Luke 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

Luke 2:2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

2. first . . . when Cyrenius, &c.--a very perplexing verse, inasmuch as Cyrenius, or Quirinus, appears not to have been governor of Syria for about ten years after the birth of Christ, and the "taxing" under his administration was what led to the insurrection mentioned in Ac 5:37. That there was a taxing, however, of the whole Roman Empire under Augustus, is now admitted by all; and candid critics, even of skeptical tendency, are ready to allow that there is not likely to be any real inaccuracy in the statement of our Evangelist. Many superior scholars would render the words thus, "This registration was previous to Cyrenius being governor of Syria"--as the word "first" is rendered in Joh 1:15; 15:18. In this case, of course, the difficulty vanishes. But it is perhaps better to suppose, with others, that the registration may have been ordered with a view to the taxation, about the time of our Lord's birth, though the taxing itself--an obnoxious measure in Palestine--was not carried out till the time of Quirinus.

JFB.

< Luke 2 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: In this chapter, we have an account of the birth and infancy of our Lord Jesus: having had notice of his conception, and of the birth and infancy of his forerunner, in the former chapter. The First-begotten is here brought into the world; let us go meet him with our hosannas, blessed is he that cometh. Here is, I. The place and other circumstances of his birth, which proved him to be the true Messiah, and such a one as we needed, but not such a one as the Jews expected (v. 1-7). II. The notifying of his birth to the shepherds in that neighborhood by an angel, the song of praise which the angels sung upon that occasion, and the spreading of the report of it by the shepherds (v. 8-20). III. The circumcision of Christ, and the naming of him (v. 21). IV. The presenting of him in the temple (v. 22-24). V. The testimonies of Simeon, and Anna the prophetess, concerning him (v. 25-39). VI. Christ's growth and capacity (v. 40-52). VIII. His observing the Passover at twelve years old, and his disputing with the doctors in the temple (v. 41-51). And this, with what we have met with (Mt. 1, and 2), is all we have concerning our Lord Jesus, till he entered upon his public work in the thirtieth year of his age. MHC

Outline
The birth of Christ. (1-7)
It is made known to the shepherds. (8-20)
Christ presented in the temple. (21-24)
Simeon prophesies concerning Jesus. (25-35)
Anna prophesies concerning him. (36-40)
Christ with the learned men in the temple. (41-52)

Painted sketch of Bethlehem in the 19th Century

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Simeon, Jesus, Anna

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The New Testament

Luke 2:2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

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