Meta Description: Join Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle as they apply Occam’s Razor to the Lucan Census. Explore the Latin and Greek grammar behind the nativity story, the mystery of iterum, and the historical reliability of Luke.
Introduction: A Bomb Cyclone in the Vomitorium
Welcome back to the “vomitorium,” listeners! In Episode 107 of the Ad Navseam Podcast, hosts Dr. Jeff Winkle and Dr. David Noe broadcast from the “bunker” amidst a “bomb cyclone” snowstorm swamping the Midwest. While the weather outside is frightful—described by Dr. Winkle as a “Snowmageddon” or a “Sharknado” of precipitation—the intellectual climate inside is heating up.
In this episode, the hosts put aside the snow shovels to pick up “Occam’s Razor”. Their target? One of the most famous, yet historically controversial passages in the New Testament: The Census of Quirinius found in Luke Chapter 2.
If you are a student of the Latin language, Koine Greek, or Roman history, this episode is a nice foray into philological sleuthing. We are digging into the archaeology, the inscriptions, and the grammar to answer a 2,000-year-old question: Did St. Luke get his history wrong?
The Problem: The “Snowplegades” of History
The hosts identify four major historical hurdles regarding Luke 2:1-5, often cited by skeptics as proof of the Gospel’s inaccuracy. Relying on the Expositor’s Greek Testament, Dr. Noe lays out the issues:
- No Record: Apart from the Gospel, history supposedly knows nothing of a general imperial census under Augustus.
- Client Kings: Critics claim there could be no Roman census in Palestine during the reign of Herod the Great because he was a Rex Socius (allied king).
- The Chronology Gap: This is the big one. Quirinius was not governor of Syria until 6 AD—ten years after the death of Herod (4 BC), which is when Jesus was born.
- Travel Logistics: Under a standard Roman census, it would supposedly not be necessary for Joseph to travel to Bethlehem.
Is Luke, who claims to write an “orderly account” based on eyewitnesses, guilty of a massive chronological blunder?
Luke as a Thucydidean Historian
Before diving into the grammar, Dr. Winkle and Dr. Noe establish Luke’s credentials. Luke is not a mere storyteller; his prologue is “Thucydidean in nature”. He claims to have followed events “closely” (akribos) and consulted “eyewitnesses” (autoptai).
Dr. Noe references an article by Mark Smith, noting that Luke is remarkably accurate regarding obscure Roman titles. He correctly identifies the rulers of Thessalonica as politarchs, the governor of Cyprus as a proconsul, and the magistrates of Philippi as strategoi.
The argument is simple: Why would a historian who is meticulously accurate about the title of the ruler of Malta (Protos) make up a clumsy lie about a worldwide census that his audience could easily falsify?
The Evidence: Josephus and Tacitus
To understand Quirinius (or Cyrenius), we must look to secular sources. The hosts examine Josephus (writing in Greek) and Tacitus (writing in Latin).
Josephus:
Josephus confirms that Quirinius came to Syria to take an account of substance and liquidate the estate of Archelaus in 6/7 AD. This caused a revolt led by Judas the Galilean—an event Luke himself mentions in Acts 5:37. Luke clearly knew about the 6 AD census. So why mention an earlier one in his Gospel?
Tacitus:
Reading from the Annales, Dr. Noe highlights Tacitus’s description of Quirinius as an “indefatigable soldier” who won a triumph for conquering the Homonadenses in Cilicia. This confirms Quirinius was a major player in the region well before 6 AD, serving as an advisor to Gaius Caesar in the East.
The Mystery of Iterum (Again)
Here is where the Latin language takes center stage. The hosts discuss the Titulus Tiburtinus (Tivoli Inscription), discovered in 1764. This inscription describes a Roman senator who was Governor of Syria iterum—a Latin word meaning “again” or “a second time”.
If this anonymous senator is Quirinius, it proves he governed Syria twice: once around the birth of Christ (confirming Luke) and again in 6 AD (confirming Josephus). However, as Dr. Noe notes via scholar Edward Dąbrowa, the inscription is damaged. While it could be Quirinius, it is not a “silver bullet”.
The Grammar Solution: Prote vs. Proteros
If archaeology leaves us hanging, philology might save the day. The hosts turn to the Greek text of Luke 2:2:
“Haute apographe prote egeneto hegemoneuontos tes Syrias Kyreniou.”
