Chapter 1: Date of Christ's Birth

Matthew 2:1

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.

Luke 2:1-2

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

How do we know that Luke did not mean the census of 6AD when describing Mary and Joseph's travels?

Because he later mentions that census (Acts 5:37)

Why would secular scholars claim that Christ could not have been born after the census of Quirinius?

Because the census could not have occurred during Herod's reign, as Quirinius wasn't governor until after Herod's death. (Schurer)

What is the most reasonable date for the census of Quirinius?

Between 6 and 4 AD

How can we best explain the apparent contradiction of Quirinius being governor while Herod was alive?

By translating Luke 2:2 "This census took place before Quirinius was governor of Syria."

What does Josephus mention happening right after Herod's death?

Celebration of the Passover (April 11, 4BC)

What are the factors determining the earliest date for Christ's birth?

Census of Quirinius (Luke 2:1-2)

What reason could there have been for a census before Herod's death and the governorship of Quirinius?

Herod's decaying health and the instability of his household (executing 3 of his sons) would have made it prudent for Caesar to assess the situation before Judea changed hands.

When is Passover celebrated?

In April

What is the most persuasive date for Christ's birth, according to all of the data?

January of 4BC

Name a passage in which the word for 'first' in Luke 2:2 is used to mean 'before.'

John 15:18 "It has hated me before it hated you."

When did the 37th (or 34th) year of Herod's reign begin?

Mach 29th, 4BC

What is the latest date that Christ could have been born?

March/April of 4BC

When did Herod gain possession of Judea?

37 BC

How long did Herod reign before he died?

37 years from time of proclamation, or 34 years from time of possession (Josephus)

When was Herod proclaimed king of the Jews by the Roman Senate?

40 BC

When does Josephus place the census of Judea?

6AD

What does Josephus mention happening right before Herod's death?

An eclipse of the moon on March 12-13 of 4BC

What are the factors determining the latest date for Christ's birth?

Within Herod's reign - before his death (Matthew 2:1)