WOULD Jehovah help people to identify the promised Messiah? Yes. Consider what God did. It was some four centuries after the Hebrew Scriptures were completed. In a city called Nazareth, in the northern region of Galilee, a young woman named Mary received a most surprising visit. An angel named Gabriel appeared to her and told her that God was going to use his active force, his holy spirit, to cause her to give birth to a son, though she was a virgin. This son was to become the long-promised King, the one who would rule forever! This child would be God’s own Son, whose life God would transfer from the heavens to the womb of Mary.

Mary humbly accepted that awesome assignment. Her fiancé, a carpenter named Joseph, married her after God sent an angel to assure him of the cause of Mary’s pregnancy. What, though, about the prophecy saying that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? (Micah 5:2) That small town was some 90 miles (140 km) away!

A Roman ruler decreed that a census be taken. People were required to register at their town of origin. It appears that both Joseph and Mary had roots in Bethlehem, so Joseph took his pregnant wife there. (Luke 2:3) Mary gave birth in a humble stable, laying the baby in a manger. God then sent a multitude of angels to tell a group of shepherds on a hillside that the child just born was the promised Messiah, or Christ.

Later, others too would testify that Jesus was the promised Messiah. The prophet Isaiah had foretold that a man would arise to prepare the way for the Messiah’s vital work. (Isaiah 40:3) That forerunner was John the Baptist. When he saw the man Jesus, he cried: “See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” Some of John’s disciples immediately followed Jesus. One of them said: “We have found the Messiah.”​—John 1:29, 36, 41.

There was further testimony. When John baptized Jesus, Jehovah himself spoke from heaven. By means of holy spirit, he appointed Jesus as the Messiah and said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.” (Matthew 3:16, 17) The long-promised Messiah had arrived!

When did this happen? In the year 29 C.E., just when the 483 years foretold by Daniel finished running their course. Yes, that is part of the overwhelming evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, or Christ. What message, though, would he proclaim during his time on the earth?

​—Based on Matthew chapters 1 to 3; Mark chapter 1; Luke chapter 2; John chapter 1.

WHAT was Jesus’ mission on earth? He himself said: “I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:43) Consider four things that Jesus taught about that Kingdom, the central theme of his preaching.

1. Jesus was designated King. Jesus directly said that he was the foretold Messiah. (John 4:25, 26) He also showed that he was the King that the prophet Daniel had seen in vision. Jesus told his apostles that he would one day sit on a “glorious throne” and that they too would sit on thrones. (Matthew 19:28) He referred to this group of rulers as his “little flock,” and he also noted that he had “other sheep,” who were not a part of that group.​—Luke 12:32; John 10:16.

2. God’s Kingdom would promote true justice. Jesus indicated that the Kingdom would do away with the greatest injustice by sanctifying, or making holy, the name of Jehovah God and clearing it of all the reproach that Satan has heaped upon it since the rebellion in Eden. (Matthew 6:9, 10) Jesus also demonstrated impartiality daily by teaching men and women, rich and poor, without distinction. Though his mission was primarily to teach the Israelites, he also reached out to help Samaritans and Gentiles, or non-Jews. Unlike the religious leaders of his day, he showed no trace of bias or favoritism.

3. God’s Kingdom would be no part of this world. Jesus lived during a time of great upheaval. His homeland was under the domination of a foreign power. Yet, when people tried to get him involved in the political affairs of the day, he withdrew. (John 6:14, 15) He told one politician: “My kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 18:36) To his followers, he said: “You are no part of the world.” (John 15:19) He would not allow them to use weapons of war, even to defend him personally.​—Matthew 26:51, 52.

4. Christ’s rule would be based on love. Jesus promised to refresh people, to ease their burdens. (Matthew 11:28-30) He lived up to his word. He gave loving, practical counsel on coping with anxiety, improving relationships, combating materialism, and finding happiness. (Matthew, chapters 5-7) Because he showed love, people from all walks of life found him approachable. Even the most downtrodden flocked to him, confident that he would treat them with kindness and dignity. What a Ruler Jesus will be!