The standard translation is: “This was the first (prote) census that took place while Quirinius was governor”.
However, scholars like John Thorley and Brook Pearson suggest a different translation based on Hellenistic Greek usage.
- The Comparative Sense: In Koine Greek, the superlative prote (first) often functions as a comparative (proteros), meaning “earlier” or “before”.
- The Parallel: Luke uses proton this way in Acts 1:1 to mean “former” book.
- The Solution: The verse should plausibly be translated: “This registration was earlier than [or before] Quirinius governed in Syria”.
This reading resolves the conflict entirely. Luke is essentially saying to his readers: “I’m talking about the census that happened before the famous one under Quirinius that caused the revolt”. It turns a chronological error into a chronological distinction.
Refuting the Skeptics
The hosts also tackle the other objections using historical context:
- The “Global” Census: Was there a single decree from Augustus? Likely not. But Augustus was obsessed with census data. Dr. Noe argues that Luke’s statement about “the whole world” is likely hyperbole (similar to “all Judea” going to John the Baptist) or refers to a gradual, empire-wide policy of registration.
- The Client King Objection: Would Rome conduct a census in Herod’s kingdom? The hosts cite evidence that Herod had fallen out of favor with Augustus in his later years. Augustus wrote to Herod that “whereas of old he had used him as his friend, he should now use him as his subject”. A Roman-ordered census in a client kingdom is historically plausible.
- The Travel Requirement: Why go to Bethlehem? Papyrus records from Egypt (104 AD) verify that during censuses, people were ordered to return to their “own households” or places of origin. Furthermore, Joseph may have owned property in Bethlehem or sought a tax loophole offered to residents of metropolis areas.
Conclusion: A Plausible History
By applying “Occam’s Razor” and digging into the nuances of the Greek language, Dr. Noe and Dr. Winkle conclude that Luke’s account is historically credible. Whether through the iterum of the Latin inscriptions or the prote of the Greek text, the apparent contradictions dissolve under close scrutiny.
As we wrap up this deep dive into antiquity, let us look forward to clear skies and clearer texts.
Gustatory Parting Shot: Dr. Winkle leaves us with wisdom from Anthelme Brillat-Savarin:
“The destiny of nations depends upon the manner in which they feed themselves.” 13.
With American diets consisting of “hamburgers and hot dogs and spam,” Dr. Noe notes that our destiny is “not looking good”.
Valete!
Resources for the Classical Learner
- Hackett Publishing: Celebrating 50 years of providing “first-rate translations” of the classics. From Stanley Lombardo’s Aeneid to Thucydides, they are the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) publishers. Use code AN2022 for 20% off and free shipping at hackettpublishing.com.
- Ratio Coffee: Brew your morning cup with the precision of a Roman engineer. Use code ANCO for 15% off at ratiocoffee.com.
- The Moss Method: Want to read the New Testament or Josephus in the original Greek? Dr. Noe is holding a 24-hour flash sale on New Year’s Eve! Visit mossmethod.com.
Latin Per Diem: For those wanting to master the Latin language, check out Dr. Noe’s Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata course at latinperdiem.com/llpsi.Meta Description: Join Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle as they apply Occam’s Razor to the Lucan Census. Explore the Latin and Greek grammar behind the nativity story, the mystery of iterum, and the historical reliability of Luke.
Introduction: A Bomb Cyclone in the Vomitorium
Welcome back to the “vomitorium,” listeners! In Episode 107 of the Ad Navseam Podcast, hosts Dr. Jeff Winkle and Dr. David Noe broadcast from the “bunker” amidst a “bomb cyclone” snowstorm swamping the Midwest. While the weather outside is frightful—described by Dr. Winkle as a “Snowmageddon” or a “Sharknado” of precipitation—the intellectual climate inside is heating up.
In this episode, the hosts put aside the snow shovels to pick up “Occam’s Razor”. Their target? One of the most famous, yet historically controversial passages in the New Testament: The Census of Quirinius found in Luke Chapter 2.
If you are a student of the Latin language, Koine Greek, or Roman history, this episode is a nice foray into philological sleuthing. We are digging into the archaeology, the inscriptions, and the grammar to answer a 2,000-year-old question: Did St. Luke get his history wrong?
