Christian Family Services Ministry

1-29-2024 – A Word to the Wise – On the birth of Jesus

For some time, scholars have insisted that Jesus was born 4 B.C. This date will not allow any of the later dates of Jesus ministry. Jesus died April 3, 33 AD. No other date accounts for the Passover which Jesus prepared for at his death. So, what is the solution?

Most of these early dates for Jesus’ birth is based on the death of Herod and Josephus statements about an eclipse which occurred at Herod’s death.

However, that date and the eclipse Josephus refers to has to be the full eclipse which occurred in 1 B.C. not the partial eclipse that occurred in 4 B.C. Only this accounts for the birth and the attempts by Herod to kill the infant.

Does it make a difference? Yes, it does for the ministry of Jesus was about 3 ½ years in length. We must show the historical proof of his birth, life and death if we are to avoid denial about the historical Jesus.