha and Mary. [Joh 12:1]
Mary 48 / Jesus 33

Monday, 10 April 33

The next day, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. A great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!" [Joh 12:12] Fulfilled prophecy: "Speak to the congregation of Israel, saying: On the 10th day of this month (Nisan/April) every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household." [Exo 12:3] "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you, He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey."[Zec 9:9]

Wednesday, 12 April 33

Jesus reminded his disciples that in two days He would be delivered up to be crucified. [Matt 26:2]

The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of Caiaphas the high priest and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill him. But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people." [Mat 26:3-5]

Jesus left the Temple and taught His disciples. [Mar 13:1-36]

Thursday, 13 April 33

When Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and poured it on His head as he sat at the table. Judas was upset at the waste of money and went to the chief priests and asked what they would give him to betray Jesus to them. They counted out 30 pieces of silver. From that time on he sought an opportunity to betray Him. [Mat 26:6-16] Fulfilled Prophecy: "Then I said to them, 'If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.' So they weighed out for my wages 30 pieces of silver."[Zec 11:12]

Passover / Feast of Unleavened Bread

Friday, 14 April 33: Just After Sunset

Just after sunset Jesus ate the Passover with His disciples. Judas leaves at sometime during the meal to betray Him. Peter is told by Jesus that before the rooster crows twice he will deny he even knows Him three times. Then Jesus and His 11 remaining disciples go across the Brook Kidron to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mt. of Olives to pray. [Mat 26:20; Mar 14:17; Luk 22:14; Joh 13:1; 18:1]

The Trial of Jesus Christ

Judas having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came to the Garden of Gethsemane with lanterns, torches, swords, and clubs. Judas pointed Jesus out to them saying, "Rabbi, Rabbi," then kissing Him. Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear of Malchus, the servant of Caiaphas the high priest. Jesus scolded Peter and healed Malchus. Then the detachment of troops, and the captain, and the officers of the Jews bound and arrested Jesus, and led him first to the house of Annas (father-in-law of Caiaphas). The 11 disciples forsook Jesus and fled, but Peter and John followed Him. John had a linen cloth around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of John and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked. [Mar 14:43-45, 51-52; Joh 18:10-13]
They led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was the high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who gave counsel to the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Caiaphas knew full well that Jesus is the Christ. He is conspired against by the Jewish religious leaders. He is given a mock trial, blindfolded, spat on, and beaten. Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas where the scribes and elders were assembled. The chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Him to put Him to death, but even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. Jesus didn't open His mouth unless asked to swear by God. Again He is beaten. [Mar 14:65; John ]

Friday, 14 April 33: Sunrise

Very early in the morning, the chief priests and elders bound Jesus and led Him from Caiaphas' palace to Pontius Pilate (governor of Judea) at the Praetorium. When Pilate learned that Jesus was from Galilee, he told the Jews this was not his problem and sent Him bound to King Herod Antipas.

When Peter denied Jesus for the third time... the rooster crowed.

Judas tried to return the 30 pieces of silver he'd gotten from the chief priests for betraying Jesus. They refused to take it back so he threw it on the floor of the Temple and went out and hung himself on a tree. [Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:18]

Herod wanted to see Jesus perform a miracle but Jesus would not comply nor even open His mouth to answer him. Herod and his soldiers, treated Jesus with contempt. They put on Him a gorgeous robe, and mocked Him. Then, as Herod found no fault in Jesus, he removed the robe, but not the crown of thorns, and sent Him back to Pilate.

After speaking to Him, Pontius Pilate told the Jewish religious leaders he found no fault in Jesus worthy of death. He proposed to chastise Him and release Him. He reminded them of the custom of releasing one prisoner each Passover. The chief priests and elder persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabas, a convicted insurrectionist and murderer, instead of Jesus. When Pilate asked what they wanted him to do with Jesus they said, "Away with Him," "Crucify Him!" Pilate released Barabas and sent Jesus into the Praetorium.

The soldiers gathered the whole garrison around Him. They striped Him and put a scarlet and purple robe on Him. They then twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a reed in His right hand. They bowed before Him and mocked saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him, took the reed and beat Him on the head with it. Afterward they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him and led Him out to be crucified. Simon, a Cyrenian, was told to carry Jesus' cross.

