“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
— Luke 2:1-7
Christmas time: Time to document notes on these passages.
Nothing known of worldwide census during time of Augustus. Have to acknowledge these facts. This may be most difficult historical issue in NT. Josephus documents census, but through eclipses and other historical rulers and historians, we can date it to A.D. 6 with much certainty. This census had to be BC 6-4 ish because of Herod the Great and we know when he died.
But all is not lost: We know that Augustus instituted 3 censuses during his reign, and it could be that Rome periodically registered citizens throughout the empire. This would make sense, and probably on a rotation. Josephus notes how in other social areas Romans allowed cultures to observe their traditions, so perhaps Rome allowed registration to be done according to Jewish custom. As in, Rome would not by nature require citizens to return home, but Jewish law would (2 Sam 24). Judea is technically a vassal kingdom with Herod the Great, but Rome took census among these as well. We have examples from Syria, Cappadocia, and Nabatea).
The biggest problem is Quirinius. He was legate from 4BC-AD1 and governor from A.D. 6 and on. There are gaps in records. But probably not governor when Jesus was born. Best answer is that a time of census was running (and perhaps Quiriunius was overseeing the operation) and this registration was completed when Quirinius became governor. Thus his name became associated with the census.
With Luke’s attention to detail elsewhere, he has proven himself as student of records. We do not have all records. Have to be honest that this is difficult but we have options to preserve Luke’s accuracy (not really as historian either, but as gospel writer).
Other quick notes: If Joseph and Mary knew they needed to be registered, probably didn’t travel at 9 months pregnant. Would have gone with plenty of time to get adjusted and settled in Bethlehem. “While they were there” not “the first night they scrambled around trying to find a bed”
Jospeh probably not the only one who had to go to Bethlehem, so maybe traveling with family. At least, he’s going because his family is in Bethlehem. He’s from David’s family. That’s the whole point. So they are living with family.
There is no innkeeper. The word for inn is not hotel, like in “Good Samaritan.” Inn is main living area of home. Other relatives have taken all the beds (jerks), so Joseph and Mary are either on the lower level where animals would sleep. Not saying it couldn’t be a detached cave, but they have somewhat of a support system.
A whole different post would be needed for differences on Matthew and Luke. (Matthew doesn’t have them traveling to Bethlehem, for example,…just assumes they’ve been there the whole time.)
Such a simple story, and we hear it so many times, and even this passage needs to be read with chapters 1-2 in mind. John the Baptist and Jesus are linked. Women dominate the story. Songs are all over the place. And God’s kingdom is coming. And best of all…God adores the meek and lowly.