Luke 2:2

([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

( And this {G3778} taxing {G582} was {G1096} first {G4413} made {G1096} when Cyrenius {G2958} was governor {G2230} of Syria {G4947}.)

This registration, the first of its kind, took place when Quirinius was governing in Syria.

This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Commentary

Luke 2:2 provides a crucial historical anchor for the narrative of Jesus' birth, directly following the announcement of the Roman census in Luke 2:1. This verse specifies the timing of the census mentioned, linking it to the governorship of Cyrenius (also known as Quirinius).

Historical and Cultural Context

The Roman Empire regularly conducted censuses (Latin: census) to register citizens and subjects for taxation and military conscription. Luke's inclusion of Cyrenius, the Roman legate (governor) of Syria, serves to place Jesus' birth within a precise historical framework. While the exact timing of this particular "first taxing" under Cyrenius has been a subject of scholarly discussion due to varying historical records of Roman governors and their exact terms, Luke's intent is clear: to emphasize that these events were not mythical but occurred during a specific, verifiable period of Roman rule. This decree necessitated Joseph and Mary's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, fulfilling ancient prophecy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Decrees: This verse highlights how God orchestrates human events, even inconvenient Roman decrees like a census, to fulfill His divine plan. The journey to Bethlehem ensured Jesus was born in the prophesied city, as foretold in Micah 5:2.
  • Historical Reliability of Luke's Gospel: Luke, often regarded as a meticulous historian (as indicated in his introduction in Luke 1:3), grounds the extraordinary events of Jesus' birth in ordinary historical circumstances. This detail underscores the factual basis of the Christian faith.
  • Providential Timing: The taxing served as the providential means by which Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem precisely when Jesus was to be born, aligning with prophecy and God's perfect timing.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "taxing" is ἀπογραφὴ (apographē), which means "a registration, enrolment, or census." The phrase "first made" (πρώτη ἐγένετο - prōtē egeneto) indicates that this was the initial or primary registration, distinguishing it perhaps from later ones or emphasizing its significance.

Practical Application and Reflection

Luke 2:2 reminds us that God's plan unfolds within the fabric of human history. Even seemingly mundane or inconvenient government mandates can be part of a larger divine purpose. For believers today, this verse offers assurance that God is sovereign over all circumstances, using various events, both grand and small, to achieve His ultimate will. It encourages us to trust that even in life's unexpected detours or administrative burdens, God is at work, guiding our steps and bringing about His perfect plan, much like He guided Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem for the birth of the Savior.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 3:1

    ¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

  • Acts 13:7

    Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

  • Acts 26:30

    And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

  • Acts 5:37

    After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

  • Acts 18:12

    ¶ And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

  • Acts 23:26

    Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix [sendeth] greeting.

  • Matthew 4:24

    And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
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