Bible Stories & Major Events
Explore the stories of the Bible from Creation to the early Church. Read an original narrative, study the people and themes behind it, or go directly to the primary Scripture.
Featured Bible Stories
Creation & Beginnings
Cain and Abel
Genesis 4 recounts the offerings of Cain and Abel, Cain’s anger, the murder of Abel, God’s judgment, and Cain’s exile.
Read story →Creation
Genesis opens with God creating the heavens and the earth, ordering creation, filling it with life, and making humanity in the image of God.
Read story →Noah’s Ark and the Flood
Genesis 6–9 tells of widespread human violence, God’s judgment through the flood, Noah’s preservation in the ark, and God’s covenant marked by the rainbow.
Read story →The Fall of Humanity
Genesis 3 tells how the serpent tempts the woman, the man and woman disobey God, and sin, shame, judgment, and exile enter the human story.
Read story →The Tower of Babel
Genesis 11 describes humanity gathering to build a city and tower, God confusing their language, and the people being scattered across the earth.
Read story →Abraham, Isaac & Jacob
Abraham and Isaac
Genesis 22 tells how God tests Abraham by commanding him to offer Isaac, how Abraham proceeds in obedience, and how God provides a ram instead.
Read story →Abraham and the Three Visitors
Genesis 18 tells how Abraham welcomes three visitors near the oaks of Mamre and receives the renewed promise that Sarah will bear a son.
Read story →Abraham Rescues Lot
Genesis 14 tells how Abram pursues a coalition of kings who captured Lot, rescues the captives, and later meets Melchizedek and the king of Sodom.
Read story →Hagar and Ishmael
Genesis 16 and 21 tell how Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant, encounters God in the wilderness and how she and her son Ishmael are later sent away but preserved.
Read story →Isaac and Rebekah
Genesis 24 tells how Abraham’s servant travels to Abraham’s relatives, meets Rebekah at a well, and brings her to Canaan to become Isaac’s wife.
Read story →Jacob and Esau Reunited
Genesis 32–33 tells how Jacob prepares fearfully to meet Esau after years of separation and how the brothers are unexpectedly reconciled.
Read story →Jacob and Esau: Birthright and Blessing
Genesis 25 and 27 tell how Esau sells his birthright to Jacob and how Jacob later receives Isaac’s blessing through deception, deepening the conflict between the brothers.
Read story →Jacob Wrestles with God
On the night before meeting Esau, Jacob wrestles until daybreak with a mysterious man and receives the name Israel.
Read story →Jacob’s Ladder
Genesis 28 tells how Jacob dreams at Bethel of a stairway between earth and heaven and receives the covenant promises previously given to Abraham and Isaac.
Read story →Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
Genesis 39 tells how Joseph prospers as a servant in Egypt, refuses the advances of Potiphar’s wife, and is falsely accused and imprisoned.
Read story →Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
Genesis 41 tells how Joseph is brought from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, proposes a plan for the coming famine, and is elevated to authority in Egypt.
Read story →Joseph Is Reunited with His Brothers
Genesis 42–45 tells how Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt during famine, fail to recognize him, and eventually learn that the brother they sold is now the official controlling Egypt’s grain.
Read story →Joseph Sold by His Brothers
Genesis 37 begins Joseph’s descent into Egypt when his brothers, driven by jealousy, sell him to traveling merchants and deceive their father about his fate.
Read story →Sodom and Gomorrah
Genesis 18–19 tells of judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham’s intercession, the rescue of Lot, and the destruction of the cities of the plain.
Read story →The Call of Abraham
God calls Abram to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and make him a blessing to the families of the earth.
Read story →Moses & the Exodus
Balaam and the Donkey
Numbers 22 tells how Balaam travels after being summoned by Balak and how his donkey sees the angel of the LORD blocking the road before Balaam does.
