The Archives Devotional Magazine June 2015 | Page 4

This timeline begins with events surrounding Jesus’ life in the beginning of the New Testament and will move forward through two
millennia of church history. Notes throughout this issue touch on major events and changes in history that occurred during Matthew.

c. 40 A.D.
The Didache, the
ea r l i e s t C h r i s t i a n
doctrinal text is
written, possibly as
late as 60 A.D. It has
instructions about
baptism, fasting, and
communion.

c. 40 A.D.
Generally accepted date for the
Book of Matthew being written;
could be as late as 70 A.D. It was
quoted by Ignatius of Antioch
before he died in 115 A.D.

52 A.D.

Thomas the apostle travels to India
and converts Hindus to Christianity.

54 A.D.

Emperor Nero begins to rule Rome. During his reign,
he kills his mother and his wife and Rome catches on
fire. He blames the Christians, causing heavy
persecution for them in Rome. He dies in 68 A.D.

62 A.D.

James, the brother of Jesus and author
of the Book of James in the Bible, is
stoned to death for teaching the
divinity of Christ.

60 A.D.

The apostle Paul is shipwrecked near Malta on
his way to Rome. The same year, Boudicaa,
queen of the Iceni in Britain, revolts against 

Roman rule, but is eventually defeated and kills
herself while in Roman custody.

Read the scripture
First pray, then read. This week's
reading is Matthew 1-4.

Think about the text
What is the passage about? What
does it tell me about God the Father,
Jesus, the Holy Spirit? What does it
teach about life? Is there a
command? Example? Promise?
Warning? Error to avoid? What is the
main thing I can learn?

Apply it to life
Is there a call to action? A duty to
fulfill? A message to tell someone?
Try applying this passage to your life.
Maybe it’s an action, prayer, or a
personal change.