The Problem: The “Snowplegades” of History
The hosts identify four major historical hurdles regarding Luke 2:1-5, often cited by skeptics as proof of the Gospel’s inaccuracy. Relying on the Expositor’s Greek Testament, Dr. Noe lays out the issues:
- No Record: Apart from the Gospel, history supposedly knows nothing of a general imperial census under Augustus.
- Client Kings: Critics claim there could be no Roman census in Palestine during the reign of Herod the Great because he was a Rex Socius (allied king).
- The Chronology Gap: This is the big one. Quirinius was not governor of Syria until 6 AD—ten years after the death of Herod (4 BC), which is when Jesus was born.
- Travel Logistics: Under a standard Roman census, it would supposedly not be necessary for Joseph to travel to Bethlehem.
Is Luke, who claims to write an “orderly account” based on eyewitnesses, guilty of a massive chronological blunder?
Luke as a Thucydidean Historian
Before diving into the grammar, Dr. Winkle and Dr. Noe establish Luke’s credentials. Luke is not a mere storyteller; his prologue is “Thucydidean in nature”. He claims to have followed events “closely” (akribos) and consulted “eyewitnesses” (autoptai).
Dr. Noe references an article by Mark Smith, noting that Luke is remarkably accurate regarding obscure Roman titles. He correctly identifies the rulers of Thessalonica as politarchs, the governor of Cyprus as a proconsul, and the magistrates of Philippi as strategoi.
The argument is simple: Why would a historian who is meticulously accurate about the title of the ruler of Malta (Protos) make up a clumsy lie about a worldwide census that his audience could easily falsify?
The Evidence: Josephus and Tacitus
To understand Quirinius (or Cyrenius), we must look to secular sources. The hosts examine Josephus (writing in Greek) and Tacitus (writing in Latin).
Josephus:
Josephus confirms that Quirinius came to Syria to take an account of substance and liquidate the estate of Archelaus in 6/7 AD. This caused a revolt led by Judas the Galilean—an event Luke himself mentions in Acts 5:37. Luke clearly knew about the 6 AD census. So why mention an earlier one in his Gospel?
Tacitus:
Reading from the Annales, Dr. Noe highlights Tacitus’s description of Quirinius as an “indefatigable soldier” who won a triumph for conquering the Homonadenses in Cilicia. This confirms Quirinius was a major player in the region well before 6 AD, serving as an advisor to Gaius Caesar in the East.
The Mystery of Iterum (Again)
Here is where the Latin language takes center stage. The hosts discuss the Titulus Tiburtinus (Tivoli Inscription), discovered in 1764. This inscription describes a Roman senator who was Governor of Syria iterum—a Latin word meaning “again” or “a second time”.
If this anonymous senator is Quirinius, it proves he governed Syria twice: once around the birth of Christ (confirming Luke) and again in 6 AD (confirming Josephus). However, as Dr. Noe notes via scholar Edward Dąbrowa, the inscription is damaged. While it could be Quirinius, it is not a “silver bullet”.
The Grammar Solution: Prote vs. Proteros
If archaeology leaves us hanging, philology might save the day. The hosts turn to the Greek text of Luke 2:2:
“Haute apographe prote egeneto hegemoneuontos tes Syrias Kyreniou.”
The standard translation is: “This was the first (prote) census that took place while Quirinius was governor”.
However, scholars like John Thorley and Brook Pearson suggest a different translation based on Hellenistic Greek usage.
- The Comparative Sense: In Koine Greek, the superlative prote (first) often functions as a comparative (proteros), meaning “earlier” or “before”.
- The Parallel: Luke uses proton this way in Acts 1:1 to mean “former” book.
- The Solution: The verse should plausibly be translated: “This registration was earlier than [or before] Quirinius governed in Syria”.
This reading resolves the conflict entirely. Luke is essentially saying to his readers: “I’m talking about the census that happened before the famous one under Quirinius that caused the revolt”. It turns a chronological error into a chronological distinction.
Refuting the Skeptics
The hosts also tackle the other objections using historical context:
- The “Global” Census: Was there a single decree from Augustus? Likely not. But Augustus was obsessed with census data. Dr. Noe argues that Luke’s statement about “the whole world” is likely hyperbole (similar to “all Judea” going to John the Baptist) or refers to a gradual, empire-wide policy of registration.