There was another very powerful way in which Jesus taught about God’s Kingdom. He performed many miracles. Why did he do so? Let us see.

​—Based on the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

GOD empowered Jesus to do things that other humans could not do. Jesus performed a great many miracles​—often in front of crowds of eyewitnesses. Those miracles demonstrated that Jesus has power over enemies and obstacles that imperfect humans have never been able to combat with lasting success. Consider some examples.

Hunger. Jesus’ first miracle involved turning water into fine wine. On two other occasions, he fed hungry crowds of thousands with just a few loaves and fishes. In both cases, there was more than enough food for everyone.

Sickness. Jesus cured people having “every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity.” (Matthew 4:23) Blindness, deafness, leprosy, and epilepsy were cured under his healing touch. He cured the lame, the crippled, and the maimed as well. There was no form of illness that proved insurmountable to him.

Dangerous weather. When Jesus and his disciples were sailing across the Sea of Galilee, a violent windstorm broke out. The disciples were terrified. Jesus simply looked at the storm and said: “Hush! Be quiet!” At that, a great calm set in. (Mark 4:37-39) On another occasion, he walked on the water during a frightening storm.​—Matthew 14:24-33.

Wicked spirits. Wicked spirits are far stronger than humans. Many people have proved powerless to break the grip of these vicious enemies of God. Yet, again and again, when Jesus ordered them out, he broke the spirits’ hold on their victims. He did not fear those spirits. On the contrary, they knew his authority and feared him.

Death. Aptly termed “the last enemy,” death is a foe that no human can defeat. (1 Corinthians 15:26) Yet, Jesus resurrected the dead, restoring a young man to his widowed mother and a young girl to her grieving parents. In a most remarkable instance, Jesus resurrected his dear friend Lazarus in front of a crowd of mourners, although the man had been dead nearly four days! Even Jesus’ most determined enemies acknowledged that he had performed this miracle.​—John 11:38-48; 12:9-11.

Why did Jesus perform all those miracles? After all, did not death eventually claim all those whom he helped? Yes, but Jesus’ miracles did lasting good. They proved that all the thrilling prophecies about the rule of the Messianic King had a basis in fact. There is no need to doubt that God’s appointed King can eradicate hunger, sickness, dangerous weather, wicked spirits, or death itself. He has already demonstrated that God has put all such power in his hands.

​—Based on the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

ON THE Mount of Olives, with a splendid view of Jerusalem and its temple below, four of Jesus’ apostles asked him privately about some of his remarks. Jesus had just said that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. And on an earlier occasion, he had told them about “the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 13:40, 49) Now the apostles asked: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?”​—Matthew 24:3.

In his answer, Jesus told what would occur before Jerusalem’s destruction. But his words were more far-reaching than that. His prophecy would later have a larger fulfillment worldwide. Jesus prophesied about a combination of events and world conditions that would form a sign. That sign would show those on earth that Jesus’ presence as King in heaven had begun. In other words, the sign would indicate that Jehovah God had made Jesus the King of the long-promised Messianic Kingdom. The sign would mean that the Kingdom was about to remove wickedness and bring true peace to mankind. The things Jesus foretold would thus mark the last days of the old system of things​—the religious, political, and social systems that now exist—​and the beginning of a new one.

Explaining what would happen on earth during his presence as King in heaven, Jesus said that there would be international wars, food shortages, great earthquakes, and widespread disease. Lawlessness would increase. Jesus’ genuine disciples would preach the good news of God’s Kingdom in all the earth. All these things would culminate in “great tribulation” such as had never occurred before.​—Matthew 24:21.

How would Jesus’ followers know when that tribulation is near? “Learn from the fig tree,” said Jesus. (Matthew 24:32) The appearance of fig leaves on the branches is a noticeable sign that summer is near. Likewise, the occurrence within one time period of all the things Jesus foretold would be a recognizable sign that the end is near. No one but the Father would know the exact day and hour when the great tribulation would begin. Therefore, Jesus urged his disciples: “Keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is.”​—Mark 13:33.

​—Based on Matthew chapters 24 and 25; Mark chapter 13; Luke chapter 21.

