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Quirinius
[kwy REN ih us] (meaning unknown) "Publius Silpicius Quirinus"
He was consul with M. Valerius Messala. Roman governor of
Syria at the time of Jesus' birth (Lk 2:1-5); (Cyrenius, KJV). Quirinius is
mentioned in connection with a census taken for tax purposes. The census was not a
local affair; the Roman emperor
Augustus (ruled 31 BC-14 AD) had decreed that all the world, or the Roman Empire,
should be taxed. For this purpose,
Joseph and
Mary made their pilgrimage to
Bethlehem. While they were there,
Jesus was born.
The Gospel of Luke reports that Quirinius was governor of Syria at a time when
Herod the Great was still alive. According to historians, the governor of Syria at this time
was Quintilius Varus. Quiriniusmay have been a military commander who shared
civil duties with Varus.
He was a favorite with
Tiberius, and on his death (A.D. 21) he was buried with public honors by the Senate at
the request of the emperor.