Three Periods of Bible History

The Patriarchal Period (or dispensation) lasted from Adam to Moses, about 2000 years (Genesis 1 to Exodus 20). The principal characters were Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Job. God spoke directly to these men, and they passed the instruction to their families and descendants (tribes). From Adam to Abraham we have the history of the human race. From Abraham to Christ we have the history of the chosen race (Israel). This was a time of family law.

The Mosaic Period lasted from Moses to Christ, about1500 years (Exodus 20 to Acts 2). The principal characters were Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon. The Law of Moses was a national law.

The Christian Period began at the cross and will last until the second coming of Christ, almost two thousand years so far. This is covered in the Bible from Acts 2 to Revelation 22. Its principle character is Christ; its secondary characters are the apostles—especially Peter and Paul. Christianity is a universal law.

Although the Old Testament covers about four thousand years of time, the books were written over only about one thousand years (1500–400 b.c.). From a literary standpoint, the Old Testament begins with Genesis and ends with Malachi, while the New Testament begins with Matthew and ends with Revelation. From a covenant standpoint, the old covenant began in Exodus 20 and was set aside at the cross (Acts 2; cf. Colossians 2:14). The new covenant began with the death of Christ and will continue until His return.