don (04/04/83)
In my earlier submission, I gave 150 as the date for the Gospel of John. This turned out to be one author's opinion (I'm not sure who), and practically no N.T. scholars agree. Thanks to Larry Bickford for pointing out my goof and giving the figure of 85-90 that is much more probable and is accepted by many N.T. scholars. The following chronology is a compilation of views of various scholars as to when the books of the N.T. were written. This attempts to reflect the majority view of the N.T. scholars and to include significant minority opinions as well, however, not all opinions are represented. It was prepared by a local minister for an introduction to the N.T. that he teaches from time to time. There has not been agreement on an exact date for any N.T. book; thus all the dates shown are ranges. Scholars Estimates of Book Date of Composition I Thessalonians 50-52 II Thessalonians 50-52 I Corinthians 53-57 II Corinthians 53-57 Galatians 48-55 Romans 55-58 Philippians 56-64 Colossians 56-64 Philemon 56-64 Ephesians 56-100 Gospel of Mark 64-72 Gospel of Matthew 65-100 Gospel of Luke 60-90 Acts 60-120 James 80-100 Hebrews 80-96 Revelation 25-95 Gospel of John 65-100 I Peter 90-100 I, II, III John 90-110 Jude 100-125 I, II Timothy 100-130 Titus 100-130 II Peter 125-150 It is interesting to note the 70 year range for Revelation. A few scholars have advanced the view that part of it was written before or during the public ministry of Jesus! Others think it was written after Paul's letters and the Gospels. To be continued when I learn something else new and interesting. Don Winsor Ann Arbor, MI