When Cyrenius was Governor of Syria - Luke 2:2

Luke the physician wrote how, “ there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed”, and in chapter two and verse two of his book Luke refers to,“when Cyrenius was governor of Syria” where we read:

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

The verse reads, “(And this taxing was first made ...” Luke began with the words, “and this taxing” or “and the census and enrollment that it might appear how much tax should be levied upon people” “was first made” which means “came into existence and was initiated”. Luke shared how the “census for taxation” was “initiated” during the following time period.

The verse continues, “... when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)” Luke added the words, “when Cyrenius” which means “at the time and moment that Cyrenius which means warrior and was the Greek form of the Roman name Quirinus whose full name is Publius Sulpicius Quirinus. He was consul B.C. 12., and was made governor of Syria after the banishment of Archelaus in A.D. 6. He was probably twice governor of Syria; his first governorship extended from B.C. 4 (the year of Christ's birth) to B.C. 1.” “was governor” or “was the leader, rule, command, proconsul and procurator” “of Syria” which means “belonging to Syria which means exalted and was a region of Asia bounded on the north by Taurus and Amanus ranges, on the east by the Euphrates and Arabia, on the south by Palestine and the west by Phoenicia and the Mediterranean”. Luke shared how “Cyrenius” was the ruler of the area of “Syria” at the time when “Caesar” called for a “census”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we discover another specific point of time for the events Luke will unfold. “Cyrenius” was the ruling leader in “Syria” at the time when the “census” was put forth, and all the “civilized” world was to report to their own birth city to respond to this mandate. God's timing for His Son Jesus to be born was at hand, and because Jesus was to fulfill prophesy concerning His birth, this “census” seemed to be directed by man, but was actually initiated by God. Each of these details appear because God desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and as they all are revealed, let all who read these words carefully observe each of the events leading to His birth and believe.

Next time Luke shares how, “all went to be taxed, every one into his own city”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".