Reading the Bible in Historical Sequence Part 10Sample

INTRODUCTION: Quirinius (Luke 2:1f), Syrian governor 4 BC–AD 1, was a military commander under a previous governor (Saturninus) who called for a census in Israel. A Jewish appeal to Caesar for tax relief caused a delay. Herod I (Herod the Great) who ruled with Roman help from 40 BC–4 BC died in April of 4 BC, so Jesus’ birth was before this and probably before the winter began, i.e. around September 5 BC.

DAY 1: The births of both John the Baptist and Jesus are foretold by an angel. Matthew gives Jesus’ genealogy through Joseph, Jesus’ legal (but not natural) father.