- The Client King Objection: Would Rome conduct a census in Herod’s kingdom? The hosts cite evidence that Herod had fallen out of favor with Augustus in his later years. Augustus wrote to Herod that “whereas of old he had used him as his friend, he should now use him as his subject”. A Roman-ordered census in a client kingdom is historically plausible.
- The Travel Requirement: Why go to Bethlehem? Papyrus records from Egypt (104 AD) verify that during censuses, people were ordered to return to their “own households” or places of origin. Furthermore, Joseph may have owned property in Bethlehem or sought a tax loophole offered to residents of metropolis areas.
Conclusion: A Plausible History
By applying “Occam’s Razor” and digging into the nuances of the Greek language, Dr. Noe and Dr. Winkle conclude that Luke’s account is historically credible. Whether through the iterum of the Latin inscriptions or the prote of the Greek text, the apparent contradictions dissolve under close scrutiny.
As we wrap up this deep dive into antiquity, let us look forward to clear skies and clearer texts.
Gustatory Parting Shot: Dr. Winkle leaves us with wisdom from Anthelme Brillat-Savarin:
“The destiny of nations depends upon the manner in which they feed themselves.” 13.
With American diets consisting of “hamburgers and hot dogs and spam,” Dr. Noe notes that our destiny is “not looking good”.
Valete!
Resources for the Classical Learner
- Hackett Publishing: Celebrating 50 years of providing “first-rate translations” of the classics. From Stanley Lombardo’s Aeneid to Thucydides, they are the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) publishers. Use code AN2022 for 20% off and free shipping at hackettpublishing.com.
- Ratio Coffee: Brew your morning cup with the precision of a Roman engineer. Use code ANCO for 15% off at ratiocoffee.com.
- The Moss Method: Want to read the New Testament or Josephus in the original Greek? Dr. Noe is holding a 24-hour flash sale on New Year’s Eve! Visit mossmethod.com.
Latin Per Diem: For those wanting to master the Latin language, check out Dr. Noe’s Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata course at latinperdiem.com/llpsi.Meta Description: Join Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle as they apply Occam’s Razor to the Lucan Census. Explore the Latin and Greek grammar behind the nativity story, the mystery of iterum, and the historical reliability of Luke.
Introduction: A Bomb Cyclone in the Vomitorium
Welcome back to the “vomitorium,” listeners! In Episode 107 of the Ad Navseam Podcast, hosts Dr. Jeff Winkle and Dr. David Noe broadcast from the “bunker” amidst a “bomb cyclone” snowstorm swamping the Midwest. While the weather outside is frightful—described by Dr. Winkle as a “Snowmageddon” or a “Sharknado” of precipitation—the intellectual climate inside is heating up.
In this episode, the hosts put aside the snow shovels to pick up “Occam’s Razor”. Their target? One of the most famous, yet historically controversial passages in the New Testament: The Census of Quirinius found in Luke Chapter 2.
If you are a student of the Latin language, Koine Greek, or Roman history, this episode is a nice foray into philological sleuthing. We are digging into the archaeology, the inscriptions, and the grammar to answer a 2,000-year-old question: Did St. Luke get his history wrong?
The Problem: The “Snowplegades” of History
The hosts identify four major historical hurdles regarding Luke 2:1-5, often cited by skeptics as proof of the Gospel’s inaccuracy. Relying on the Expositor’s Greek Testament, Dr. Noe lays out the issues:
- No Record: Apart from the Gospel, history supposedly knows nothing of a general imperial census under Augustus.
- Client Kings: Critics claim there could be no Roman census in Palestine during the reign of Herod the Great because he was a Rex Socius (allied king).
- The Chronology Gap: This is the big one. Quirinius was not governor of Syria until 6 AD—ten years after the death of Herod (4 BC), which is when Jesus was born.
- Travel Logistics: Under a standard Roman census, it would supposedly not be necessary for Joseph to travel to Bethlehem.
Is Luke, who claims to write an “orderly account” based on eyewitnesses, guilty of a massive chronological blunder?
Luke as a Thucydidean Historian
Before diving into the grammar, Dr. Winkle and Dr. Noe establish Luke’s credentials. Luke is not a mere storyteller; his prologue is “Thucydidean in nature”. He claims to have followed events “closely” (akribos) and consulted “eyewitnesses” (autoptai).