Read story →Crossing the Red Sea
Exodus 14 tells how Israel is trapped between Pharaoh’s forces and the sea, God opens a path through the waters, Israel crosses, and the pursuing Egyptian force is overwhelmed.
Read story →Israel Battles the Amalekites
Exodus 17 tells how Joshua leads Israel against Amalek while Moses stands on a hill with the staff of God, supported by Aaron and Hur.
Read story →Korah’s Rebellion
Numbers 16 tells how Korah and other leaders challenge Moses and Aaron, leading to a dramatic confrontation over leadership and priestly authority.
Read story →Manna in the Wilderness
Exodus 16 tells how Israel complains about food in the wilderness and receives daily bread from heaven, with a double provision before the Sabbath.
Read story →Moses and the Bronze Serpent
Numbers 21 tells how poisonous serpents strike Israel after another complaint in the wilderness and how those who look at the bronze serpent Moses raises are healed.
Read story →Moses and the Burning Bush
At Horeb, God appears to Moses from a bush that burns without being consumed, calls him to lead Israel from Egypt, and reveals the divine name.
Read story →Moses and the Burning Bush
Exodus 3–4 tells how God calls Moses from a burning bush at Horeb, reveals the divine name, and sends him back to Egypt to lead Israel out of slavery.
Read story →Moses Strikes the Rock
Numbers 20 tells how Israel complains for water at Kadesh, Moses strikes the rock, and Moses and Aaron are told they will not lead the assembly into the promised land.
Read story →The Birth of Moses
Exodus 1–2 tells how Moses is born under Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew boys, hidden in a basket among the reeds, and raised within Pharaoh’s household.
Read story →The First Passover
Exodus 12 tells how Israel prepares a lamb and marks its doorposts before the final plague, establishing the Passover observance on the night of the Exodus.
Read story →The Golden Calf
While Moses is on the mountain, the Israelites make and worship a golden calf. Moses intercedes, the covenant is threatened, and the episode exposes Israel’s rapid turn toward idolatry.
Read story →The Ten Commandments
At Mount Sinai, God establishes covenant with Israel and gives the commandments that stand at the center of the Sinai law.
Read story →The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Exodus 7–12 recounts a series of plagues on Egypt as Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to release the Israelites, culminating in the death of the firstborn and the Passover.
Read story →The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Exodus 7–12 tells how a series of plagues strikes Egypt as Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to release the Israelites, culminating in the death of the firstborn and the first Passover.
Read story →The Twelve Spies Explore Canaan
Numbers 13–14 tells how twelve representatives explore Canaan, how most bring back a fearful report, and how Joshua and Caleb urge Israel to trust God and enter the land.
Read story →Conquest & Judges
Achan and the Sin at Ai
Joshua 7–8 tells how Israel’s first attack on Ai fails after Achan secretly takes items devoted to destruction at Jericho, and how the breach is exposed before Israel returns to Ai.
Read story →Deborah and Barak
Judges 4–5 tells how Deborah summons Barak to confront Sisera’s army, how Jael kills the fleeing commander, and how the victory is celebrated in song.
Read story →Ehud and King Eglon
Judges 3 tells how the left-handed judge Ehud kills the Moabite king Eglon and leads Israel in revolt against Moabite rule.
Read story →Gideon and the 300
Judges 6–8 tells how God calls Gideon and reduces his army to three hundred men before Israel defeats Midian, emphasizing that victory is not credited to Israel’s numerical strength.
Read story →Gideon and the 300
Judges 6–7 tells how Gideon is called while Israel is oppressed by Midian and how his army is reduced to three hundred men before a surprising nighttime victory.
Read story →Israel Crosses the Jordan River
Joshua 3–4 tells how Israel crosses the Jordan on dry ground as the priests carry the ark, and twelve stones are set up as a memorial.
Read story →Joshua and the Battle of Jericho
Joshua 6 recounts Israel’s unusual siege of Jericho, culminating in the city’s fall after seven days of marching and trumpet blasts.
