1. 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.)
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Further reading
  • ANN079 Marriage in Jesus’ time

    This article analyzes marriage and its meanings in first-century Jewish society, comparing these traditions with modern norms. It emphasizes…

  • ANN094 The apostles' staff and sandals

    The article explores the divergences between Matthew, Mark and Luke on the mission of the apostles, highlighting the linguistic nuances and the difference in audience. Matthew advises against…

  • ANN101 The prophetic unfolding of the end times

    This article examines the concept of the end times in the Bible, distinguishing between "the end times" and "the end of the world". It emphasises…

  • ANN102 The signs heralding the return of Jesus the Messiah

    The article "ANN102 - The signs heralding the return of Jesus the Messiah" explores biblical prophecies about Christ's return, without setting the…

  • ANN105 The inerrancy of the Bible

    This article examines the doctrine of the inerrancy of the Bible, which affirms that the Scriptures are without error in their original texts thanks to the inspiration…

  • ANN073 The resurrection of the Messiah Jesus

    This article examines the resurrection of Jesus and its theological impact, discussing the predictions and reactions of the witnesses, as well as the measures taken by…

  • ANN010 The two genealogies of the Messiah Jesus

    The article discusses the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, which are essential to establishing his messianic identity. Matthew emphasizes Joseph's royal heritage, while…

  • ANN011 The death of King Herod the Great

    The article analyses the dating of Herod the Great's death, traditionally placed around -1 BC, and its modern reassessment to -4 BC…

  • ANN012 The Magi from the East in Bethlehem

    This article examines the account of the Magi who came from the East to pay homage to Jesus, highlighting the historicity of Matthew's account and its resonance…

  • ANN014 The Jewish Calendar

    The article examines the Jewish calendar, highlighting the importance of traditional methods of measuring time compared with today's Gregorian calendar. It describes the complexity…

  • ANN018 Jesus’ brothers and sisters

    The article explores the identity of the brothers and sisters of Jesus, a theological debate influenced by Catholic and Protestant interpretations. By examining the Gospels, it highlights…

  • ANN020 The regulation of fishing

    This article examines fishing in Jesus' time, particularly on the Sea of Tiberias in Galilee, considering its economic and spiritual importance. It describes the…

  • ANN021 The disciples’ callings

    The article analyzes the different Gospel accounts of the calling of Jesus' first disciples, showing that these narratives do not contradict one another but…

  • ANN022 The choosing of the apostles

    This article explores Jesus' choice of the twelve apostles, highlighting the symbolic importance of the number twelve. It details the careful selection of the apostles and the impact…

  • ANN024 The Sabbath

    The article examines the origin and importance of the Sabbath, one of the ten commandments, as a day of rest and worship in the Jewish tradition, based…

  • ANN027 The Last Passover Meal

    The article analyzes the chronology of the last Passover according to the Gospels, emphasizing that Jesus was crucified on Friday, April 1, 33, in accordance…

  • ANN028 The Jewish Day in the Time of Jesus

    This article explores the ancient Jewish time structure, essential for understanding the Gospels. It distinguishes how a day begins at sunset and not…

  • ANN031 The Chief Priests

    The article explores the role of the chief priests under the Roman occupation, focusing on Annas and Caiaphas, and the entanglements between religious and political power. The…

  • ANN040 Mary, the mother of Jesus

    This article discusses Mary, mother of Jesus, highlighting her role in the Gospels and the evolution of her veneration throughout Christian history, despite…

  • ANN042 Travel times

    This appendix examines means of travel and journey times in the first century. In Jesus' time, people travelled mainly on foot, in caravans or…

  • ANN044 The Nazirite vow

    The Nazirite vow is a vow of consecration to God, derived from the Hebrew for 'to separate oneself', defined in Numbers 6. The Nazirite abstains from wine, from…

  • ANN046 Technical Requirements of Publishing in the First Century

    This appendix explores the technical constraints of first-century publishing that explain certain omissions in the Gospels. Writing on costly papyrus, the Egyptian monopoly…

  • ANN054 The Jews

    Article ANN054 clarifies the terms used to describe the people of Israel: Jew, Israelite, Israeli, Hebrew, and Semite. Each term has a distinct meaning depending on the…

  • ANN063 Aenon and Bethany beyond the Jordan

    This article explores Bethany and Aenon, important baptismal sites in the Gospel accounts of John, while modern theories seek to locate these…

  • ANN069 Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father

    Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father, is described in little detail in the Gospels but plays a crucial role. Often regarded as the father…

  • ANN032 Judas Iscariot, One of the Twelve

    Judas Iscariot, famous for his betrayal, is examined in this article, which explores his selection as one of the twelve apostles and the theological implications…

  • ANN047 Origins of the 12 apostles

    The appendix ANN047 studies the origin of the twelve apostles on the basis of the four canonical lists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts). It analyzes the convergences and divergences between…

  • ANN091 The women at the foot of the cross

    The article analyzes the presence and role of the women at the crucifixion of Jesus. These women, notably Mary Magdalene, show an…

  • ANN083 The family of Jesus the Messiah

    This article examines the importance of the family of Jesus in the development of the early Church. It highlights the roles of his mother…

  • ANN045 The debate over the date of Jesus’ death

    The article ANN045 examines the debate on the date of the death of Jesus, comparing the two main hypotheses: April 7, AD 30…

  • ANN002 The Gospel of John

    The Gospel according to John differs from the other three, known as the Synoptic Gospels, in its style and theological depth. Written by the apostle John, son of Zebedee,…

  • ANN003 The birth and ministry of John the Baptist

    This appendix studies the birth and ministry of John the Baptist through the Gospel of Luke. It introduces his parents, Zechariah and…