Luk 2:2 | TNotes | STEP | 2:2 Quirinius was governor of Syria: Quirinius held this post AD 6–9. In 6–4 BC , Quirinius also had authority over Judea, possibly through some kind of joint rule. He may have begun the census. Historical accounts mention three other censuses at that time (in Syria, Gaul, and Spain), and there was no reason not to have one in Judea, though it is not mentioned in secular records. Jesus was born around 6–4 BC , before Herod the Great died in 4 BC (see Matt 2:1-19 ).

bMatt 2:1-19►

‏ Luke 2:2

2:2 ^a Quirinius was governor of Syria: Quirinius held this post AD 6–9. In 6–4 BC, Quirinius also had authority over Judea, possibly through some kind of joint rule. He may have begun the census. Historical accounts mention three other censuses at that time (in Syria, Gaul, and Spain), and there was no reason not to have one in Judea, though it is not mentioned in secular records. Jesus was born around 6–4 BC, before Herod the Great died in 4 BC (see Matt 2:1-19 ^b).