Short answer when was jesus botn;:
Jesus of Nazareth is believed to have been born between 6 and 4 BC in Bethlehem, during the reign of Herod the Great. The exact date of his birth is not known. Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th as his birthday, but this date was chosen by the early Church for liturgical reasons.
How to Determine the Birth Date of Jesus: A Comprehensive Guide
As the holiday season approaches, many people begin to wonder about the exact birth date of Jesus. While Christmas Day is typically celebrated on December 25th, there is actually no biblical evidence to support this specific date. In fact, historians and theologians have debated the birthdate of Jesus for centuries.
1. Consider Historical Context
It’s important to understand that the calendars used during biblical times were different from modern calendars. The most commonly used calendar in ancient Israel was a lunar-based one, meaning each month began with a new moon cycle rather than a set number of days like our current Gregorian calendar system.
Additionally, records from this time period can be incomplete or inconsistent due to political unrest and societal changes over time.
2. Look at Scriptural Clues
While there may not be concrete evidence of an exact date written in any Christian scriptures, there are clues within scripture that can provide context clues as to when Christ may have been born.
For example; it is believed by many scholars that John The Baptist (who according Christian texts – baptized Jesus into his ministry) was conceived six months before Christ (Luke 1:35-36). Therefore backward counting would suggest that if John was indeed conceived in ~February/March then logically placing Christ’s conception around September/October means he could potentially have been born around June/July which also coincides with shepherds being out late at night watching their flocks – pointing towards warmer weather period where animals aren’t huddled together indoors.Worth remembering however this backwards calculation requires additionally unproven assumptions regarding what occurs in Elizabeth’s menstrual cycle post-conception etc.So using scriptural timelines comes up with conclusions but these cannot be considered confirmed.As well as considering alternative theories such as infant baptism practices under Jewish cleanliness laws containing reference points etc.
3. Consider Cultural Practices
Ancient cultures often celebrated the births of important leaders or deities, and many of these celebrations were timed to coincide with significant celestial events like equinoxes or solstices.
It has been said that some ancient cultures documented events observing an astronomical event such as a super bright star happening just prior to December 25th (such as Halley’s Comet which was observed in AD66 bringing about Apocalypse fears for Jews/Christians because they believed it signaled divine intervention) could explain December 25th becoming Christmas Day- though due to time periods being off this can’t be proven either way.
4. Study Historical Data
Historical data such as Roman census records from biblical times can provide additional contextual information related to the Advent narrative. Under Caesar Augustus rule multiple censuses where held over several years between A.D. 8 -12 both historians & theologians use relevant contextual details leading up-to/during Jesus’ life before birth in making evidence based educated guesses on age of person at death thus potentially suggesting their birth-dates through
Step-by-Step Process of Uncovering the Time of Jesus’ Birth
Unveiling the time of Jesus’ birth is a highly debated topic among scholars and historians. However, with remarkable discoveries and meticulous research, we can uncover the probable dates of this historical event.
The process of determining the time of Jesus’ birth involves several factors such as contextual clues from biblical accounts, historical events during that period, astrology and astronomy data, traditions and celebrations in Judea at that time.
Firstly, let us focus on contextual clues found in scripture. The Gospel of Luke tells us that when Herod was king over Judea, Augustus Caesar issued a decree for all people to be registered (Luke 2:1-3). This census established by Caesar has been historically documented to have taken place between 6 BC – 7 AD. Also, according to Matthew’s account if we calculate backward from King Herod’s death which was documented around 4 BC then we get closer to around 5 BC -6BC being the likely year of his arrival into Bethlehem.
Secondly, analyzing astrological data could also help pinpoint an exact date. Scholars suggest that alignment between Jupiter and Saturn occurred three times in over an eight-month interval starting from May27 BCE through December29 BCE resulting in a striking bright star known as the ‘Star Of Bethlehem’. It is plausible suggestion since Ancient Hebrews were known for their interest in celestial elements often mentioned many symbols pertaining stars throughout Old Testament text frequently associated with signs from God including prophecies relating to Messiah’s appearance seen commonly metioning start within them too( Numbers24:17; Isaiah9:2).
Thirdly referring back towards Biblical accounts scriptures point out Shepherds flock staying outdoors overnight suggesting it wasn’t late December or untimely due winter conditions(June/July would allude more likable climate). Ecclesiastical records reveal a possible timeline giving evidence stating April as well-known registration month under Governor Quirinus allowing for travel preparations before winter arrival.
Fourthly, there were several festive celebrations among the Jews in Judea that could provide interrelated evidence of Jesus’ birth time. The Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot celebration occurs according to scriptures five days after Yom Kippur would have given more reason for all Jews travel back from their temporary dwellings from different places they travelled with various transportations through woodlands and over rugged terrain, such as Mary & Joseph’s arduous trip towards Bethlehem. This festival signified a highly celebrative reminder about Yahweh keeping their ancestors well-nourished throughout years during the desert wilderness’ journeying. Since it’s celebrated on Full moon day following Harvest based off biblical lunar calendar if retro-calculated backward in October account being this reveals a possible month timeline towards time of Birth too.
Finally, considering all these factors together points toward late September/early October being the most likely timeline when Jesus was born which lines up with ancient Jewish traditions concerning Elul Tishri months(Sept/Oct) regarding festivals(Memorial Day Of Trumpets typically
Answering Frequently Asked Questions about When Jesus was Born
As we approach the Christmas season, questions about Jesus’ birth may come to mind. Some of these inquiries are fairly well-known and likely make an appearance in nativity plays or on holiday cards; others might be more obscure. Here are some frequently asked questions about when Jesus was born—with answers that will hopefully satisfy your curiosity:
Question #1: Was December 25th really the day when Jesus was born?
Answer: While December 25th is widely celebrated as Christmas Day, it’s highly unlikely that this is the actual date of Christ’s birth. In fact, biblical scholars have put forth several other possibilities for His birthday—including October 6th or November 18th—based on analysis of historical records.
Here’s what we do know: The Bible doesn’t give a specific date for the Messiah’s arrival on earth, nor does it mention any celebration related to a winter solstice festival (which some argue led early Christians to choose December 25th). Instead, many experts think Jesus most likely came into the world sometime around September or October.
Question #2: Did shepherds really go see baby Jesus right after He was born?
Answer: According to Luke’s Gospel, yes! After an angel appeared to them with good tidings of great joy (Luke 2:10), “the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass” (Luke 2:15 KJV).
While there’s no record elsewhere in scripture confirming this visit took place immediately following Christ’s birth—and according to some sources it might have been months later—many believers consider it part of their beloved holiday lore.
Question #3: What star did Wise Men follow?
Answer: Again per Matthew’s account of Christ’s life story they followed a particular stellar occurrence! “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… When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy”(Matthew 2:1-2 KJV)
While we don’t know for certain what this celestial body was (some scholars believe it could have been a comet or supernova), Matthew notes that it appeared in “the East”—possibly suggesting Ancient Persia—before leading some magi toward Bethlehem.
Conclusion:
As followers of Christ come together this holiday season to celebrate His life story through decorations and carols, perhaps revisiting these questions will lead them into contemplation about what His arrival actually meant—and still means—to those who follow Him today.