Read story →Joshua and the Day the Sun Stood Still
Joshua 10 tells how Israel comes to the aid of Gibeon against a coalition of Amorite kings and describes an extraordinary extension of daylight during the battle.
Read story →Rahab Hides the Israelite Spies
Joshua 2 tells how Rahab hides two Israelite spies in Jericho, confesses faith in Israel’s God, and secures a promise that her household will be spared.
Read story →Ruth and Boaz
The book of Ruth tells how Ruth remains with Naomi, gleans in the fields of Boaz, and becomes part of a family line that leads to David.
Read story →Samson and Delilah
Judges 16 tells how Delilah repeatedly presses Samson for the source of his strength, how his hair is cut, and how his final act brings down the Philistine temple.
Read story →Samuel Hears God’s Voice
1 Samuel 3 tells how the boy Samuel repeatedly hears his name called at night, learns from Eli to respond, and receives his first prophetic message.
Read story →Kings & Prophets
Absalom’s Rebellion
2 Samuel 15–18 tells how David’s son Absalom wins support, declares himself king, forces David from Jerusalem, and dies during the resulting battle.
Read story →Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Daniel 6 tells how officials use Daniel’s prayer practice to trap him under an irreversible royal decree, leading to his night in the lions’ den and his deliverance.
Read story →David and Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11–12 recounts David’s adultery with Bathsheba, his arrangement of Uriah’s death, Nathan’s confrontation, and the severe consequences that follow.
Read story →David and Goliath
1 Samuel 17 tells how David confronts the Philistine champion Goliath, rejects Saul’s armor, trusts in the LORD, and defeats Goliath with a sling and stone.
Read story →David and Jonathan
1 Samuel tells how Jonathan and David form a covenant friendship and how Jonathan protects David when Saul becomes determined to kill him.
Read story →David Becomes King
2 Samuel 5 tells how the tribes of Israel recognize David as king, after years of conflict following Saul’s death, and how David captures Jerusalem.
Read story →David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem
2 Samuel 6 tells how David brings the ark of the covenant toward Jerusalem, how Uzzah dies after touching it, and how the ark later enters the city amid celebration.
Read story →David Spares Saul
1 Samuel 24 and 26 tell of two occasions when David has an opportunity to kill Saul but refuses to seize the kingdom through violence against the LORD’s anointed.
Read story →Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
On Mount Carmel, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a public contest over which deity will answer by fire. The LORD answers Elijah’s prayer, and the people acknowledge the LORD as God.
Read story →Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath
1 Kings 17 tells how a widow shares her last food with Elijah during a famine and later sees her son restored to life after the prophet prays.
Read story →Elijah Fed by Ravens
1 Kings 17 tells how Elijah is sustained during drought, first by ravens at the brook Cherith and then through a widow at Zarephath.
Read story →Elijah Is Taken to Heaven
2 Kings 2 tells how Elijah is taken from Elisha in a whirlwind, while Elisha receives Elijah’s mantle and continues the prophetic ministry.
Read story →Elisha and the Shunammite Woman
2 Kings 4 tells how a woman in Shunem provides hospitality to Elisha, receives a promised son, and later seeks the prophet when the child suddenly dies.
Read story →Esther Saves Her People
The book of Esther tells how Queen Esther risks approaching the Persian king after Haman plots the destruction of the Jews throughout the empire.
Read story →Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones
Ezekiel 37 records a vision in which a valley full of dry bones is restored to life as a sign of hope for exiled Israel.
Read story →Hannah Prays for Samuel
1 Samuel 1–3 tells how Hannah prays for a son, dedicates Samuel to the LORD, and how Samuel is later called to prophetic service.
Read story →Hezekiah and the Assyrian Siege
2 Kings 18–19 and Isaiah 36–37 tell how Jerusalem is threatened by the Assyrian king Sennacherib and how Hezekiah brings the crisis before God.
