Census of Quirinius

Quick Facts: Who was Census of Quirinius?

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Census of Quirinius

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A Roman census of Judaea in 6 CE, triggering revolt and debated for dating Jesus' birth.

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Origins & Early Life

The Census of Quirinius was a census of the Roman province of Judaea taken in 6 CE, upon its formation, by the governor of Roman Syria, Publius Sulpicius Quirinius. The census triggered a revolt of Jewish extremists (called Zealots) led by Judas of Galilee. The Gospel of Luke uses the Census of Quirinius to date the birth of Jesus but also cites the time of Herod the Great (who died between 5 BCE and 1 CE), while the Gospel of Matthew only references Herod the Great. Most critical scholars agree that Luke is in error, while some religious scholars have attempted to defend the gospel, sometimes invoking unproven claims. Herod the Great (Herod I, c. 72 – 4 or 1 BCE) was a Roman client king whose territory included Judea.

Career & Major Achievements

Upon his death, his kingdom was divided into four, each section ruled by a family member. In 6 CE, Emperor Augustus deposed Herod Archelaus, who had ruled the largest section (for a decade according to first-century Roman-Jewish historian Josephus), and converted his territory into the Roman province of Judaea. In order to install an ad valorem property tax in the new province, Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, the legate (governor) of the province of Roman Syria starting in 6 CE, was assigned to carry out a census in Judaea. This would record the names of the owners of taxable property, along with its value, for which they would be taxed. Josephus states that Quirinius was sent to conduct the census and collect Archelaus's property 37 years after the Battle of Actium (31 BCE).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The later historian Cassius Dio also recorded 6 CE as the start of Archelaus's exile. (Galilee itself was a separate territory under the rule of Herod Antipas.) Judas seems to have found the census objectionable because it ran counter to a biblical injunction (the traditional Jewish reading of Exodus 30:12) and because it would lead to taxes paid in heathen coins bearing an image of the emperor. The Gospel of Matthew places Jesus' birth in the time of Herod the Great. This is affirmed by the Gospel of Luke (1:5–31), probably written around 80–90 CE, which then uses the census to date the birth (2:1–5): In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Census of Quirinius

True or False: “The Gospel of Matthew explicitly states that the census was conducted by Publius Sulpicius Quirinius in 6 CE.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Gospel of Matthew only references Herod the Great regarding Jesus' birth; Luke is the gospel that uses the census event.

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