The abbreviation "CE" in the context of biblical studies and history stands for
Common Era.
It is a secular equivalent to the abbreviation "AD," which stands for *Anno Domini* (Latin for "in the year of the Lord"). Both CE and AD refer to the same numbering system for years, counting from the traditionally recognized year of Jesus's birth.
Therefore:
* CE is used as a non-religious alternative to AD.
* BCE (Before Common Era) is the non-religious equivalent to BC (Before Christ).
Using CE and BCE is a way to date events without explicitly referencing a religious figure, which can be more appropriate in academic or secular contexts.