When was the
New Testament written?

When was the New Testament written? The opinions and hypotheses of scholars vary widely. Some view it as a collection of fables and myths verbally passed on by storytellers for generations before any written documents were made. Other scholars believe that most of the New Testament was written before the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D.

In his book, Redating the New Testament, John A. T. Robinson demonstrates that the books were written relatively EARLY. Robinson summarizes chronology theories put forth by several scholars, noting that virtually every theory has the New Testament written far too late (Robinson, Redating the New Testament, 1976, pp. 4-5). In spite of the late dates assigned by some scholars, it is possible to determine when the books of the New Testament were written. God the Father and Jesus Christ specifically chose certain deeply converted men to write the most important and magnificent book in the world - and make his written word available to all - through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amazing as it sounds, the entire New Testament was written by only EIGHT men! Six of them were chosen apostles of Jesus. Three were eyewitnesses of his life and ministry - the apostles Matthew, Peter and John. Two were physical brothers of Jesus - James and Jude. One, Paul, was specially called to be the apostle to the Gentiles and for three years was personally taught by Jesus Christ (in Arabia) through visions. The last two were Mark - who wrote the Gospel of Mark under Peter’s supervision - and Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts under Paul’s supervision.

The apostle John had the distinguished role of collecting all the books written and completing the canonization of the New Testament somewhere between 96 to 99 A.D. John was of the Aaronic (Levitical priest) blood line, making him uniquely qualified for the task of finalizing God's written word for man.

The New Testament was written by, or its writing was supervised by, the chosen apostles of Jesus Christ. We can therefore have full faith and confidence that the original Greek text - as preserved in the Byzantine text - is the very Word of God.