Short answer when Jesus really born:
While the exact date is unknown, most scholars agree that Jesus was probably born between 6 and 4 BCE based on historical records and biblical references. However, December 25th has traditionally been celebrated as the day of his birth by many Christians around the world.
How Can We Determine When Jesus Was Really Born? – A Comprehensive Guide
Determining the exact date of Jesus’ birth has been a question that has stumped scholars for centuries. However, through various historical and archaeological findings, theologians have pieced together an estimated timeframe in which Christ was most likely born.
The primary source for understanding the timeline of Jesus’ birth is found within the New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew describes wise men from the East following a star to find Jesus after his birth. Meanwhile, Luke’s gospel records shepherds being visited by angels who announce ‘good news of great joy’, signifying the birth of Christ (Luke 2:10).
However, these passages do not provide specific dates or even years for when Jesus was born – they merely serve as evidence supporting that he existed at some point during history.
So let us dive into other clues beyond scripture that help us piece together where and when this took place:
Firstly, it can be established that Herod the Great ruled Judea between 37–4 BC based on textual sources gathered outside biblical scriptures. In Matthew’s gospel account [2:1], we see herod asking about “where” baby jesus could be located exactly.(Matthew 2:16). We also know herod became paranoid upon hearing false reports about a new king in Israel whose “kingdom” would rule over all others which coincidentally matched up with messianic prophecies made long ago such as Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2 so ordered all male children under two years old to be killed.
This dark event correlates to how historians arrived at establishing a time frame using known astronomical events like comets or possibly supernovas mentioned in eastern texts too. For instance, there are indications suggesting Haley’s comet visible around late April BC4 – early March next year might’ve played a role in inspiring those wisemen we saw earlier (*cue Christmas carol songs*). More convincing though, would be the brightest recorded supernova explosion in history known as the Red Nova of 5 BC recorded by Korean astronomers that lasted for months.
This event was so bright it could’ve been seen during daylight hours and might’ve prompted wise men to investigate its significance given their knowledge on astronomy, astrology, divination techniques etc. All this evidence points at a possible timeframe in which Jesus Christ may have been born around some point between late March and early December two-to-six years from Herod’s decree or latest year six AD(according to traditional Western Christianity.).
To conclude, pinpointing an exact date for Jesus’ birth is still impossible based on available data but we can confidently say he was born sometime within two potential timeframes: either around 7-6BC using clues like Herod the Great’s reign or more probable dates nearer 4-1BC when astronomical events were present aligning closely with narratives cited above found in historical texts both eastern & western sources alike. Even if not everyone agrees upon precise details surrounding this topic due lack quality resources – all historical records testify
When Jesus Was Really Born: Step by Step Analysis of Historical Evidence
The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in world history. However, there has been much debate and confusion about when precisely this momentous occasion occurred. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step analysis of historical evidence to determine when Jesus was genuinely born.
Step 1: The Gospel Accounts
The primary source for information about the birth of Jesus Christ comes from Matthew and Luke’s gospels in the Bible. These ancient texts recount how Mary conceived through the Holy Spirit while still a virgin and gave birth in Bethlehem during King Herod’s reign.
However, the precise date is not mentioned explicitly in either gospel account. Some scholars have suggested that clues can be gleaned from details such as shepherds watching their flocks at night or wise men studying celestial bodies.
Step 2: Historical Context
To grasp further insight into when Jesus might have indeed been born, we must examine the broader historical context surrounding his life. One key piece of information comes from Luke’s gospel regarding John the Baptist’s conception and Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth around six months into her pregnancy.
According to Jewish scripture (1 Chronicles 24), John’s father Zechariah served as a priest within one specific division, Abijah. Each division would serve for one week twice each year at different times; thus these two time periods marked by serving were termed courses (Luke 1:5-9).
Using records that have survived today suggests it fell on April-Oct (“the weeks”); then working backwards six months gives us an approximate “end-of-conception” date for John—September/March according to using old lunar calendar (~6 B.C.).
It is assumed that Mary visited Elizabeth soon after discovering she was pregnant with Jesus – so sometime before Christmas itself i.e., December could be anywhere between late March & mid-November some range likely ~8 BC if correct that king Herod killed babies under age two.
Step 3: Herod’s Reign
According to Matthew, King Herod ordered the massacre of all the male infants under two years of age in Bethlehem soon after local magi reported a new “king” baby born there (Matthew 2:13-16).
Historians have attempted to narrow down when this infamous biblical event occurred, typically setting it between four and one BCE. Some evidence suggests that newborns during his reign suggest he died in early – i.e., around March or April likely ~4 BC itself (based on excavations at Herodian & Josephus writings) which is compatible with our previous calculations for John’s birth adding weight behind the option of Sept-Dec (~5 BC ?).
Final Thoughts
Although we cannot know precisely when Jesus was genuinely born because no exact date mentions in any primary sources or archaeological discoveries unearthed from that era. However, by conducting a thorough analysis of historical evidence surrounding his life, we can make some educated estimates regarding the general timeframe. Based on various pieces of information and clues elucidated by Luke’s Gospel passages regarding Holy Priest
When Jesus Was Really Born: FAQ and Common Misconceptions
As the holiday season approaches, many people turn their attention to the story of Jesus’s birth. But amid all the tinsel and decorations, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to this important event in Christian history.
Here are some common questions about Jesus’s birth, along with answers that may surprise you:
Q: Was Jesus really born on December 25th?
A: No one knows for sure. While December 25th is celebrated as Christmas Day around much of the world, there is no clear evidence that this was actually Jesus’s birthday. In fact, many scholars believe that the early Christians did not celebrate birthdays at all.
The date of December 25th was likely chosen because it coincided with several pagan festivals that were already being celebrated around that time of year. By aligning Christianity with these popular holidays, early Christians hoped to make their faith more appealing and accessible to non-Christians.
Q: Did Jesus have a stable birth?
A: Not necessarily. The Bible does mention a manger (a feeding trough for animals) where Jesus was placed after his birth, but there is no specific mention of a stable or barn. It is possible that Mary and Joseph simply took shelter wherever they could find it – perhaps even in someone’s home – since they were traveling during a busy time.
Q: Were there really three wise men who visited Baby Jesus?
A: The Bible mentions “wise men” (sometimes called Magi) who brought gifts to Baby Jesus soon after his birth, but it doesn’t say how many there were. The tradition of three wise men probably dates back to medieval times and has been perpetuated through art and literature ever since.
Q;Why weren’t Mary & Joseph concerned about getting lodging before entering Bethlehem?
There are various reasons why might be one plausible reason partly due issue related law by Roman Emperor Augustus ,which mandated everyone came into their country of origin to register in order for them be counted an paying due taxes.It is presumed that arrival was unexpected and unplanned – which left Mary and Joseph with few options when it came to finding a place to stay.
Ultimately, the most important thing about Jesus’s birth isn’t when or where it happened, but what it represents. The story of a tiny baby born into humble circumstances, who would go on to become one of the most influential figures in human history.The Christmas season allows us all reflect on his life and teachings as we come together with loved ones during this hoilstic time of year.
