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An Outline of the Life of Jesus  
T he Decree of Augustus and Birth of Jesus


Luke 2:1-7 Historical Notes

 

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

 

2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.

 

3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

 

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

 

5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

 

6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

 

7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

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Historical Notes

- Caesar made the decree but an invisible hand was leading them.

- The Roman Empire demanded of all its subject peoples both taxes and military service when necessary. The taxes were of two kinds:

- An impost, levied upon goods or property, the collection of which was farmed out to publicans, or collectors, whom the taxpayers of the Land looked upon with the utmost contempt. These men collected taxes on many things, not only on land but also on fruit trees, vegetables, grapes in the vineyards, grain, flocks and herds and even fish from the sea. Working for the hated Romans, they were extortioners, hard men who grew rich through manipulation. They were regarded as sinners.

- There was also a head or poll tax assessed against each male. This tax, plus the need for draft records, required frequent taking of the census.

- This Census or Numbering of the People was ordered by Augustus Caesar in the latter days of the reign of Herod the Great. It meant that many families had to journey to their hometowns to be registered. It was a 3 day journey for Joseph and Mary.

- The exact date of Jesus' birth is speculation. Although the best evidence is approximately 5 BC.

- The death of Herod occured in 4 BC and Jesus was born while he was living.

- John began his ministry in the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius at 30 years of age. His birth would have been in the early spring of 749 A.U.C. or 5 BC. Jesus would therefore have been born in the fall of the same year.

- The approx. date may also be calculated from the construction of Herod's temple (jn 2:20) which was 46 years in the making. According to history he began to build in the 18th year of his reign. This would calculate to 26 AD as the beginning of Christ's ministry and 5 BC as the date of His birth.

- God designed the concealing of the exact date.

- The month and day are also uncertain although it probably occured during warmer months (April-October) the usual season for shepherds tending flocks in the open pasture.

- December 25th was the date of the Roman pagan feast Saturnalia. Centuries later Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus on this day.

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