Lunar Sabbath
a time tested tradition

    Augustus Census

    High Level 1

    Fact

    Empire-wide census (apographē) in 3-2 BC

    Evidence

    • Luke 2:1 - 'A decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered'

    • Res Gestae Divi Augusti (Augustus' own record) mentions oath of allegiance

    • OGIS 532 inscription from Paphlagonia records oath in 3 BC

    • This was Augustus' 25th year of tribunician power

    • Census/oath explains Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem

    • Aligns with 1 BC death of Herod (Jesus born 2-1 BC)

    Read in Context

    • The Census

      "The 2 BC census aligns with 1 BC death of Herod..."

    Depends On

    The census mentioned by Luke is often dismissed due to the assumed 4 BC death of Herod. However, with a 1 BC death, Luke's census aligns perfectly with the known 3-2 BC registration.