Dr. Noe references an article by Mark Smith, noting that Luke is remarkably accurate regarding obscure Roman titles. He correctly identifies the rulers of Thessalonica as politarchs, the governor of Cyprus as a proconsul, and the magistrates of Philippi as strategoi.
The argument is simple: Why would a historian who is meticulously accurate about the title of the ruler of Malta (Protos) make up a clumsy lie about a worldwide census that his audience could easily falsify?
The Evidence: Josephus and Tacitus
To understand Quirinius (or Cyrenius), we must look to secular sources. The hosts examine Josephus (writing in Greek) and Tacitus (writing in Latin).
Josephus:
Josephus confirms that Quirinius came to Syria to take an account of substance and liquidate the estate of Archelaus in 6/7 AD. This caused a revolt led by Judas the Galilean—an event Luke himself mentions in Acts 5:37. Luke clearly knew about the 6 AD census. So why mention an earlier one in his Gospel?
Tacitus:
Reading from the Annales, Dr. Noe highlights Tacitus’s description of Quirinius as an “indefatigable soldier” who won a triumph for conquering the Homonadenses in Cilicia. This confirms Quirinius was a major player in the region well before 6 AD, serving as an advisor to Gaius Caesar in the East.
The Mystery of Iterum (Again)
Here is where the Latin language takes center stage. The hosts discuss the Titulus Tiburtinus (Tivoli Inscription), discovered in 1764. This inscription describes a Roman senator who was Governor of Syria iterum—a Latin word meaning “again” or “a second time”.
If this anonymous senator is Quirinius, it proves he governed Syria twice: once around the birth of Christ (confirming Luke) and again in 6 AD (confirming Josephus). However, as Dr. Noe notes via scholar Edward Dąbrowa, the inscription is damaged. While it could be Quirinius, it is not a “silver bullet”.
The Grammar Solution: Prote vs. Proteros
If archaeology leaves us hanging, philology might save the day. The hosts turn to the Greek text of Luke 2:2:
“Haute apographe prote egeneto hegemoneuontos tes Syrias Kyreniou.”
The standard translation is: “This was the first (prote) census that took place while Quirinius was governor”.
However, scholars like John Thorley and Brook Pearson suggest a different translation based on Hellenistic Greek usage.
- The Comparative Sense: In Koine Greek, the superlative prote (first) often functions as a comparative (proteros), meaning “earlier” or “before”.
- The Parallel: Luke uses proton this way in Acts 1:1 to mean “former” book.
- The Solution: The verse should plausibly be translated: “This registration was earlier than [or before] Quirinius governed in Syria”.
This reading resolves the conflict entirely. Luke is essentially saying to his readers: “I’m talking about the census that happened before the famous one under Quirinius that caused the revolt”. It turns a chronological error into a chronological distinction.
Refuting the Skeptics
The hosts also tackle the other objections using historical context:
- The “Global” Census: Was there a single decree from Augustus? Likely not. But Augustus was obsessed with census data. Dr. Noe argues that Luke’s statement about “the whole world” is likely hyperbole (similar to “all Judea” going to John the Baptist) or refers to a gradual, empire-wide policy of registration.
- The Client King Objection: Would Rome conduct a census in Herod’s kingdom? The hosts cite evidence that Herod had fallen out of favor with Augustus in his later years. Augustus wrote to Herod that “whereas of old he had used him as his friend, he should now use him as his subject”. A Roman-ordered census in a client kingdom is historically plausible.
- The Travel Requirement: Why go to Bethlehem? Papyrus records from Egypt (104 AD) verify that during censuses, people were ordered to return to their “own households” or places of origin. Furthermore, Joseph may have owned property in Bethlehem or sought a tax loophole offered to residents of metropolis areas.
Conclusion: A Plausible History
By applying “Occam’s Razor” and digging into the nuances of the Greek language, Dr. Noe and Dr. Winkle conclude that Luke’s account is historically credible. Whether through the iterum of the Latin inscriptions or the prote of the Greek text, the apparent contradictions dissolve under close scrutiny.
As we wrap up this deep dive into antiquity, let us look forward to clear skies and clearer texts.
