New Testament Study Guide

New Testament Study Guide
(Timeline of Events and Writings)

by Marshall Mann

Preface

     This study and accompanying chart were developed to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. For each book, the study focuses on four primary areas:

•	the author,•	the intended audience,•	the chronological sequence of events, and•	the approximate date of writing.
     In addition to these core elements, supplemental notes are included throughout the study to address significant historical, textual, and theological matters. Canon Notes are provided for each book to identify manuscript evidence supporting the authenticity and preservation of the Scriptures, rooted in the Traditional Text, commonly known as the Textus Receptus (TR). Footnotes (#) supply external historical, archaeological, and scientific information that corroborates the biblical record. The sole Bible translation used in this study is the King James Version (KJV), which I hold to be the inspired, preserved, and complete Word of God in the English language.

     The motivation for this project arose from a personal desire to resolve long-standing questions regarding the sequence of New Testament events and the timing of each book’s composition. Over time, I found that many available resources lacked consistency or precision in these areas. I also observed that statements made by ministers concerning the New Testament timeline often reflected uncertainty or confusion regarding historical order and authorship. This persistent lack of clarity prompted a careful, book-by-book examination of the New Testament.

     As the study developed, it became evident that a visual timeline was necessary to clearly display the relationship between historical events and the writing of each book. Rather than relying on prepackaged software, the chart was constructed manually using a simple drawing application, allowing for greater accuracy, flexibility, and control.

     The importance of correctly understanding authorship and audience also became increasingly apparent, as these factors directly influence interpretation and doctrinal clarity. For this reason, additional attention was given to identifying whom each book was written by and to whom it was originally addressed.It is my prayer that this work will strengthen the reader’s confidence in the absolute accuracy and divine preservation of the King James Bible, and that it will affirm the trustworthiness of God’s Word as a unified and orderly revelation. Above all, may this study point hearts to the truth of Jesus Christ, leading many to place their faith in Him alone for salvation and to receive the promise of everlasting life:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Click on each New Testament Book below to show the contents.

New Testament Study Guide (Timeline of Events and Writings)