AFTER three and a half years of preaching and teaching, Jesus knew that his time on earth was drawing to an end. The Jewish religious leaders were conspiring to kill him, but they feared an uproar among the people, who held him to be a prophet. Meanwhile, Satan influenced one of Jesus’ 12 apostles​—Judas Iscariot—​to turn traitor. The religious leaders offered Judas 30 silver coins to betray Jesus.

On his final night, Jesus gathered with his apostles to observe the Passover. After dismissing Judas, he instituted a new observance, the Lord’s Evening Meal. He took a loaf of bread, offered a prayer, and passed the bread to the remaining 11 apostles. “This means my body which is to be given in your behalf,” he said. “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” He did the same with a cup of wine, saying: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood.”​—Luke 22:19, 20.

Jesus had much to say to his apostles that night. He gave them a new commandment​—that they show unselfish love to one another. He said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:34, 35) He urged them not to let their hearts be troubled by the tragic events that were about to unfold. Jesus prayed earnestly in their behalf. They sang praises together and went out into the night.

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus kneeled and poured out his heart in prayer. Soon, an armed mob of soldiers, priests, and others arrived to arrest him. Judas approached and singled Jesus out by giving him a kiss. As the soldiers bound Jesus, the apostles fled.

Standing before the Jewish high court, Jesus identified himself as the Son of God. The court considered him guilty of blasphemy and liable to death. Jesus was then taken to the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. Although he found Jesus innocent of any crime, he turned Jesus over to the mob clamoring for his death.

Jesus was led to Golgotha, where Roman soldiers nailed him to a stake. Broad daylight miraculously turned to darkness. Later that afternoon, Jesus died, and a great earthquake occurred. His body was laid in a tomb cut into the rock. The next day, priests sealed the tomb and posted a guard at its entrance. Was Jesus to remain in that tomb? No. The greatest of all miracles was about to occur.

​—Based on Matthew chapters 26 and 27; Mark chapters 14 and 15; Luke chapters 22 and 23; John chapters 12 to 19.

ON THE third day after Jesus’ death, certain women who were his disciples discovered that the stone blocking the entrance to the tomb had been rolled away. Furthermore, the tomb was empty!

Two angels appeared. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene,” one said. “He was raised up.” (Mark 16:6) Without delay, the women ran to tell the apostles. On the way, they met Jesus. “Have no fear!” he said. “Go, report to my brothers, that they may go off into Galilee; and there they will see me.”​—Matthew 28:10.

Later that day, two disciples were walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. A stranger joined them and asked what they were talking about. He was, in fact, the resurrected Jesus, who appeared in a form they did not recognize at first. With sad faces they replied that they had been speaking about Jesus. The stranger began to explain things pertaining to the Messiah in all the Scriptures. Indeed, Jesus had fulfilled Messianic prophecies down to the finest detail.a When the disciples realized that the stranger was Jesus, who had been resurrected as a spirit, he disappeared.

The two disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem. There they found the apostles gathered behind locked doors. While the two related their experience, Jesus appeared. His astonished followers could hardly believe it! “Why is it doubts come up in your hearts?” Jesus asked. “It is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from among the dead on the third day.”​—Luke 24:38, 46.

For 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples on different occasions. In one case, he appeared to more than 500! Likely on this occasion, he gave them this weighty assignment: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”​—Matthew 28:19, 20.

At his last meeting with his 11 faithful apostles, Jesus promised: “You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Then Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud blocked their view of him as he ascended to heaven.

​—Based on Matthew chapter 28; Mark chapter 16; Luke chapter 24; John chapters 20 and 21; 1 Corinthians 15:5, 6.

TEN days after Jesus ascended to heaven, about 120 of his disciples gathered in a house in Jerusalem at the time of the Jewish Festival of Pentecost, 33 C.E. Suddenly, a noise like that of a rushing breeze filled the house. The disciples miraculously began speaking in languages that they did not know. What could explain these strange events? God had given holy spirit to the disciples.