Gustatory Parting Shot: Dr. Winkle leaves us with wisdom from Anthelme Brillat-Savarin:
“The destiny of nations depends upon the manner in which they feed themselves.” 13.
With American diets consisting of “hamburgers and hot dogs and spam,” Dr. Noe notes that our destiny is “not looking good”.
Valete!
Resources for the Classical Learner
- Hackett Publishing: Celebrating 50 years of providing “first-rate translations” of the classics. From Stanley Lombardo’s Aeneid to Thucydides, they are the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) publishers. Use code AN2022 for 20% off and free shipping at hackettpublishing.com.
- Ratio Coffee: Brew your morning cup with the precision of a Roman engineer. Use code ANCO for 15% off at ratiocoffee.com.
- The Moss Method: Want to read the New Testament or Josephus in the original Greek? Dr. Noe is holding a 24-hour flash sale on New Year’s Eve! Visit mossmethod.com.
Latin Per Diem: For those wanting to master the Latin language, check out Dr. Noe’s Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata course at latinperdiem.com/llpsi.Meta Description: Join Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle as they apply Occam’s Razor to the Lucan Census. Explore the Latin and Greek grammar behind the nativity story, the mystery of iterum, and the historical reliability of Luke.
Introduction: A Bomb Cyclone in the Vomitorium
Welcome back to the “vomitorium,” listeners! In Episode 107 of the Ad Navseam Podcast, hosts Dr. Jeff Winkle and Dr. David Noe broadcast from the “bunker” amidst a “bomb cyclone” snowstorm swamping the Midwest. While the weather outside is frightful—described by Dr. Winkle as a “Snowmageddon” or a “Sharknado” of precipitation—the intellectual climate inside is heating up.
In this episode, the hosts put aside the snow shovels to pick up “Occam’s Razor”. Their target? One of the most famous, yet historically controversial passages in the New Testament: The Census of Quirinius found in Luke Chapter 2.
If you are a student of the Latin language, Koine Greek, or Roman history, this episode is a nice foray into philological sleuthing. We are digging into the archaeology, the inscriptions, and the grammar to answer a 2,000-year-old question: Did St. Luke get his history wrong?
The Problem: The “Snowplegades” of History
The hosts identify four major historical hurdles regarding Luke 2:1-5, often cited by skeptics as proof of the Gospel’s inaccuracy. Relying on the Expositor’s Greek Testament, Dr. Noe lays out the issues:
- No Record: Apart from the Gospel, history supposedly knows nothing of a general imperial census under Augustus.
- Client Kings: Critics claim there could be no Roman census in Palestine during the reign of Herod the Great because he was a Rex Socius (allied king).
- The Chronology Gap: This is the big one. Quirinius was not governor of Syria until 6 AD—ten years after the death of Herod (4 BC), which is when Jesus was born.
- Travel Logistics: Under a standard Roman census, it would supposedly not be necessary for Joseph to travel to Bethlehem.
Is Luke, who claims to write an “orderly account” based on eyewitnesses, guilty of a massive chronological blunder?
Luke as a Thucydidean Historian
Before diving into the grammar, Dr. Winkle and Dr. Noe establish Luke’s credentials. Luke is not a mere storyteller; his prologue is “Thucydidean in nature”. He claims to have followed events “closely” (akribos) and consulted “eyewitnesses” (autoptai).
Dr. Noe references an article by Mark Smith, noting that Luke is remarkably accurate regarding obscure Roman titles. He correctly identifies the rulers of Thessalonica as politarchs, the governor of Cyprus as a proconsul, and the magistrates of Philippi as strategoi.
The argument is simple: Why would a historian who is meticulously accurate about the title of the ruler of Malta (Protos) make up a clumsy lie about a worldwide census that his audience could easily falsify?
The Evidence: Josephus and Tacitus
To understand Quirinius (or Cyrenius), we must look to secular sources. The hosts examine Josephus (writing in Greek) and Tacitus (writing in Latin).
Josephus:
Josephus confirms that Quirinius came to Syria to take an account of substance and liquidate the estate of Archelaus in 6/7 AD. This caused a revolt led by Judas the Galilean—an event Luke himself mentions in Acts 5:37. Luke clearly knew about the 6 AD census. So why mention an earlier one in his Gospel?