The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Friday, 14 April 33: 3rd Hour

Jesus is nailed to a cross on Golgotha, between two thieves. Fulfilled Prophecy: "And after 62 weeks (62x7=434 years) Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself... Dan 9:26]

The 6th Hour

Now from 6th hour until the 9th hour there was darkness over all the land. [Mat 26:45]

The 9th Hour

About the 9th hour Jesus cried out, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" (My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me?) Someone offered Him sour wine on a sponge to drink and He refused it. He then cried out again in a loud voice and yielded up His spirit. The sun was darkened and the Temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom. There was an earthquake, rocks and graves were split open. Fulfilled Prophecy: "Now you shall keep it (the lamb) until the 14th day of the same month (Nisan/April). Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. [Exo 12:6,10]
Jesus Christ, God incarnate, died specifically for our sins. All of them!. We are saved only when we trust in God's free gift of unearned mercy through faith in Jesus [Rom 5:16-18]. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, there is no other name by which we must be saved. God has said, "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." [Rom 10:9-10]. Trying to be saved any other way, or under any other name, is not Christianity.

Evening

When evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if he had been dead for some time. Then he released Jesus' body to Joseph. Joseph bought fine linen, took Jesus down from the cross, wrapped Him in the linen and laid Him in the tomb and rolled a stone against the door. fulfilled Prophecy: "You shall let none of it (lamb) remain until morning." [Exo 12: 10]

Saturday, 15 April 33: Feast of Unleaven Bread

Weekly Sabbath

Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, returned and prepared spices, and they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. [Exo 20:8-11]

On the next day (Sabbath), which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priest and Pharisees went to Pontius Pilate asking him for a guard to be posted at the tomb until the 3rd day.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Sunday, 16 April 33: Feast of First Fruits

There was a great earthquake for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it. The guards shook with fear of him and became like dead men. With the earthquake, graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

On the 1st day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. Mary (Jesus mother) arrived at the tomb when the sun had risen. The angel told the women that Jesus was not here, that he has risen, and to go tell the disciples. [Mar 16: 1-2; Joh 20:1]
The text of John 20, states that Mary Magdalene came to the tomb while it was still dark. Mark 16 states "they" came when the sun had risen. Unless these are two separate trips to the tomb, they can not both be correct unless it can be assumed Mary Magdalene came while it was still dark and Jesus' mother, the other Mary, arrived when the sun had risen. Makes sense to me.

Mary Magdalene looked into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. She turned around and saw a man standing there whom she did not recognize until He spoke to her, then she knew it was Jesus.

Jesus appeared a second time as the women were going to tell the disciples about Jesus' resurrection.

Peter and John returned to the tomb. Peter looked into the tomb and saw that Jesus was indeed gone. They returned to their homes and mourned Him as they did not yet understand what they had been told of the resurrection.

Two disciples (one named Cleopas) while walking to Emmaus (7 miles from Jerusalem) Jesus appeared to them, but they did not know Him. Jesus walked with them and told them of all the prophecy concerning Himself. Then, while Jesus sat and ate with them, He broke bread and blessed it, and their eyes were opened and they knew who He was. Then Jesus disappeared from their sight. These two returned to Jerusalem to the house where the disciples were and told them of the incident.

Monday, 24 April 33

Eight days later, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst. He showed His hands and His side to doubting Thomas as proof of who He was. Then He ate with them.

The Ascension

Sunday, 23 May 33

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and the end of the earth" Now when he had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." [Acts 1:8-11]

Pentecost - Feast of Harvest

Sunday, 4 June 33

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they (the 11 disciples, Jesus' mother Mary, and His brothers) were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. [Acts 2:1-4]

Matthais was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as the 12th Apostle.