Read story →Jeremiah Is Thrown into a Cistern
Jeremiah 38 tells how officials imprison Jeremiah in a muddy cistern for his unpopular message during Jerusalem’s siege and how Ebed-melech rescues him.
Read story →Jonah and the Great Fish
The book of Jonah tells how the prophet flees from a mission to Nineveh, is swallowed by a great fish, later preaches to the city, and struggles with God’s mercy toward its people.
Read story →Jonah Preaches to Nineveh
Jonah 3–4 tells how Jonah finally preaches in Nineveh, the city responds with repentance, and Jonah becomes angry when God shows mercy.
Read story →Josiah Finds the Book of the Law
2 Kings 22–23 tells how a scroll of the law is discovered during temple repairs, leading King Josiah to repentance and a sweeping religious reform.
Read story →Naaman Is Healed
2 Kings 5 tells how Naaman, an Aramean military commander with leprosy, reluctantly follows Elisha’s instruction to wash in the Jordan and is healed.
Read story →Naboth’s Vineyard
1 Kings 21 tells how King Ahab covets Naboth’s vineyard and how Queen Jezebel engineers Naboth’s death so the king can take the property.
Read story →Samuel Anoints David
1 Samuel 16 tells how Samuel goes to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons and learns that God’s choice is the youngest son, David.
Read story →Saul and the Medium of Endor
1 Samuel 28 tells how a desperate Saul secretly consults a medium before his final battle and hears a message of judgment associated with the dead prophet Samuel.
Read story →Saul Is Anointed King
1 Samuel 9–10 tells how Saul searches for lost donkeys, meets the prophet Samuel, and is privately anointed before later being publicly identified as Israel’s first king.
Read story →Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace
Daniel 3 tells how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image and are thrown into a furnace but emerge unharmed.
Read story →Solomon Asks for Wisdom
Early in Solomon’s reign, God appears to him in a dream and invites him to ask for what he wants. Solomon asks for an understanding heart to govern and discern rightly.
Read story →Solomon Builds the Temple
1 Kings 5–8 tells how Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem, brings the ark into the sanctuary, and dedicates the building with prayer and sacrifice.
Read story →Solomon Judges Between Two Mothers
1 Kings 3 tells how Solomon resolves a dispute between two women who each claim to be the mother of the same living baby.
Read story →The Kingdom Divides
1 Kings 12 tells how Rehoboam rejects the elders’ advice, the northern tribes revolt, and Israel’s united monarchy divides into northern Israel and southern Judah.
Read story →The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
1 Kings 10 tells how the Queen of Sheba travels to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions and is overwhelmed by his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom.
Read story →Life of Jesus
Jesus and Nicodemus
John 3 tells how Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish leader, comes to Jesus at night for a conversation about new birth, the Spirit, and eternal life.
Read story →Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler
The Synoptic Gospels tell of a wealthy man who asks Jesus about eternal life and leaves grieving when Jesus tells him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him.
Read story →Jesus and the Woman at the Well
John 4 tells how Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well about living water, worship, and his identity, leading many in her town to encounter him.
Read story →Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery
John 7:53–8:11 contains the well-known account in which a woman accused of adultery is brought before Jesus and her accusers gradually leave after his challenge concerning sin.
Read story →Jesus Calls the First Disciples
The Gospels describe Jesus calling fishermen and other followers to leave their former lives and join him in his ministry.
Read story →Jesus Calms the Storm
The Synoptic Gospels tell how a violent storm threatens Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee until Jesus rebukes the wind and sea.
Read story →Jesus Enters Jerusalem
All four Gospels describe Jesus entering Jerusalem before Passover as crowds welcome him with branches, garments, and royal or messianic language.
Read story →Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
All four Gospels tell how Jesus feeds a large crowd with a small supply of loaves and fish, with twelve baskets of fragments remaining.
