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by R Spandit on March 7th, 2006

R Spandit

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Luke 2:2 states that the Cyrenius/Quirinius was Rome’s governor of Syria when Jesus was born. It’s documented that he became governor in 6 AD. Was Luke wrong?

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  • by TulsaDavid on March 9th, 2006

    TulsaDavid

    Not at all.

    Luke used the term "hegemon", which is a broader term than "governor", and may well be referring to the administrative role Cyrenius (Quirinius) was assigned as opposed to being titled as "governor".

    Cyrenius' history is indeed well documented. He ruled both Syria and Judea after the year 6 A. D. when Archelaus was deposed as king of Judea. Both scripture and Josephus indicate this was well after Jesus’ birth and Herod’s death (Mat 2:1,16,22; Antiquities 17.8.1-4, 17.13.1-5;18.1.1-6). Armenian historian Moses of Khorene (Armenian History 2:26) says that in 3 B. C. Roman authorities came to Armenia to set up images of Caesar Augustus in the temples of the area. These same sources state that it was the registration mentioned in Luke which brought them there. The purpose of this registration was to record an official declaration of allegiance from all of his subjects to present to Caesar Augustus in celebration of his Silver Jubilee.

    History records that Varus was governor of Syria from about 7 B.C. to about 4 B.C. and was not a trustworthy leader. However, Cyrenius was a notable military leader. During the census of 8-7 B.C., Augustus entrusted Cyrenius with Palestine, effectively superseding the authority and governorship of Varus by appointing Cyrenius to a place of special authority. Cyrenius administered in Syria on two separate occasions, once while prosecuting the military action against the Homonadensians between 12 and 2 B.C., and later beginning about A.D. 6. A Latin inscription discovered in 1764 has been interpreted to refer to Cyrenius as having served as governor of Syria on two occasions.

    History records that Cyrenius was on assignment in Syria during this time and was one of the few trusted leaders. It is probable that Varus was on his way out while Cyrenius was taking charge of matters during Luke's narration.

    Luke has proven himself over and over throughout the centuries to be a reliable historian, even in the details. In his making reference to 32 countries, 54 cities, and 9 islands, Luke made no mistakes.

    Comments

    • Have yourself a cookie!

      Answers101

      by Answers101 on March 21st, 2006

    • Thanks...I appreciated your answer to this question.

      vew573

      by vew573 on September 25th, 2009

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