Tacitus:
Reading from the Annales, Dr. Noe highlights Tacitus’s description of Quirinius as an “indefatigable soldier” who won a triumph for conquering the Homonadenses in Cilicia. This confirms Quirinius was a major player in the region well before 6 AD, serving as an advisor to Gaius Caesar in the East.
The Mystery of Iterum (Again)
Here is where the Latin language takes center stage. The hosts discuss the Titulus Tiburtinus (Tivoli Inscription), discovered in 1764. This inscription describes a Roman senator who was Governor of Syria iterum—a Latin word meaning “again” or “a second time”.
If this anonymous senator is Quirinius, it proves he governed Syria twice: once around the birth of Christ (confirming Luke) and again in 6 AD (confirming Josephus). However, as Dr. Noe notes via scholar Edward Dąbrowa, the inscription is damaged. While it could be Quirinius, it is not a “silver bullet”.
The Grammar Solution: Prote vs. Proteros
If archaeology leaves us hanging, philology might save the day. The hosts turn to the Greek text of Luke 2:2:
“Haute apographe prote egeneto hegemoneuontos tes Syrias Kyreniou.”
The standard translation is: “This was the first (prote) census that took place while Quirinius was governor”.
However, scholars like John Thorley and Brook Pearson suggest a different translation based on Hellenistic Greek usage.
- The Comparative Sense: In Koine Greek, the superlative prote (first) often functions as a comparative (proteros), meaning “earlier” or “before”.
- The Parallel: Luke uses proton this way in Acts 1:1 to mean “former” book.
- The Solution: The verse should plausibly be translated: “This registration was earlier than [or before] Quirinius governed in Syria”.
This reading resolves the conflict entirely. Luke is essentially saying to his readers: “I’m talking about the census that happened before the famous one under Quirinius that caused the revolt”. It turns a chronological error into a chronological distinction.
Refuting the Skeptics
The hosts also tackle the other objections using historical context:
- The “Global” Census: Was there a single decree from Augustus? Likely not. But Augustus was obsessed with census data. Dr. Noe argues that Luke’s statement about “the whole world” is likely hyperbole (similar to “all Judea” going to John the Baptist) or refers to a gradual, empire-wide policy of registration.
- The Client King Objection: Would Rome conduct a census in Herod’s kingdom? The hosts cite evidence that Herod had fallen out of favor with Augustus in his later years. Augustus wrote to Herod that “whereas of old he had used him as his friend, he should now use him as his subject”. A Roman-ordered census in a client kingdom is historically plausible.
- The Travel Requirement: Why go to Bethlehem? Papyrus records from Egypt (104 AD) verify that during censuses, people were ordered to return to their “own households” or places of origin. Furthermore, Joseph may have owned property in Bethlehem or sought a tax loophole offered to residents of metropolis areas.
Conclusion: A Plausible History
By applying “Occam’s Razor” and digging into the nuances of the Greek language, Dr. Noe and Dr. Winkle conclude that Luke’s account is historically credible. Whether through the iterum of the Latin inscriptions or the prote of the Greek text, the apparent contradictions dissolve under close scrutiny.
As we wrap up this deep dive into antiquity, let us look forward to clear skies and clearer texts.
Gustatory Parting Shot: Dr. Winkle leaves us with wisdom from Anthelme Brillat-Savarin:
“The destiny of nations depends upon the manner in which they feed themselves.” 13.
With American diets consisting of “hamburgers and hot dogs and spam,” Dr. Noe notes that our destiny is “not looking good”.
Valete!
Resources for the Classical Learner
- Hackett Publishing: Celebrating 50 years of providing “first-rate translations” of the classics. From Stanley Lombardo’s Aeneid to Thucydides, they are the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) publishers. Use code AN2022 for 20% off and free shipping at hackettpublishing.com.
- Ratio Coffee: Brew your morning cup with the precision of a Roman engineer. Use code ANCO for 15% off at ratiocoffee.com.
- The Moss Method: Want to read the New Testament or Josephus in the original Greek? Dr. Noe is holding a 24-hour flash sale on New Year’s Eve! Visit mossmethod.com.
Latin Per Diem: For those wanting to master the Latin language, check out Dr. Noe’s Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata course at latinperdiem.com/llpsi.
Valetote omnes!
