The timeline of the events leading up to the New Testament and during are vital to understanding the writings themselves.
Before Jesus:
There was a time period of 400 years where there were no prophets or anyone who is hearing the voice of God. Malachi was the last prophet but Israel did not listen; then, 400 years of silence from God. Suddenly around 25-29 AD a man that was not like the rest of his culture appears calling for everyone to repent and make way for the Lord. He proclaims that coming of someone great directly from God, and his coming is soon. Next thing he knows, that someone, is here; Jesus of Nazareth.