Bethlehem

Étude 1 sur 9 · Le premier recensement de Quirinius

Étude 1 : Le premier recensement de Quirinius
Étude 2 : Le voyage à Bethléem
Étude 3 : La naissance du Messie Jésus.
Étude 4 : La visite des bergers
Étude 5 : La circoncision de l’Enfant Jésus
Étude 6 : Les Mages d’Orient rencontrent Hérode
Étude 7 : L’Enfant Jésus adoré par les Mages
Étude 8 : Le massacre des enfants à Bethléem
Étude 9 : Le quatrième et dernier songe de Joseph

PER011 The first census of Quirinius
This article explores the controversial census of Quirinius, mentioned only by Luke, which supposedly took place in -2 BC, with no tangible evidence available. Luke is said to have checked his contemporary sources, lending credibility to his account, although the event's historicity remains debated.

Luke 2.1-2 (King James Version) :
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate
PER012 The journey to Bethlehem
Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census, foretold to coincide with the Messiah's birth. Despite Mary's advanced pregnancy, the couple cover 137 km, with the journey planned for the Feast of Tabernacles. Luke is the only biblical author to document this journey. After the arduous trip, Mary goes into labour, bringing their arrival into line with the prophecies.

Luke 2.3-5 (King James Version) :
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate
PER013 The birth of Jesus the Messiah.
This article analyses Jesus' birth in relation to several biblical texts and historical elements, such as the festival of Sukkot and Herod's rule. It surveys the challenges Mary and Joseph faced during their stay in Bethlehem and the theological significance of this event.

Matthew 2.1-2 (King James Version) :
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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PER015 The visit of the shepherds
Recounted only by Luke (Luke 2:8-20), this episode describes the Bethlehem shepherds' visit to the infant Jesus, guided by a radiant angelic apparition on the night of 13 October -2 BC. The sole witnesses of this heavenly revelation, they leave their flocks to behold the Messiah. Their visit comforts Mary and Joseph, far from their families. In a first act of evangelisation, the shepherds return glorifying God and testifying to what they have seen.

Luke 2.8-20 (King James Version) :
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate
PER016 The circumcision of the infant Jesus
Luke 2.21 recounts the circumcision of the infant Jesus, eight days after his birth in Bethlehem. In accordance with Mosaic law, Joseph and Mary have the child circumcised and name him Jesus, as announced by the angel Gabriel. This Hebrew name (Yehoshua) means ‘the Eternal is salvation’. Luke alone recounts this episode, emphasising the Messiah's humanity and his roots in Jewish tradition.

Luke 2.21 (King James Version) :
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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PER020 The Magi from the East meet Herod
This article examines the Magi's meeting with Herod, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting its importance in affirming Jesus' kingship. It places the visit in its historical context, exploring the Magi's motives and Herod's intentions while discussing Jesus' birth and its historical and theological implications.

Matthew 2.1-8 (King James Version) :
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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PER021 The infant Jesus worshipped by the Magi
The article discusses the worship of Jesus by the Magi, foreign sages guided by a star to Bethlehem. They recognise Jesus' divine kingship and offer gifts despite the modest conditions of his birthplace. This account highlights the universality of recognising Jesus as king and the spiritual awakening of the Magi, warned in a dream not to return to Herod.

Matthew 2.9-12 (King James Version) :
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate
PER024 The massacre of the children in Bethlehem
The article explores Herod's massacre of the children in Bethlehem following the visit of the Magi, as described in Matthew 2:16–18. This account raises questions about the ignorance of the religious leaders and the impact of Herod’s decisions. It also addresses the tense political context of the time.

Matthew 2.16-18 (King James Version) :
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate
PER026 Joseph's fourth and final dream
Joseph receives divine instructions in a dream, leading him to return to Nazareth with his family rather than Bethlehem. Matthew emphasises that this decision fulfils the prophecy that Jesus will be called a Nazarene.

Matthew 2.22-23 (King James Version) :
But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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