Read: Luke 2:1–5
[Joseph] went there to register with Mary, who was pledged
to be married to him and was expecting a child.
Luke 2:5
John has been born to Elizabeth, and Mary is well into her pregnancy. Joseph has taken her as his wife, though they have not consummated the marriage. The couple now takes the long journey from Nazareth in the north to Bethlehem in the south, a town that sits on a ridge 2,000 feet above sea level. This journey is a result of a decreed census.
Censuses were conducted mainly for the purpose of taxation, and people had to return to their native land. Bethlehem is the ancestral hometown of those descended from David, which includes both Joseph and Mary. Perhaps Joseph still owns property in Bethlehem despite no longer living there.
What is unclear and has led to much disagreement is the historical context of this census decreed by Caesar Augustus across the Roman Empire. Specifically, the uncertainty is over the fact that Quirinius is mentioned as being governor of Syria when the census takes place. In the first century, this area of Palestine is under the Roman province of Syria, and thus under Quirinius.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this devotional, I don’t want us to dwell too much on uncertainty or disagreement over details. In this case, though, it is unavoidable to a degree. I will just address it briefly and then make a practical point for us today.
Let’s start with what is known for sure. There is a well-known and widespread census soon to take place in AD 6 that leads to a revolt. It is the one mentioned in Acts 5:37. This cannot be the census referred to in the Christmas narrative, because all historians agree that King Herod (the one who wanted the baby Jesus dead) died in a BC year, likely 4 BC. In other words, he has been dead for 10 years before this well-known census takes place.
There is incomplete evidence that Quirinius serves in the area in a similar capacity previous to AD 6 and that there is another census known to this region but lost in the records over time. Perhaps that is why Luke describes it as the “first” (prótos) census taken under Quirinius, differentiating it from the well-known census of AD 6 for his first-century readers.
What matters most? Today’s study is a good reminder to trust the accuracy of Scripture. All of it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), and Luke’s Gospel is no different. Luke was written decades after Jesus’ ascension. However, Luke implores Theophilus (and us) to trust his account, as “I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning” (1:3).
Therefore, let us have peace over the unknown specifics and our incomplete historical picture, continuing to put our faith in the God we trust. Let us believe in what is recorded: Joseph takes his pregnant wife on the arduous journey to Bethlehem in obedience to a census that has been decreed. A Savior will soon be born!
