Was Quirinius Governor of Syria When Jesus Was Born?
Critics and skeptics of the Bible claim that Luke 2:2 contradicts history by saying that Quirinius was “governor of Syria” at the time of Jesus’ birth, because the official historical records only indicate that Quirinius held the position of governor of Syria from 6 to 9 CE.
BIBLICAL ACCOUNT OF “THE FIRST CENSUS” WHILE QUIRINIUS WAS GOVERNOR
“Now it happened that in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus for a census to be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was going to be registered for the census, each to his own city. And Joseph also went from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem . . . in order to register with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was with child. Now it happened that while they were there, the days were fulfilled for her give birth”—Luke 2:1-6 LSB