What does Luke 2:2 mean?

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

Explanation

Luke 2:2 refers to a census ordered by the Roman Empire, which was the practice of counting the inhabitants of an area to determine taxes and for other administrative purposes. The verse indicates that this was the first census taken when Quirinius (referred to as “Cyrenius” in the King James Version) was the governor of Syria. This census is an important event because it explains why Joseph and Mary, the parents of Jesus, traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. The “first” could imply that there were subsequent censuses, but the focus here is on the initial one tying it to the birth of Christ.

Historical Context

This passage is set in the historical context of the Roman Empire during the time of Emperor Augustus, who reigned from 27 BC to AD 14. The census mentioned in Luke 2:2 has been a subject of much scholarly debate due to differences in historical records regarding the time of Quirinius’s governorship. Some historical sources place Quirinius’s governorship beginning around AD 6, which is later than the date traditionally ascribed to the birth of Jesus. This discrepancy has led to discussions on the accuracy and chronology of the biblical narrative in relation to known historical facts.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the census in Luke 2:2 portrays God’s sovereignty in using secular events to fulfill prophecy. According to Micah 5:2, the promised Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. The Roman census providentially brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, aligning with the prophecy despite their residence in Nazareth. This reflects a Christian view of God orchestrating events in history to achieve divine purposes.

Practical Applications

The practical application from this verse can be seen in the way it encourages individuals to perceive divine purpose and providence even within mundane or challenging circumstances. Just as the census led to the fulfillment of prophecy and significant historical outcome, believers might find assurance and purpose within the complexities of their lives, trusting that God can guide events towards meaningful conclusions.

Cross-References

• Micah 5:2 – “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
• Matthew 2:1 – “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,”
• Romans 13:1 – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek of this verse are “ἀπογραφὴ” (apographē), meaning enrollment or census, and “Κυρήνιον” (Kyrenios), the Greek form of Quirinius. Understanding these terms provides insight into the nature of the event being described—a formal accounting of the population under the authority of a Roman official.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of taking a census was common among various cultures in ancient times, not just the Romans. It served administrative and fiscal purposes. In the Hebrew tradition, censuses are also noted, such as in the Book of Numbers, but there were religious connotations, and specific instructions were given to avoid a plague by not counting the people directly (Exodus 30:12).

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on this verse, but archaeological and historical research contribute to understanding the historical accuracy of such events. The advancement in dating techniques and excavations can shed light on the chronology of ancient governance and official actions like censuses.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on Luke 2:2 often highlight the historical difficulties and attempt to reconcile the chronological differences between the Gospel account and historical data. Some scholars suggest Luke may be using a wider Greek-Roman historical narrative style, which focused less on pinpoint chronology and more on the thematic element of the story. Others propose that there might have been an earlier, unrecorded census or that “first” could be translated as “before,” indicating an event prior to the better-documented census of AD 6. Still, the exact history and timeline remain a topic of scholarly discussion and debate.