Outside, there was a crowd because visitors had come from many lands for the festival. They were astounded to hear their own languages being spoken fluently by Jesus’ disciples. Explaining what had happened, Peter referred to the prophet Joel’s prophecy that God would “pour out” his spirit, which would impart miraculous gifts to those receiving it. (Joel 2:28, 29) This powerful evidence of holy spirit made it clear that an important change had occurred: God’s favor had shifted from Israel to the newly formed Christian congregation. Those who wanted to serve God acceptably now had to become followers of Christ.

Meanwhile, opposition grew, and enemies threw the disciples into prison. But during the night, Jehovah’s angel opened the prison doors and told the disciples to continue preaching. At daybreak, they did just that. They entered the temple and began to teach the good news about Jesus. Their religious opposers were furious and ordered them to stop preaching. Undaunted, the apostles replied: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”​—Acts 5:28, 29.

Persecution escalated. Certain Jews accused the disciple Stephen of blasphemy and stoned him to death. A young man​—Saul of Tarsus—​looked on, approving of the murder. He then went to Damascus to arrest anyone who followed Christ. As Saul traveled on the road, a light from heaven flashed around him and a voice said: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Blinded by the light, Saul asked: “Who are you?” The voice answered: “I am Jesus.”​—Acts 9:3-5.

Three days later, Jesus sent a disciple named Ananias to restore Saul’s sight. Saul was baptized and began preaching boldly about Jesus. Saul came to be known as the apostle Paul and became a zealous member of the Christian congregation.

Jesus’ disciples had been declaring the good news of the Kingdom of God to Jews and Samaritans only. An angel now appeared to Cornelius, a God-fearing Roman army officer, telling him to send for the apostle Peter. Accompanied by others, Peter preached to Cornelius and his household. While Peter was speaking, holy spirit came upon those Gentile believers, and the apostle directed that they be baptized in the name of Jesus. The way to everlasting life was now open to people of all nations. The congregation was poised to spread the good news far and wide.

​—Based on Acts 1:1–11:21.

FOLLOWING his conversion, Paul eagerly declared the good news about God’s Kingdom​—only now the onetime opposer himself often faced bitter opposition. This tireless apostle made several preaching tours, traveling far and wide to spread the good news about the Kingdom that will fulfill God’s original purpose for humankind.

In Lystra, during his first preaching tour, Paul healed a man lame from birth. The crowds began crying out that Paul and his traveling companion Barnabas were gods. The two men could scarcely restrain the people from offering sacrifices to them. Influenced by Paul’s enemies, however, these same crowds later stoned Paul and left him for dead. Paul survived the attack and in time returned to that city to strengthen the disciples with encouraging words.

Some Jewish Christians argued that non-Jewish believers had to adhere to portions of the Law of Moses. Paul took the question to the apostles and older men in Jerusalem. After careful consideration of the Scriptures and with the guidance of God’s holy spirit, those men wrote to the congregations and admonished them to abstain from idolatry, from eating blood and unbled meat, and from fornication. Such commands were “necessary things,” but heeding these did not require following the Mosaic Law.​—Acts 15:28, 29.

On his second preaching journey, Paul visited Beroea, now in modern-day Greece. Jews living there received the word eagerly, examining the Scriptures daily to verify his teaching. Once again, opposition forced him to move on, this time to Athens. Before a learned group of Athenians, Paul gave a powerful speech that is a model of tact, discernment, and eloquence.

After a third preaching trip, Paul went to Jerusalem. When he visited the temple there, certain Jews started a riot, wanting to kill him. Roman soldiers intervened and interrogated Paul. As a Roman citizen, he later made his defense before Roman Governor Felix. The Jews could present no evidence for the charges they brought against Paul. To prevent Festus, another Roman governor, from handing him over to the Jews, Paul said: “I appeal to Caesar!” Festus replied: “To Caesar you shall go.”​—Acts 25:11, 12.

Paul was then taken by boat to Italy to stand trial. Shipwrecked on that voyage, he had to winter on the island of Malta. When he finally arrived in Rome, he stayed for two years in a rented house. Even though he was under soldier guard, the ever zealous apostle continued to preach about the Kingdom of God to all who visited him.

