The Census of Quirinius was an event in the Bible that took place around 6-7 AD. It is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke as the reason for Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. The census was ordered by Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, as a means to assess taxes and registrations in the province accurately.
Background to The Census of Quirinius
The Roman Empire conducted censuses periodically to maintain an accurate record of its population, property holdings, and tax obligations. These censuses were essential for the administration of the empire and were usually carried out under the authority of the Roman governor.
Biblical Timeline
- The Census Order: Luke 2:1-3 describes how Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census to be taken in the entire Roman world. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone had to return to their ancestral towns to register.
- Journey to Bethlehem: Luke 2:4-5 tells the story of Joseph, a descendant of King David, who went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem, the city of David, to register for the census along with his betrothed wife, Mary, who was expecting a child.
- Birth of Jesus: In Luke 2:6-7, Mary gives birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, and she places him in a manger because there was no room for them in the guesthouse.