The opinions and hypotheses of scholars vary widely regarding when the New Testament was written or first recorded. Some view it as a collection of fables and myths verbally passed on by storytellers for generations before being recorded. 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 named "Redating the New Testament," John A. T. Robinson demonstrates that the books in question were written relatively early. In spite of the late dates assigned by some scholars, it is possible to determine the date of each one of the books. God and Jesus Christ specially selected several faithful, mature men to compose the most critical book man needed, and to make it available to all people, through the power of his spirit.
Only Eight Authors!
Amazing as it sounds, the entire New Testament was written down through the efforts of only eight men! Six of these were selected apostles of Christ. Three were eyewitnesses of his life and ministry (Matthew, Peter and John). Two were the physical brothers of Jesus (James and Jude).
One of the New Testament writers, the apostle Paul, was specially called to serve the Gentiles and for three years was personally taught by Christ in Arabia. The last two of eight authors were Mark (who penned his Gospel under Peter's supervision), and Luke (who authored his Gospel and the book of Acts under the Apostle Paul's supervision).
John the apostle had the distinguished role of collecting all the books extant and completing the canonization of the Bible somewhere between 96 to 99 A.D.
Canonizing the Bible
The New Testament was written by, or its writing was supervised by, the chosen disciples of Jesus Christ. John, who near the end of the first century A.D. was the last living apostle, was uniquely qualified to canonize the Scriptures as he was of the Aaronic (Levitical priest) blood line. 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.
The below chart lists, in chronological order, the date each New Testament book was written and who wrote it. All dates are A.D.
Timeline of
New Testament Books
35 A.D.
Gospel of Matthew
Matthew
40 to 41
Book of James
James, half brother of Jesus
42
Gospel of Mark by Mark
Gospel of John by John *
50
1Thessalonians
Apostle Paul
51
2Thessalonians
Apostle Paul
53
Galatians
Apostle Paul
56
1Corinthians
Apostle Paul
57
2Corinthians, Romans
Apostle Paul
58 - 60
Book of Acts 1 to 13
Luke
59
Gospel of Luke
Luke
61 to 63
Books of Ephesians, Philippians,
Colossians, Philemon and Hebrews
Apostle Paul
63
Book of Acts 14 to 28
Luke completes book of Acts written
during Paul's missionary journeys.
1Timothy, Titus
Apostle Paul
63 to 64
1John, 2John, 3John
Apostle John
64 to 65
1Peter
Apostle Peter
65 to 66
2Peter
Apostle Peter
66 to 67
Book of Jude
Jude, half brother of Jesus
67
2Timothy
Apostle Paul
95 to 96
Book of Revelation
Apostle John