We have been on a journey to answer questions about a man named Jesus Christ. Who is this man? Where did He come from, and what did He do while on earth?
A few thousand years ago, Jesus walked the streets of Galilee, Jerusalem, and many other places. Jesus spoke to thousands of people, taught many, and healed many sick, demon-possessed, and dying people. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were constantly questioning him and would eventually seek to end his life. It makes you wonder who this man was that men of high positions felt threatened.
Bring you up to speed.
Today, we are going to answer another question. We are getting our answers from a textbook I used in Bible college.
So far, we have looked at Jesus’s birth mother, His earthly father, His ministry, and many other aspects and exciting facts about Jesus. You can find those lessons in the links below.
Today’s question is about Jesus’ birth date.
“How do the secular calendars correlate with the events in Jesus’ life?”
My college book says, “Several factors make it difficult to give precise dates to the events of the New Testament era. First, since secular historians often looked contemptuously on Christianity, they seldom referred to incidents involving the church. Second, various peoples in history have used quite different methods to reckon chronology, thus resulting in differences.”
“Biblical evidence indicates Jesus was born before the death of Herod the Great (Matt 2:1-12), during a period that corresponded with a census ordered by Augustus in the time when Quirinius was governor of Syria (Luke 2:1-2). At the same time, a star led wise men from the East to find Jesus in Jerusalem (Matt 2:9-11). All three of these features provide assistance in identifying the date of Jesus’ birth, but we must investigate each separately.”
“Church tradition has established the date of the celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25 for the western church and January 6 for the eastern church. The presence of the shepherds outside watching their flocks (Luke 2:8) would not normally occur during the cool season of winter. Jesus was born sometime during 6 or 5 B.C., but it is difficult to determine exactly the precise season or date of His birth.”
Interesting stuff.
Next time Christmas rolls around, you may think back to what biblical scholars have to say about December 25. Nonetheless, we celebrate Jesus’ birth every year. I am so grateful God sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life. I hope you are too.
Stay safe. May the Lord of the heavens and the earth bless you all.
The Teaching Lady
Jesus Christ – Background Info – The Teacher
Jesus Christ – Background Info – Teacher
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