Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Cyrenius, also known as Quirinius, is a historical figure mentioned in the context of the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. His role is significant in the chronology of events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to Cyrenius is found in Luke 2:1-2 : "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria." This passage situates the birth of Jesus during the time of a Roman census, which was administered under the authority of Cyrenius. Historical Context: Cyrenius, or Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, was a Roman senator and a distinguished military leader. He is known to have served as the governor of the Roman province of Syria. Historical records outside the Bible indicate that Quirinius was appointed as governor of Syria around AD 6, which has led to some debate regarding the timing of the census mentioned in Luke's Gospel. However, some scholars propose that Quirinius may have had an earlier administrative role or that there was an earlier census during his tenure, aligning with the biblical account. Role in the Nativity Narrative: The mention of Cyrenius in the Gospel of Luke is crucial for establishing the historical and political backdrop of the nativity account. The decree for a census issued by Caesar Augustus required individuals to return to their ancestral towns for registration. This decree led Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, as foretold in Micah 5:2. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the mention of Cyrenius and the census underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating historical events to fulfill divine prophecy. The political and administrative actions of the Roman Empire, represented by figures like Cyrenius, are seen as instruments in God's plan for the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The census, a seemingly mundane governmental procedure, becomes a pivotal event in the divine narrative of salvation history. Historical Debates: The reference to Cyrenius has been the subject of scholarly debate, particularly concerning the timing of the census. Some historians argue that there is a discrepancy between the biblical account and historical records, while others suggest possible explanations, such as a dual governorship or an earlier census. Conservative scholars often emphasize the reliability of the biblical text and propose harmonizing solutions to reconcile historical data with the Gospel account. In summary, Cyrenius, as mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, plays a key role in the historical setting of Jesus' birth. His involvement in the census provides a link between the biblical narrative and the broader historical context of the Roman Empire, highlighting the intersection of divine providence and human history. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary CyreniusSmith's Bible Dictionary Cyrenius(warrior), the Greek form of the Roman name of Quirinus. The 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 probably was twice governor of Syria; his first governorship extended from B.C. 4 (the year of Christ's birth) to B.C. 1. It was during this time that he was sent to make the enrollment which caused Joseph and Mary to visit Bethlehem. (Luke 2:2) The second enrollment is mentioned in (Acts 5:37) ATS Bible Dictionary CyreniusOr Publius Sulpitius QUIRINUS, according to his Latin appellation, governor of Syria, Luke 2:2. According to history, Quirinus was not properly governor of Syria till some years after this date; and the only census of that time mentioned by secular historians took place when Christ was eight or ten years old. The passage in Luke may be translated, "This enrolment took place first under Cyrenius governor of Syria." Compare Acts 5:37. Easton's Bible Dictionary The Grecized form of Quirinus. His full name was Publius Sulpicius Quirinus. Recent historical investigation has proved that Quirinus was governor of Cilicia, which was annexed to Syria at the time of our Lord's birth. Cilicia, which he ruled, being a province of Syria, he is called the governor, which he was de jure, of Syria. Some ten years afterwards he was appointed governor of Syria for the second time. During his tenure of office, at the time of our Lord's birth (Luke 2:2), a "taxing" (R.V., "enrolment;" i.e., a registration) of the people was "first made;" i.e., was made for the first time under his government. (see TAXING.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CYRENIUSsi-re'-ni-us (Kurenios, "of Cyrene"). Greek 2958. Kurenios -- Quirinius, a governor of Syria ... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Kurenios Phonetic Spelling: (koo-ray'-nee-os) Short Definition: Quirinius Definition: Cyrenius or Quirinius ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2958.htm - 6k Library How Cyrenius was Sent by Caesar to Make a Taxation Of The Time of his Appearance among Men. Now Herod and Philip Built Several Cities in Honor of Caesar. ... The Peace under Gallienus. Serapion on the Heresy of the Phrygians. The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah. Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth. The Rich Women of Piety who Followed Jesus Christ's Teaching by ... Index i. Of Subjects The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. Thesaurus Cyrenius (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CYRENIUS. si-re'-ni-us (Kurenios, "of Cyrene"). See QUIRINIUS. Multi-Version Concordance Cyrenius (1 Occurrence). ... /c/cyrenius.htm - 7k Taxing (3 Occurrences) Itself (203 Occurrences) Census (24 Occurrences) Cyria Cyre'nians (1 Occurrence) Chronology Essenes Pass (1172 Occurrences) Government (20 Occurrences) Resources Does Luke's claim that Jesus was born in Bethlehem at the time of Quirinius' census match the historical record? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cyrenius (1 Occurrence)Luke 2:2 Subtopics Cyrenius (Quirinius): Governor of Syria when Jesus Was Born Related Terms |
    |