We need to know where we’ve been to know where we are going. That is especially true with biblical history. The Bible is a collection of books that tell the story of salvation. It is also an expansive history book. Lastly, it is the authority of faith–what God has done for us and what is yet to come. Here is a look at how and why you should start a Bible timeline in your homeschool.
Why Start a Bible Timeline
Becoming well versed in the bible timeline will help students understand salvation history. It will also allow them to understand their place in the Kingdom of God. The Bible is a very rich resource. It spans thousands of years. It is estimated that the Bible was written by 40 unique authors. While the books go in order from creation to the coming of God’s Kingdom, the Bible is not necessarily a linear journey. Starting a Bible timeline chart will help children (and adults) see how one event leads to another, as well as, what happened in which order. This will really increase biblical knowledge and understanding.
How to Make a Bible Timeline
There are several ways to create a biblical timeline. First, you could fill a binder with paper, marking the top of each page with a century. Then simply add an event to the relevant page as you study. This is pretty basic but can be more complicated with the Bible.
Another version of a bible history timeline is to hang a long sheet of paper (either from a paper roll or taped together) on your wall. Make a list of the major events in the Old and New Testament. Now, figure out when each happened and put them in order. Record the events on your papers.
Lastly, you can even create an amazing bible timeline on the computer. Use a graphic design program or spreadsheet to put everything in order. Remember to leave space between each event for any notes you want to add in later.
Bible Timeline Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind when making your bible timeline with amazing facts:
- This is a large project. Allow yourself plenty of time and don’t rush.
- Make it visually appealing and easy to access. The family will refer to it often.
- Add bible timeline with world history (non-biblical historical events) for perspective
- Connect events in the New Testament to corresponding ones in the Old Testament.
- Develop a color-coding system to find what you want in a glance.
- After you finish the major events, go back and fill in smaller ones.
- Laminate timelines that are on display or slip into protective sleeves
Suggested Resources
- The Bible Timeline website
- Bible Gateway events list
Looking for a free bible timeline? Simply subscribe to Bible Story Printables and you can get your very own pre-made bible timeline!
Or, if you’d like to create lasting memories to cherish for years to come, try assembling and binding your own bible timeline.
Find everything at once in this handy bible timeline list of free resources where you’ll discover several options from blank timelines, notebooking pages, timeline cards, and more!