34

Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, Nicolas were chosen as the first deacons of the church, and put in charge of daily distributions. [Acts 6:1-8]

Stephen was acused of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. A young Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus watched and consented as the people stoned Stephen to death. [Acts 6:9 - 7:1-60; 8:1]

Saul made havoc of the church entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. [Acts 8:3-4]

36 Saul's conversion

Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. On his way to Damascus, a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" He trembled and was astonished and ask the Lord what He want him to do. Jesus told him to go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he was blind. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. He was 3 days without sight. He neither ate nor drank. Ananias was sent to Saul by God to open his eyes. Paul began preaching to the Jews. [Acts 9:1-20]

After many days the Jews plotted to kill Saul, but when their plot became known the disciples took him at night, and let him down through the wall in a large basket. When Saul came into Jerusalem he tried to join the other disciples, but they were afraid of him. Barnabas introduced him to them and told of his conversion and his preaching. Saul began to preach. When the Hellenists attempted to kill him, the disciples took him to Caesarea and sent him to Tarsus.

37

Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and when he found him he brought him to Antioch, Syria. They stayed there for a whole year. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. [Acts 11:25-27]

16 March 37

Emperor Tiberius died at the age of 77. He reigned for 23 years. He was strongly and heavily built and above average height. His shoulders and chest were broad, and his body perfectly proportioned from top to toe. His was left handed, and was so strong he could poke a finger through a newly-plucked apple. He had a handsome, fresh-complexioned face, though subject to occasional rashes of pimples. His eyes were remarkably large and possessed the unusual power of seeing at night and in the dark, when he first opened them after sleep. His gait was a stiff stride, with the neck poked forward, and if ever he broke his usual stern silence to address those those walking with him, he spoke with great deliberation and eloquent movements of the fingers. Thunder had a most frightening effect on him. Whenever the sky looked like it would storm, he put on a laurel wreath which, he supposed, would make him lightening proof.
Source: "The Twelve Caesars," by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (born: abt 69 A.D); Translated by Robert Graves; Pub. Penguin Books, Ltd., Translation copyrighted 1957; pp 130-131

Gaius Caesar Germanicus, "Caligula" (which means "Little Boots") becomes Emperor of Rome. He was the adopted son of his uncle Tiberius Caesar.
"Now, Gaius managed public affairs with great magnanimity during the first and second year of his reign, and behaved himself with such moderation, that he gained the good-will of the Romans themselves, and of his other subjects. But, in the process of time, he went beyond the bounds of human nature in his conceit of himself, and, by means of the vastness of his dominions, made himself a god, and took upon himself to act in all things to the reproach of the Deity itself."
Source: Josephus: Complete Works, Book XVIII, Ch. VII, verse 2.

Herod Antipas was exiled for crimes against Rome. He is remembered as the one who beheaded John the Baptist.

Herod Agrippa I (r. 37 BC - 44 AD) governor of Judea.

"So great was the caprice of Caligula in his conduct towards all, but especially toward the nation of the Jews. As he was excessively hostile to these, he appropriated their places of worship to himself in all the cities, beginning with those at Alexandria, filling them with his images and statues. For having permitted it when others erected them of their own accord, he now began to erect them by absolute command. But the temple in the holy city, which had been left untouched as yet, and been endowed with privileges as an inviolable asylum, he changed and transformed into a temple of his own, that it should be publicly call the the temple of Gaius the younger, the visible Jupiter."
Source: Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History; translated from the original with an introduction by Christian F. Cruse, Pub by: Baker Book House, June 1984; p 56... Eusebius Pamphilus was Bishop of Caesarea.

40

Shortly before his death, Caligula sent Petronius to invade Judea and erect a colossal guilt statue of himself in the Temple of God in Jerusalem. When Petronius saw that the Jews were willing to die rather than have their Temple desecrated, he promised to write to the Emperor to try and have the order rescinded. As soon as Petronius finished his speech to the Jews, a miracle from God occurred... God caused it to rain on a clear, sunny day. The whole year had been subject to severe drought. So Petronius and the Jews discerned that God was on their side in the matter. Meanwhile Emperor Caligula, as a favor to King Agrippa, had already canceled the order, and sent a letter to Petronius to this effect. But, when Caligula received Petronius' letter telling him that the Jews were ready to revolt because of his order, he was enraged. He then sent a letter to Petronius ordering him to commit suicide.
Source: extracted and paraphrased: Josephus: Complete Works; by Josephus (Joseph Ben Matthias), written shortly after 100 A.D., age abt. 63; translated by William Whiston, Pub. by Kregel Publications, © 1981, pp 389-392

24 January 41

Herod Agrippa I ruled all of Galilee. He is the son of King Herod the Great.

