Bible Question:
In the story of the Magi (Matt. 2), what writings do we have to tell us about how old Jesus was at the time. Also, some commentators say this was around 4 BC based on when Herod the Great was ruler and he died in 4 BC. I'm confused regarding when "BC" switched to "AD". Can you clear both of these items up for me? Thanks |
Bible Answer: Greetings Dalida! B.C. is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "Before Christ." A.D. is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "Anno Domini", which, in Latin, means "in the year of [our] Lord." Or, in the year of the 'coming' of our Lord. The date of the coming of the Lord became a very important and specific point of reference for the early Christian church, and this specific "point" in time was later adopted by the Catholic church and given the Latin distinction of 'Anno Domini.' The Christian calendar adopted 'Anno Domini' as the starting point of a new 'age' or dispensation- 'the year of [our] Lord' was declared as the starting point of the Christian calendar- and Western civilization has been using this calendar ever since. Blessings to you, Makarios |