​—Based on Acts 11:22–28:31.

THE newly established Christian congregation would have an important role in the fulfillment of Jehovah’s purpose. But the first-century Christians quickly came under attack. Would they keep their integrity to God in the face of persecution from without and other more subtle dangers from within? The Christian Greek Scriptures contain 21 letters that offered needed counsel and encouragement.

Fourteen of the letters​—from Romans to Hebrews—​were penned by the apostle Paul. These letters are named after those to whom they are addressed​—whether an individual or the members of a particular congregation. Consider some of the subjects covered in Paul’s letters.

Admonition on morals and conduct. Those who practice fornication, adultery, and other gross sins “will not inherit God’s kingdom.” (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Worshippers of God must be united regardless of nationality. (Romans 2:11; Ephesians 4:1-6) They should cheerfully give of themselves to help fellow believers in need. (2 Corinthians 9:7) “Pray incessantly,” Paul says. Indeed, worshippers are encouraged to pour out their hearts to Jehovah in prayer. (1 Thessalonians 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Philippians 4:6, 7) For prayers to be heard by God, they must be offered in faith.​—Hebrews 11:6.

What will help families to thrive? Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. Wives should have deep respect for their husbands. Children should obey their parents, for this is pleasing to God. Parents need to guide and train their children lovingly, using godly principles.​—Ephesians 5:22–6:4; Colossians 3:18-21.

Light shed on God’s purpose. Many aspects of the Mosaic Law served to safeguard and guide the Israelites until the arrival of Christ. (Galatians 3:24) Christians, however, do not need to observe that Law in order to worship God. In writing to the Hebrews​—Christians of Jewish background—​Paul shed much light on the meaning of the Law and on how God’s purpose is fulfilled in Christ. Paul explained that various arrangements under that Law had prophetic value. For example, the sacrificing of animals foreshadowed Jesus’ sacrificial death, which would accomplish true forgiveness of sins. (Hebrews 10:1-4) By means of the death of Jesus, God canceled that Law covenant, for it was no longer needed.​—Colossians 2:13-17; Hebrews 8:13.

Direction on proper congregation organization. Men willing to handle responsibilities in the congregation must have high moral standards and meet spiritual qualifications. (1 Timothy 3:1-10, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9) Worshippers of Jehovah God should regularly gather with fellow believers to encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Meetings for worship should be upbuilding and instructive.​—1 Corinthians 14:26, 31.

By the time Paul wrote the second of his two letters to Timothy, the apostle was back in Rome; he was imprisoned, awaiting judgment. Only a courageous few risked visiting him. Paul knew that his time was short. “I have fought the fine fight,” he said. “I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Likely Paul suffered martyrdom shortly thereafter. But the apostle’s letters guide true worshippers of God to this day.

​—Based on Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews.

JAMES and Jude were half brothers of Jesus. Peter and John were among Jesus’ 12 apostles. Those four men wrote a total of seven letters that are found in the Christian Greek Scriptures. Each of the letters bears the name of its writer. The inspired admonition found in these letters was intended to help Christians maintain integrity to Jehovah and keep God’s Kingdom in view.

Manifest faith. Merely professing to have faith is not enough. True faith leads to action. “Indeed,” writes James, “faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26) Acting in faith when facing trials builds endurance. To succeed, a Christian needs to ask God for wisdom, convinced that God will give it to him. Endurance leads to God’s approval. (James 1:2-6, 12) If in faith a worshipper maintains integrity, Jehovah God will respond. “Draw close to God,” James says, “and he will draw close to you.”​—James 4:8.

A Christian’s faith must be strong enough to help him resist temptations and immoral influences. A prevailing bad moral environment compelled Jude to urge his fellow believers to “put up a hard fight for the faith.”​—Jude 3.