Read story →Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
All four Gospels tell how Jesus feeds a large crowd from a small supply of loaves and fish, leaving baskets of food after everyone has eaten.
Read story →Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
The Synoptic Gospels tell how a man with a serious skin disease approaches Jesus, asks to be made clean, and is healed when Jesus touches him.
Read story →Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
Mark 2, Matthew 9, and Luke 5 tell how friends lower a paralyzed man through a roof to reach Jesus, who first announces forgiveness and then tells the man to rise and walk.
Read story →Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus
Mark 10 tells how Bartimaeus, a blind beggar near Jericho, repeatedly calls out to Jesus and receives his sight.
Read story →Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac
Mark 5 tells how Jesus meets a man living among tombs, casts out a multitude of demons called Legion, and sends the restored man home to tell what God has done.
Read story →Jesus Heals the Woman with the Issue of Blood
Mark 5 tells how a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years touches Jesus’ clothing in faith and is healed while Jesus is on the way to Jairus’s house.
Read story →Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
The Gospels tell how Jesus prays in deep anguish in Gethsemane on the night of his arrest while his closest disciples struggle to remain awake.
Read story →Jesus Raises Jairus’s Daughter
Mark 5, Matthew 9, and Luke 8 tell how Jesus responds to Jairus’s plea for his dying daughter, with the journey interrupted by the healing of a woman who had suffered for twelve years.
Read story →Jesus Raises Lazarus
John 11 tells how Jesus comes to Bethany after Lazarus has died, speaks with Martha and Mary, weeps, and calls Lazarus from the tomb.
Read story →Jesus Turns Water into Wine
John 2 tells how Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana, an act John identifies as the first of Jesus’ signs.
Read story →Jesus Visits Mary and Martha
Luke 10 tells how Martha welcomes Jesus into her home while Mary sits listening at his feet, leading Jesus to address Martha’s anxiety and distraction.
Read story →Jesus Walks on Water
The Gospels tell how Jesus comes to his disciples by walking on the Sea of Galilee during a storm, and Matthew adds Peter’s attempt to walk toward him on the water.
Read story →Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
John 13 tells how Jesus washes his disciples’ feet during the final meal before his arrest and commands them to follow his example of humble service.
Read story →John the Baptist Is Beheaded
Mark 6 and Matthew 14 tell how Herod Antipas imprisons John the Baptist for criticizing his marriage and later orders John’s execution during a banquet.
Read story →Peter Confesses Jesus as the Messiah
Matthew 16 and the other Synoptic Gospels tell how Peter identifies Jesus as the Messiah, followed by Jesus’ first clear prediction of his suffering and death.
Read story →Peter Denies Jesus
All four Gospels tell how Peter denies knowing Jesus three times during the night of Jesus’ arrest, just as Jesus had predicted.
Read story →The Angel Gabriel Visits Mary
Luke 1 tells how the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus, who will be called the Son of the Most High and receive David’s throne.
Read story →The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus comes to John for baptism. The heavens open, the Spirit descends, and a voice from heaven identifies Jesus as the beloved Son.
Read story →The Birth of Jesus
Matthew and Luke narrate Jesus’ birth with complementary emphases, including Mary and Joseph, Bethlehem, angelic announcements, shepherds, and in Matthew the visit of the Magi.
Read story →The Boy Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2 tells how twelve-year-old Jesus remains in Jerusalem after Passover and is found in the temple listening to teachers and asking questions.
Read story →The Good Samaritan
Luke 10 records Jesus’ parable of a wounded traveler, two religious figures who pass by, and a Samaritan who stops to provide costly care.
Read story →The Last Supper
The Gospels describe Jesus sharing a final meal with his disciples before his arrest, identifying bread and wine with his body and blood and preparing them for what is about to happen.
Read story →The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Jesus uses the image of a shepherd searching for one lost sheep to describe God’s concern for those who are lost and the joy associated with restoration.
