Was Christ Born at Bethlehem? A Study on the Credibility of St. Luke
Overview
Studying the New Testament book of Luke—particularly Luke 2:1-4, a controversial passage regarding historical validity—Ramsay set out to prove that the material presented in this gospel is without a doubt factual. He examines the importance of the history contained in Luke, explaining its significance in assisting to answer the question of who Christ is. An appendix containing specimens of the documents to which Ramsay referenced ends the resource.
Top Highlights
“From this passage, then, it appears that Luke’s conception of the procedure in the Roman empire was as follows: Augustus ordered a systematic numbering to be made in the empire. This system of numbering went on for a time, or more probably permanently, and hence the ‘first’ of the series is here defined as the occasion on which the story turns. We may assume unhesitatingly that, if any such system was inaugurated, it would be periodic, recurring regularly either once a year or after a definite term of years.” (Page 125)
“It is affirmed that Quirinius never governed Syria during the life of Herod, for Herod died in 4 b.c., and Quirinius was governor of Syria later than 3 b.c., and probably in 2 or 1 b.c. Therefore a census taken in the time of Quirinius could not be associated with the birth of a child ‘in the days of Herod, King of Judæa’.” (Page 109)
“post of guardian to the future emperor, Gaius Cæsar.” (Page 235)
“Josephus tells so much about Saturninus, as to make it clear that he was not engaged in an arduous and difficult war far away in the Taurus mountains, south from Iconium and Lystra. Either the war was later than his time, or it was conducted by a distinct official. As to the official’s name there is no doubt. Strabo* tells us that it was Quirinius who conquered the Homonadenses and revenged the death of Amyntas. The period is, on the whole, likely to coincide with the connected operations of Cornutus Aquila on the north-western side.” (Page 243)
“We suppose that Quirinius stood in exactly the same relation to Varus as Vespasian in regard to Mucianus. Quirinius was a special Lieutenant of Augustus, who conducted the war against the Homonadenses, while Varus administered the ordinary affairs of Syria. The duties of Quirinius might be described by calling him dux in Latin, and the Greek equivalent is necessarily and correctly ἡγεμών, as Luke has it.” (Pages 239–240)
- Title: Was Christ Born at Bethlehem? A Study on the Credibility of St. Luke
- Author: William Mitchell Ramsay
- Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
- Publication Date: 1898
- Pages: 295
W. M. Ramsay (1851–1939) was professor of humanity at the University of Aberdeen. He was most well-known for his archaeological endeavors, as he traveled extensively throughout Asia Minor, studying the missionary journeys of Paul, conducting archaeological research, and writing numerous books on his findings and adventures.
He studied at Oxford, the University of Aberdeen, and Gottingen, and he later went on to become the first ever professor of classical archaeology at Oxford. Ramsey received awards for his work from Pope Leo XII, the University of Pennsylvania, the Royal Geographical Society, and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. He was knighted in 1906.
His works include St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen. His original intent was to disprove Christianity through archaeology, but through his research he realized that the Bible was accurate and converted to Christianity.