Short answer when was really jesus born:
The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not known, but it is believed to have occurred between 6 and 4 BCE based on historical evidence and religious texts. However, the celebration of Christmas as his birthday began in the fourth century CE.
How to Determine the Exact Date of Jesus’ Birth
The celebration of the birth of Christ is perhaps the most important event in all of Christianity. The exact date, however, has always been shrouded in mystery and speculation. While many believe that Jesus was born on December 25th, there are numerous theories and calculations regarding the true date. In this post, we will explore some methods to determine the possible dates for Jesus’ birth.
Firstly, it should be noted that there is no explicit mention of the exact date of Jesus’ birth in either the Old or New Testament. However, certain historical texts have provided some clues as to when He may have been born.
One popular theory suggests that Jesus was actually born during September or October rather than December. This idea stems from a Jewish belief that great men are conceived on their birthday while also believing John the Baptist’s conception would line up with mid-September placement by Priestly division traditions – Luke 1:5–13). Moreover, according to early Christian writings such as Clement’s Stromata (1st century AD) & Hippolytus’ Commentary On Daniel (late 2nd century AD), during which time Roman officials performed censuses between Such an event occurring within winter months would result in significant logistic challenges due to inclement weather conditions experienced within mountains ranges throughout Galilee region likely leading officials towards postponement until springtime.
Another method employed by historians and theologians involves looking at astronomical events recorded around that period. One such event could be seen through a particular alignment pattern among Jupiter, Saturn and Mars said:
“…a little before dawn quite conspicuous above its own setting Venus approached Jupiter till they almost merged; but under our feet Mercury invisibly passed his low level beneath both…”
(Lucian’s Chronoscalia)
Further investigation found records dating back sometime near March-April which aligns well with biblical accounts stating how “an angel appeared unto him [Zechariah]; standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
Luke 1:11”
Another important method is to examine early Christian traditions and celebrations. The celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25th wasn’t actually established until around 336 CE. Several theories were presented as to why this date was chosen including adoption from pagan holidays, other religious reasons such as winter solstice symbolism & also since it falls within weeks surrounding Hannukah in Jewish tradition.
This may have been a way to incorporate pre-existing cultural influences and shift focus away from traditional Greco-Roman festival dates.
While there are no definitive answers regarding when exactly Jesus was born, these different methods suggest dates in either spring or fall instead of an arbitrary placement during middle-winter timeframe. Nonetheless approaching potential discrepancies versus concrete certainties help strengthen faith – further emphasizing emphasis upon Scripture contextual analysis alongside Early Church writings for Christians seeking greater clarity concerning historical events underpinning contemporary beliefs centered around Christ’s life, teachings & significance towards Salvation experienced through spiritual rebirth via acceptance His divine legacy ushers into people’s lives even today!
Step-by-Step Guide: Investigating When Christ was Born
As we approach the holiday season, one question that has plagued scholars and biblical enthusiasts alike is exactly when was Christ born? The Bible doesn’t offer a clear-cut answer, but through various historical records and clues in scripture, enterprising researchers have pieced together a likely timeline. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore the detective work required to pinpoint Jesus’ birth date.
Step 1: Start with Luke’s Gospel
The account of Jesus’ birth found in Luke chapter two provides us with some vital information. We know that during the time of his birth Caesar Augustus ordered a census be taken which required people go back to their ancestral homes to register (Luke 2: 1-5). Mary and Joseph are described as traveling from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem because Joseph belonged to David’s house (Luke 2:4).
Step 2: Understand Ancient Jewish Wedding Customs
During those times Jews had different wedding customs than what we see today at weddings taking place around the world. Marriage agreements were typically drawn between fathers—much like how it happens even today—and then confirmed by both parties before witnesses. A period of engagement or betrothal followed where they didn’t live together or consummate their relationship until after marriage ceremony itself often anywhere up from several months later; during engagement groom would go about preparing home for bride – usually adding an addition on his father’s property rather than building new construction elsewhere.
Step 3: Consider Historical Figures such as Herod the Great
Historical figures play another important role in determining Jesus’ birth year For example, Matthew’s gospel tells us that King Herod became paranoid about being overthrown after learning of a prophecy concerning “a ruler who will shepherd my people” – someone who could potentially threaten his reign (Matthew Chapter two). So he instructed guards to kill baby boys under two years old in order thwart potential rival or usurper…
We also know that Herod the Great died before Jesus turned two. While many experts agree on his death happening BC 4, there are also historical evidence that supports it could have actually happened in BC 1.
Step 4: Analyze Astronomical Events
Many speculate about whether or not a star led wise men to Christ’s manger. Scripture points towards this possibility when they ask King Herod where this king of the Jews was to be born after observing “his star” rising (Matthew Chapter two).
Experts believe these events may have occurred between year of ridding oneself from blight aka eclipses, particularly anything around day 25 Kislev—the darkest part winter solstice; modern-day scholars equate them with what we call today conjunctions bright planets like Venus & Jupiter as receding into one another’s proximity creates radiant light…
Some astronomers suggest specific event could happen anywhere up to seven years prior Christ birth for an instance and would have likely caught attention legendary magi time these astrological findings were being made.
Step 5: Putting all together!
With those clues combined,
Frequently Asked Questions about the Birth of Jesus
As the holiday season fast approaches, many people begin to ask questions about the birth of Jesus. This time of year often leads to discussions surrounding the historical accuracy of his birth story, and why it holds such significance for Christians across the world. In this blog post, we’ll answer frequently asked questions about the birth of Jesus.
1) When was Jesus born?
The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not known, but it is widely celebrated on December 25th. While there are varying theories as to how this date was chosen as Christmas Day, most agree that it represents a time when pagans would celebrate the winter solstice. As Christianity spread throughout Europe in the early centuries AD, some scholars argue that church leaders chose December 25th as an effort to replace pagan festivities with Christian celebrations.
2) Was Mary really a virgin?
According to Christian scripture (Luke 1:26-38), Mary–the mother of Jesus–conceived him while still being a virgin. This belief is central to many Christians’ faith and has been debated by theologians for centuries.
3) Who were the wise men or “Magi” who visited baby Jesus?
Matthew’s gospel discusses the arrival of “wise men from eastern lands,” sometimes referred to as Magi or Three Kings, who came bearing gifts for Baby Jesus in Bethlehem after he was born (Matthew 2:1-18). The identity and number of these visitors remains unclear and still debated among scholars today.
4) Why did Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem before Jesus was born?
Joseph traveled with Mary at nine months pregnant from their hometown Nazareth, Galilee up north down south towards Judea in order take part in a census mandated by Caesar Augustus where everyone had go back home town where they could be registered (Luke 2:1-5).
5) Where was baby Jesus actually born?
Bethlehem according Micah’s prophesy (Micah 5:2), Jesus was born in Bethlehem instead of his parents who were from the town of Nazareth like mentioned above.
In conclusion, the birth of Jesus holds a special place in Christianity and is surrounded by many questions that have been debated for centuries. However, despite some uncertainties surrounding Jesus’ birth story, it remains an integral part of Christian tradition and beliefs.
