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Decree (2)

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

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Dedication, Feast of

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DECREE (Gr. δόγμα, Luke 2:1).—In the Gospel of Luke, the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem is traced to the fact that a census of the people of Israel was being taken, which made it necessary that Joseph and Mary, who were both of Davidic descent, should go up from their home at Nazareth to the City of David. This census was brought about by the issue of a decree of Caesar Augustus, that the Roman world should be taxed or registered. Historians find much to question here as to St. Luke’s accuracy. Was it likely that Herod’s independent kingdom would be included in such a decree? Is there any evidence that such an order on so great a scale was then issued? As to Cyrenius [Quirinius], in whose governorship of Syria this census is said to have taken place, can it be proved that he was twice governor of Syria? He was governor, some 10 years later, when the census took place, which caused the rebellion under Judas of Galilee, in 760 a.u.c. The researches of Wieseler, Zumpt, and W. M. Ramsay (Was Christ born at Bethlehem?) have shown, however, that St. Luke’s statement is capable of a good defence, and may turn out to have full corroboration. Such a plain historical note, put in, with evident intention, by St. Luke, we should be slow to reject from one who is generally so well informed. See Augustus, Birth of Christ, Quirinius.

David M. W. Laird.