The first parts of the Bible were likely written around 1400 BCE, with the earliest texts attributed to Moses, such as the Pentateuch (the first five books). These initial writings were preceded by oral traditions passed down through generations. The Old Testament writings span roughly a thousand years, from around 1400 BCE to about 450 BCE. The New Testament was written later, during the first century CE, with the earliest Christian texts (Pauline letters) dating from around 49 to 62 CE, and the Gospels composed between 70 and 95 CE. The complete Bible as a collection was compiled over many centuries, with the earliest complete manuscripts dating from the 4th century CE. To summarize:
- Earliest Bible writings: around 1400 BCE (Old Testament beginnings, Pentateuch)
- Old Testament writings span until about 450 BCE
- New Testament writings: roughly 49–95 CE
- Earliest complete manuscripts: 4th century CE
This timeline reflects the Bible's development from oral tradition to written texts over about fifteen centuries.