Emperor Gaius Caesar, "Caligula," was murdered by the Prefect of the Praetorian guard at the age of 29. He reigned 3 years, 10 months, and 8 days. Even at a young age he love to watch tortures and executions. After his courtiers reminded him that he already outranked any prince or king, he insisted on being treated as a god --- sending for the most revered or artistically famous statues of the Greek deities (including Jupiter at Olympia), and having their heads replaced by his own. He established a shrine to himself as God, with priests, the costliest possible victims, and a life-sized golden image which was dressed every day in clothes identical with those that he happened to be wearing. In less than a year he had squandered Tiberius's entire fortune of 27 million gold pieces.
Source: "The Twelve Caesars," by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (born: abt 69 A.D); Translated by Robert Graves; Pub. Penguin Books, Ltd., Translation copyrighted 1957; pp 143-150

Tiberius Claudius Drusus becomes Emperor of Rome. Claudius became emperor at the age of 31. He was born 1 August 10. Though tall, well built, with a handsome face, a fine head of white hair and a firm neck, he stumbled as he walked owing to a weakness in his knees; and because, both in his lighter moments and at serious business, he had several disagreeable traits. These included an uncontrolled laugh, a horrible habit, under the stress of anger, of slobbering at the mouth and running at the nose, a stammer, and a persistent nervous tic of the head, which was apparent at all times but especially when he exerted himself to the slightest extent. His health was wretched until he succeeded to the throne, when it suddenly became excellent, except for violent stomach-aches which often, he said, made him think of suicide. He was always ready to eat, slept in short snatches, and his cruelty and bloodthirstiness appeared equally in great and small matters.
Source: "The Twelve Caesars," by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (born: abt 69 A.D); Translated by Robert Graves; Pub. Penguin Books, Ltd., Translation copyrighted 1957; pp 162, 177

Petronius received first the letter about the rescinded order and Caligula's death, then the one ordering him to commit suicide. Petronius escaped death and the statue was never installed in the Temple.
Source: extracted and paraphrased: Josephus: Complete Works; by Josephus (Joseph Ben Matthias), written shortly after 100 A.D., age abt. 63; translated by William Whiston, Pub. by Kregel Publications, © 1981, p. 392

15-22 April 44

Passover / Feast of Unleaven Bread

During the days of Unleaven Bread James, the brother of John, was beheaded by order of Herod Agrippa I. [Acts 12:2].

Death of Herod Agrippa I

Herod Agrippa I arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration... And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man." then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. [Acts 12:23].

There was a great famine in the land in the reign of Emperor Claudius. The disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren in Judea. This they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Paul. [Acts:11:28-30]

Cuspius Fadus becomes governor of Judea.
Source: http://www.realtime.net/~wdoud/library/paulchrono.html

45 First Missionary Journey

From Antioch (Syria) to Seleucia, sailed from there to Cyprus. Passed through Salamis to Pahphos where the was a sorcerer named Elymas. The proconsul Sergius Paulus believed and was saved. They went from Cyprus to Perga in Pamphylia where Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. From Pergia they went to Antioch (Pisidia). In Antioch the unbelieving Jews stirred up the people against them, they then went to Iconium. In Iconium the Jews again stirred up the people against them, but this time Barnabas and Paul stayed a long time, until the Jews again stirred up the people. They went to Lystra. In Lystra Paul healed a man who had been crippled from birth. The people immediately thought they were gods and began worshiping them. Paul and Barnabas tried to correct them to no avail. While in Lystra the Jews from Antioch (Pisidia) and Iconium came there and persuaded the people to kill Paul. He was stoned, dragged outside the city, and left for dead. But when the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day they left for Derbe. They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch (Peridia), Perga, and Attalia... then home to Antioch (Syria). [Acts 13:4-51 - 14:1-26]
Food for thought... At some time in his life, Paul was "caught up to the 3rd heaven.... into paradise and heard inexpressible words..." Paul didn't know if he was in the body, or out of the body. The Jews, along with the people, stoned Paul, and dragged his dead body outside the city. When the disciples gathered around him... he "rose up" and went back into the city. In other words, Paul was mortally wounded and God raised him from the dead. When someone was stoned, neither pebbles nor little rocks were used... people used big rocks or boulders as large as they could throw. This "caught up to the 3rd heaven could have occured in the period... after the stoning <...... > and before rose up. He probably went back into the city to show the people (especially the Jews) that God had raised him from the dead. [Acts 14:19-20; 2 Cor 12:2-7]

