John the Baptist begins his ministry - circa 28 A.D.

Jesus announces his anointing in the synagogue - circa 30 A.D.

Jesus crucified during Passover - circa 33 A.D.

Jesus appears to Saul on road to Damascus - circa 37 A.D. (credit Joe Alblas)

Establishing Dates for Jesus’ Ministry, 28-33 AD?

The Gospel of Luke states that the ministry of John the Baptist began in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, placing this beginning in 28 to 29 AD.  Luke implies the ministry of Jesus began shortly after this.  The Gospels record 2 or 3 Passover celebrations during the ministry of Jesus before his crucifixion at Passover, indicating a ministry of at least 3 years.  This has suggested a date for his crucifixion on the 14-15th day of Nissan (April 3) 33 AD.  Thus, a consensus is building for selecting 2033 AD, the center of this “decade of remembrance,”  as the appropriate year for commemoration of the 2000th anniversary of Christ's death and resurrection.  

The book of Acts of the Apostles records the events after the death and resurrection of Jesus, when his disciples spread his message throughout the world.  Scholars have placed the events of the first 9 chapters of this book, from the stoning of Stephen to the conversion of Saul within 5 years of Jesus' crucifixion -- before 38 AD.  This was the infancy of the Christian Church that laid a foundation for a movement that eventually turned the world upside down.  The anniversaries of these events are a fitting culmination to this decade of remembrance.

The Apostle Peter writes,  “I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.  And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.” 2 Peter 1:13-15 ESV