Read story →The Parable of the Sower
Jesus tells of seed falling on four kinds of ground and later explains the soils as different responses to the word.
Read story →The Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25 tells how a master entrusts different amounts of wealth to three servants before leaving and later returns to settle accounts.
Read story →The Prodigal Son
Luke 15 records Jesus’ parable of a younger son who leaves home and wastes his inheritance, a father who welcomes him back, and an older brother who resents the celebration.
Read story →The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5–7 gathers major teachings of Jesus on the kingdom, righteousness, prayer, love of enemies, judgment, trust in God, and putting his words into practice.
Read story →The Temptation of Jesus
After his baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness and tested by the devil. He answers each temptation with Scripture and refuses to abandon obedience to God.
Read story →The Transfiguration of Jesus
The Synoptic Gospels tell how Jesus is transfigured on a mountain before Peter, James, and John, where Moses and Elijah appear and a voice speaks from the cloud.
Read story →Zacchaeus Meets Jesus
Luke 19 tells how Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho, climbs a tree to see Jesus, welcomes him into his home, and publicly promises restitution.
Read story →Death & Resurrection of Jesus
The Crucifixion of Jesus
All four Gospels narrate Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial. The crucifixion stands at the center of the New Testament’s proclamation about Jesus.
Read story →The Resurrection of Jesus
The Gospels proclaim that Jesus’ tomb was found empty and that the risen Jesus appeared to his followers. The resurrection becomes foundational to apostolic preaching and Christian hope.
Read story →Acts & the Early Church
Ananias and Sapphira
Acts 5 tells how Ananias and Sapphira sell property, misrepresent the amount they give to the community, and die after being confronted about their deception.
Read story →Jesus Appears to Thomas
John 20 tells how Thomas misses Jesus’ first appearance to the gathered disciples and later encounters the risen Jesus himself.
Read story →Paul and Silas in Prison
Acts 16 tells how Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, sing hymns at midnight, experience an earthquake, and remain when the prison doors open.
Read story →Paul in Athens
Acts 17 tells how Paul speaks in Athens after seeing the city’s many idols, engaging philosophers and proclaiming the God who made the world and raised Jesus from the dead.
Read story →Paul Is Shipwrecked on Malta
Acts 27–28 tells how Paul survives a violent Mediterranean storm and shipwreck while being transported as a prisoner to Rome, and how the survivors reach Malta safely.
Read story →Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2 tells how the Holy Spirit fills Jesus’ followers at Pentecost, they speak in other languages, Peter explains the event from Scripture, and thousands respond to the message.
Read story →Peter and Cornelius
Acts 10 tells how visions bring the apostle Peter to the household of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, where the Holy Spirit comes upon Gentile hearers.
Read story →Peter Escapes from Prison
Acts 12 tells how Herod imprisons Peter under heavy guard, but an angel leads him out during the night while the church is praying.
Read story →Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8 tells how Philip meets an Ethiopian court official reading Isaiah, explains the passage in light of Jesus, and baptizes him beside the road.
Read story →Stephen Is Martyred
Acts 6–7 tells how Stephen is arrested after a powerful ministry, delivers a sweeping speech about Israel’s history, and becomes the first Christian martyr recorded in Acts.
Read story →The Ascension of Jesus
Luke and Acts describe the risen Jesus blessing and commissioning his disciples before being taken from their sight, with Acts locating the event near the Mount of Olives.
Read story →The Conversion of Saul
Acts 9 tells how Saul, while traveling to arrest followers of Jesus in Damascus, encounters the risen Jesus and becomes a witness to the faith he had opposed.
Read story →The Jerusalem Council
Acts 15 tells how apostles and elders meet in Jerusalem to decide whether Gentile believers must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses in order to belong to the church.
Read story →The Road to Emmaus
Luke 24 tells how two disciples encounter the risen Jesus while walking to Emmaus but do not recognize him until he breaks bread with them.
Read story →