Plutarch was born. He studied philosophy, rhetoric and mathematics at the Academy in Athens. He was a student of the philosopher Ammonius. Plutarch traveled to Rome where he lectured on philosophy. Plutarch wrote and lectured. Seventy-eight of his pieces are preserved in the "Moralia," but his most famous work is the "Parallel Lives," which compares Greek and Roman statesmen. This work gained the attention of the Emperor Trajan. Even though Plutarch lived hundreds of years after many of his subjects, his information is our best source for many historical figures. This biographical project, he believed, helped him improve morally

50

Herod Agrippa II becomes king of Judea. He is the last of the Herodian Dynasty. He is the son of Herod Agrippa I and the grandson of Herod the Great. He was a friend of Josephus and the two corresponded frequently on historical matters; in his autobiography, Josephus states that Agrippa wrote him sixty-two letters concerning his work.

Paul and Barnabas attend first church council in Jerusalem.

51 Second Missionary Journey

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul refused. The contentions grew strong and the parted company. Paul was with Silas on this journey. Antioch to Lystra. In Lystra Paul meets Timothy he travels with Paul from now on. In Troas Luke joins Paul, as noted by the "we" and "they" statements. In Philippi, Paul and Silas are beaten with rods and thrown in prison because Paul cast out the fortune-telling demon in the slave girl. A great earthquake opened the prison doors. They stay only a short time in Thessalonica, but made many converts. Berea is where many were converted. Athens was the home of Pericles, Socrates, Domothenes, and Plato; center of Philosophy, Literature, Science and Art; seat of the greatest university of the ancient world; meeting place of intelligentsia; and wholly given to idolatry. Corinth was a principal city of the Roman Empire. Paul stayed here for 1½. He met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth. [Acts 15:36 - 18:22]

52

About this time Emperor Claudius expels the Jews from Rome.

53

Antonius Felix is appointed procurator of Judea, by Emperor Claudius.
Source: "The Twelve Caesars," by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (born: abt 69 A.D); Translated by Robert Graves; Pub. Penguin Books, Ltd., copyright 1957; p 177

54 Spring:

Paul leaves Corinth and reaches Jerusalem at Pentecost; goes to Antioch

Fall

Third Missionary Journey

Paul goes to Ephesus. Ephesus was a magnificent city with a population of 225,000. The main industry was in association with the goddess Diana, ie., statues, trinkets, etc. When multitudes of Diana worshipers came to Christ, it put a lot of people out of business. Paul remained in Ephesus for 3 years. Magicians, who pretended to work miracles, were so over-awed that they made a great bonfire and burned their books.

13 October 54

Emperor Claudius Caesar was murdered by poisoning. He reigned 13 years. He was succeeded by 17 year old Nero Claudius Caesar.

56

P. Cornelius Tacitus was born. He may have been the greatest Roman historian. He held the positions of senator, consul, and provincial governor of Asia. He wrote "Annals," "Histories," "Agricola," "Germany," and a dialogue on oratory.

June 57

Aristobulus of Chalcis (r. 57 BC - 92 AD)
One extremely interesting coin was known to have been issued by Aristobulus. On one side is shown the head of Aristobulus with the inscription OF KING ARISTOBULUS in Greek. On the other side is the head of a woman wearing a crown. surrounded by the inscription QUEEN SALOME. This is Aristobulus' wife (Antiquities 18.5.4 137), who is the same Salome as in the John the Baptist story. It is a rare depiction of a person from a New Testament story. Source: http://members.aol.com/fljosephus/coins.htm#agrippa1
Paul leaves Ephesus He was in Macedonia in the summer and fall. He sailed from Philippi and returned to Antioch (Syria).

