A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

B. Luke’s historical situating of Jesus’ birth

Luke 2.1-7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. [2] This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] And all went to be registered, each to his own town. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, [5] to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. [6] And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. [7] And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger,

1. Where: in Palestine, in Judea, at the city of David (Bethlehem)

2. When: during the time of Caesar Augustus , when Quirinius was governor of Syria, v. 1-2

3. What details

a. Joseph went up from Galilee , from the city of Nazareth , v. 4.

b. To Judea, to the city of David, “ Bethlehem ,” v. 4

c. Global census: Joseph and his betrothed went to be registered.

d. Jesus is born while making the trip to Joseph’s hometown.

because there was no place for them in the inn.

C. Critical birth narratives

1. Zacharias and Elizabeth: the promise of John, the forerunner of Messiah , Luke 1.5-25

a. The miracle birth, Luke 1.13 – But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”