A Comprehensive Look at When Was Jesus Born? The Historical Evidence and Biblical Accounts

The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most important events in human history. It marks the beginning of Christianity and has influenced the world in countless ways. But when exactly was Jesus born? The question has puzzled scholars, theologians and historians for centuries. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the historical evidence and biblical accounts to try and answer this question.

The Historical Evidence

The historical evidence regarding the birth of Jesus is sparse, but there are a few clues that we can piece together. Here are some of the most important pieces of evidence:

• Herod the Great: King Herod the Great was a ruler of Judea who was appointed by the Roman Empire in 37 BC. According to the Bible, he ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem who were two years old and under in an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus. Herod died in 4 BC, which means that Jesus must have been born before that date.
• The Census: According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was born during a census conducted by Quirinius, the governor of Syria. Historians have confirmed that Quirinius held two censuses during his time in office, one in 6 AD and another in 7 AD. This means that Jesus was probably born between 6 and 7 AD.
• The Star of Bethlehem: According to the Gospel of Matthew, a star appeared in the sky at the time of Jesus' birth and led the wise men to him. Some scholars believe that this could have been a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn that occurred in 7 BC.

The Biblical Accounts

The Bible provides us with two different accounts of Jesus' birth, one in the Gospel of Matthew and another in the Gospel of Luke. Here are some of the most important details from each account:

The Gospel of Matthew

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod the Great.
• The wise men came from the east and followed a star to find Jesus.
• Herod ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem who were two years old and under in an attempt to kill Jesus.
• Mary, Joseph and Jesus fled to Egypt to escape Herod's wrath.

The Gospel of Luke

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the time of a census conducted by Quirinius, the governor of Syria.
• Angels appeared to shepherds in the fields and announced the birth of Jesus.
• Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day and presented at the temple in Jerusalem.

FAQs about the Love of Jesus, When Was Jesus Born, Bible Verses, Books of the Bible

Q: Why is the birth of Jesus so important to Christians? A: The birth of Jesus is important to Christians because it marks the beginning of Christianity. Jesus is believed to be the Son of God and his teachings form the basis of Christian faith. Q: What does the Bible say about the birth of Jesus? A: The Bible provides us with two different accounts of Jesus' birth, one in the Gospel of Matthew and another in the Gospel of Luke. Both accounts emphasize the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and the role that he was destined to play in the world. Q: What are some Bible verses about the birth of Jesus? A: Here are some Bible verses that relate to the birth of Jesus:

• "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11
• "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." - Luke 2:7
• "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem." - Matthew 2:1

Q: What books of the Bible talk about the birth of Jesus? A: The birth of Jesus is discussed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Conclusion

When was Jesus born? The historical evidence and biblical accounts suggest that he was probably born between 6 and 7 AD, during the reign of King Herod the Great and the time of a census conducted by Quirinius, the governor of Syria. The birth of Jesus has had a profound impact on the world and continues to inspire millions of people today. As we celebrate Christmas and remember the birth of Jesus, let us reflect on the love and compassion that he preached and strive to embody those values in our own lives.