Maintain clean conduct. Jehovah expects his worshippers to be holy, that is, clean in all respects. Peter writes: “Become holy yourselves in all your conduct, because it is written: ‘You must be holy, because I [Jehovah] am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15, 16) Christians have an example worth imitating. “Christ suffered for you,” says Peter, “leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.” (1 Peter 2:21) Although Christians may suffer because they hold to God’s standards, they preserve “a good conscience.” (1 Peter 3:16, 17) Peter urges Christians to abound in holy conduct and deeds that reflect godly devotion while awaiting God’s day of judgment and the promised new world in which “righteousness is to dwell.”​—2 Peter 3:11-13.

Demonstrate love. “God is love,” writes John. The apostle points out that God demonstrated his great love by sending forth Jesus as a “sacrifice for our sins.” How should Christians respond? John explains: “Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are ourselves under obligation to love one another.” (1 John 4:8-11) One way to show such love is by being hospitable to fellow believers.​—3 John 5-8.

How, though, can worshippers of Jehovah demonstrate their love for him? John answers: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3; 2 John 6) Those who thus obey God are assured that they will continue to be loved by God “with everlasting life in view.”​—Jude 21.

​—Based on James; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Jude.

THE last book of the Bible, called Revelation or Apocalypse, provides all mankind with hope. Recorded by the apostle John, the book contains visions that climax in the fulfillment of Jehovah’s purpose.

In the first vision, the resurrected Jesus commends and corrects a number of congregations. The next vision takes us before God’s heavenly throne, where spirit creatures are offering him praise.

As God’s purpose moves forward, the Lamb, Jesus Christ, receives a scroll with seven seals. With the opening of the first four seals, symbolic horsemen charge onto the world scene. The first is Jesus on a white horse and crowned as King. Next come riders on different-colored horses, prophetically representing war, famine, and pestilence​—all of which take place during the last days of this system of things. The opening of the seventh seal leads to the blowing of seven symbolic trumpets, denoting proclamations of God’s judgments. These lead to seven symbolic plagues, or expressions of God’s anger.

God’s Kingdom, depicted as a newborn male child, is established in heaven. War breaks out, and Satan and his wicked angels are cast down to the earth. “Woe for the earth,” says a loud voice. The Devil has great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.​—Revelation 12:12.

John sees Jesus in heaven represented as a lamb, and with him 144,000 who are chosen from among mankind. These ones “will rule as kings with” Jesus. Revelation thus reveals that the secondary members of the seed will total 144,000 in number.​—Revelation 14:1; 20:6.

The rulers of the earth gather to Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” They wage war with the one seated on the white horse​—Jesus, who leads heavenly armies. All the rulers of this world are destroyed. Satan is bound, and Jesus and the 144,000 reign over the earth for “a thousand years.” At the end of the thousand years, Satan is destroyed.​—Revelation 16:14; 20:4.

What will the Millennial Reign of Christ and his corulers mean for obedient humans? John writes: “[Jehovah] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) The earth becomes a paradise!

The book of Revelation thus completes the Bible’s message. By means of the Messianic Kingdom, Jehovah’s name is sanctified and his sovereignty completely vindicated for all eternity!

​—Based on the book of Revelation.

24. circa 2 B.C.E. Birth of Jesus

25. 29 C.E. Jesus is baptized and begins to preach about God’s Kingdom

26. 31 C.E. Jesus chooses his 12 apostles; delivers Sermon on the Mount

27. 32 C.E. Jesus resurrects Lazarus

28. Nisan 14, 33 C.E. Jesus is impaled (Nisan corresponds to part of March and part of April)

29. Nisan 16, 33 C.E. Jesus is resurrected

30. Sivan 6, 33 C.E. Pentecost; outpouring of holy spirit (Sivan corresponds to part of May and part of June)

31. 36 C.E. Cornelius becomes a Christian

32. circa 47-48 C.E. Paul’s first preaching tour

33. circa 49-52 C.E. Paul’s second preaching tour

34. circa 52-56 C.E. Paul’s third preaching tour

35. circa 60-61 C.E. Paul writes letters while imprisoned in Rome

36. before 62 C.E. Jesus’ half brother James writes his letter

37. 66 C.E. Jews revolt against Rome

38. 70 C.E. Jerusalem and its temple destroyed by the Romans

39. circa 96 C.E. John writes Revelation

40. circa 100 C.E. Death of John, the last of the apostles