June 58

Paul's Trial

Paul returns to Jerusalem and after a week goes to the Temple, and was mobbed by the Jews. The commander of the garrison saved him from the mob, but bound him with two chains and was about to have him scourged when Paul told him he was a Roman citizen, and uncondemned. Immediately he was unbound. After the commander heard testimony he assigned 470 soldiers to take Paul to Caesarea by night. In Caesarea Paul was put in Herods Praetorium and held until Felix, governor of Judea came. When testimony was heard by Felix, and it was Paul's turn to defend himself. Paul was kept in Caesarea in "protective custody" for 2 years [Acts 21:17 - 26:1-32]

60

Felix is recalled and is succeeded by Poricus Festus as governor of Judea.
Paul appeared before Festus and was again accused by the Jews. But when he knew that Festus was thinking of releasing him, he appealed to Caesar. After some days King Agrippa II came to Caesarea with his wife Bernice to visit Festus. Herod told Festus he would have released him if he had not appealed to Caesar. [Acts 25:1-13]
This Herod is the son of Herod Agrippa I who killed James, the brother of John. He was the grandson of Herod Antipas who killed John the Baptist and mocked Christ... and also the great grandson of Herod the Great who murdered the children of Bethlehem. Bernice was his sister, living with him as his wife.

Paul's Journey to Rome

In the fall Paul and some other prisoners were sent by boat to Rome, guarded by Julius a centurion. Aristarchus and Luke went with him. They sailed past Cyprus, and came to Myra. In Myra the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy. With high winds and difficulty aimed for the harbor of Phoenix on Crete. However, a northeaster arose and blew them off course. [Acts 27:1 - 28:16]

61

When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days all hope of being saved was given up. Paul related that an angel had appeared and told him that he had to appear before Caesar and there would be no loss of life on this journey to Rome. But on the 14th night they feared they would run aground, as the depth was 15 fathoms (90 feet) they dropped four anchors. Paul told the centurion that unless the men stay in the ship they cannot be saved. There was 276 men on the ship. They discovered the island was called Malta (Melita). Paul was gathering sticks and was bitten by a viper, he shook it off and was ok. The natives thought he was a god. Paul healed the father of Publius was sick with a fever and dysentery. After 3 months they sailed to Syracuse and stayed there 3 days. From there they sailed to Rhegium. And two days later came to Puteoli. There were brethren there and they stayed with them 7 days. When more brethren heard they came to meet them as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. Next they came to Rome and the centurion delivered his prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to live by himself in a rented house with the soldier who guarded him. Paul lived 2 whole years in this house. [Acts 27:1 - 28:16]

62

After a normal 8 year reign, at the age of 25, Nero degenerated into an insane monster.

Early Christian writers say that about this time... The high priest in Jerusalem convened an illegal meeting of the council and executed James, the brother of Jesus. They threw him down from a height and stoned him to death.
Source: Augustus to Constantine, by Robert M. Grant, © 1970; Published 1990 by Harper & Row, Publishers, San Francisco; p 35

Paul was released from the Roman prison and he continued to preach the gospel. [2 Tim 4:6]

9 July 64

Rome Burns

Christians were directly confronted by the imperial power of Rome. A fire had destroyed a large part of the city and it was suspected by many that the emperor Nero was responsible for it. Many of the buildings destroyed were in the area where he was building a great new palace. In order to quell the rumor, Nero accused the Christians of arson. Convicted on the charge of arson and possibly of such crimes as holding Thyestean feasts (cannibalism) and engaging in magic, some Christians were dressed in animal skins and lacerated by dogs; others were crucified or burned as torches in Nero's gardens while he, dressed as a charioteer, drove among the audience.
Source: Halley's Bible Handbook, by Alexander H. Halley, © 1965; Published by Zondervan Publishing House; p 635

With Rome burning, Nero needed a scapegoat and he evidently thought the Christians were a good choice. Paul was probably recaptured, brought back to Rome, and martyred at this time. Paul wrote his last letter to Timothy from Rome. In it, it is obvious he knew he was going to die very soon. He said only Luke was with him. [2 Tim 4:6]
Roman citizens were executed by beheading. The apostle Paul was a Roman citizen. Tradition says Peter was also martyred in Rome... but Paul states clearly that he was alone.

