When does the Bible say Jesus was born? This is a question that has intrigued scholars, theologians, and believers for centuries. The New Testament, which is the Christian Bible’s second part, does not provide a specific date for Jesus’ birth. Instead, it offers various clues and references that have led to different interpretations and debates over the years.
The earliest references to Jesus’ birth in the New Testament are found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. According to Matthew 1:18-23, Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod the Great, who died in 4 BC. The Gospel of Luke, on the other hand, suggests that Jesus was born in the days of King Augustus and Pontius Pilate, around the time of a Roman census (Luke 2:1-2). However, these references do not provide a precise date.
Scholars have used these historical and astronomical clues to attempt to pinpoint the exact date of Jesus’ birth. One theory, proposed by astronomer and mathematician Isaac Newton, suggests that Jesus was born on April 17, 3 BC. This theory is based on the idea that the star of Bethlehem, mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, could be identified with a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation of Pisces, which occurred in 7 BC.
Another theory, supported by biblical scholar Charles P. Talbert, posits that Jesus was born in the autumn of 6 BC. This theory is based on the assumption that the “shepherd” mentioned in the Gospel of Luke was referring to the Passover, which typically occurs in the spring, and that the birth of Jesus must have happened before the Passover.
Despite these attempts to determine the exact date of Jesus’ birth, it remains a topic of debate and speculation. Some Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25th, which is known as Christmas, while others prefer to celebrate it on January 6th, known as Epiphany. The reasons for these different dates may be attributed to various factors, including the influence of paganism, the desire to align Christian celebrations with the winter solstice, and the need to differentiate from other religious festivals.
In conclusion, the Bible does not explicitly state when Jesus was born. The New Testament offers some historical and astronomical clues, but the exact date remains a matter of debate. Regardless of the date, the significance of Jesus’ birth lies in the profound impact it has had on the lives of billions of people around the world.
