The life of Jesus up to the age of 12 1 study
Historical notes 2 studies
The life of Jesus up to the age of 12
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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
Historical notes
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INF014
The monk Dionysius Exiguus
Dionysius Exiguus, a learned fifth-century monk, created the Anno Domini (AD) dating system, which is still used worldwide. He translated Greek canonical texts into Latin and helped unify the Christian calendar, notably the date of Easter. His calculations nevertheless contain inaccuracies, particularly concerning the year of Jesus' birth and the date of 25 December, the latter inherited from the Council of Nicaea (325). His legacy remains fundamental to the history of Christian chronology.
Luke 2.8-12 (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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
INF017
The decision to set Jesus' birth on 25 December
The Council of Nicaea (325) established liturgical rules that enabled Dionysius Exiguus to set Jesus' birth on 25 December. This date was chosen for symbolic reasons and to replace pagan winter solstice festivals, notably Sol Invictus. Although not historically verifiable, 25 December became the official date of Christmas in the Western Church.
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ANN009
The censuses of Quirinius
Article ANN009 examines the question of the censuses of Quirinius mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (Lk 2,1-2) and their apparent discrepancy with the census historically…