66

The Jews revolt against Rome. Vast numbers also of those that were of the first rank among the Jews, were scourged with rods, and nailed upon the cross at Jerusalem, by Florus for he happened to be procurator of Judea at the commencement of the war, in the twelfth year of Nero's reign. "Then," he says, "throughout all Syria a tremendous commotion seized upon the inhabitants, in consequence of the revolt of the Jews. Every where did the inhabitants of the cities destroy the Jews without mercy. So that you could see the cities filled with unburied corpses, and the dead bodies of the aged mixed with those of children, and women not even having the necessary covering of their bodies. The whole province, indeed, was filled with indescribable distresses. But greater still than the crimes already endured, was the anticipation of those that threatened." Such is the statement of Josephus, and such was the condition of the Jews at this time.
Source: Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History; translated from the original by Christian F. Cruse, Pub by: Baker Book House, June 1984; p 81 (Eusebius Pamphilus was Bishop of Caesarea). Quoting from...
Source: Josephus: Complete Works; by Josephus (Joseph Ben Matthias), written shortly after 100 A.D., age abt. 63; translated by William Whiston, Pub. by Kregel Publications, © 1981

68

Paul is again in prison at Rome, he writes to Timothy. He is then beheaded on the orders Nero.
Roman citizens are executed by beheading... The Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen.

9 June 68

"Emperor Nero, with the help of his secretary Epaphroditus, committed suicide by stabbing himself in the throat. He died at the age of 31 after he had reigned 14 years. He was of average height, with a pustular and malodorour body, light blond hair, with pretty, rather than handsome features. His eyes were blue and rather weak, and he had a squat neck, a protuberant belly and spindly legs. He was entirely shameless in the style of his appearance and dress but always had his hair set in rows of curls."
Source: "The Twelve Caesars," by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (born: abt 69 A.D); Translated by Robert Graves; Pub. Penguin Books, Ltd., Translation copyrighted 1957; pp 206-207

Servius Sulpicius Galba becomes Emperor of Rome.

69

Emperor Galba was hated by his troops. He was assassinated, being hacked to pieces by a party of his cavalrymen near the Curtian pool and left lying just where he fell. He died at the age of 72, before he had reigned 7 months. He was of medium height, bald, blue eyes, and a hooked nose. His hands and feet were twisted by gout, which made him unable to unroll or even hold a parchment scroll or wear shoes. His body was badly ruptured on the right side, requiring a truss for support. He was a heavy eater. He was a homosexual invert, he showed a preference for mature and very sturdy men.
Source: "The Twelve Caesars," by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (born: abt 69 A.D); Translated by Robert Graves; Pub. Penguin Books, Ltd., Translation copyrighted 1957; pp 221-223

Otho becomes Emperor of Rome.

Emperor Otho died, and was succeeded by Vitellius. He was succeeded by General Vespasian.

70

Herod Agrippa II died.

Destruction of Jerusalem and the 2nd Temple

8 September 70

In the spring of 70, shortly before Passover, the Roman army under General Titus reached Jerusalem. A long siege, with assaults by battering rams, ended on September 8th when Roman troops entered the sanctuary of the temple and, intentionally or not, destroyed it by fire. Resistance continued in the upper city for another month, but the victory was complete. Exactly 40 years after Jesus' prophesy, Jerusalem and the temple were completely destroyed by Titus in the 2nd year of Emperor Vespasian's reign... and the Jews were scattered throughout the world. [Ezek 37: 1-14; Mark 13: 1-2] They remained scattered, persecuted, and without a country of their own for 1,878 years until 15 May 1948 when the nation of Israel was reborn.

Bible Time Line: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

The Return from Captivity

560 BC

27 March 560 BC

539 BC

538 BC

October 538 BC

May 535 BC

530 BC

521 BC

1 September 519 BC

24 September 519 BC

3 February 516 BC

14 April 515 BC

486 BC