Bible Question: I am struggling with reconciling the time line of the account in Mathew chapter 2 of Joseph taking Mary and the child Jesus from Bethleham to Egypt to avoid Herod's wrath and the subsequent return to Nazareth with Luke's account of them going to Nazareth after the baby Jesus was dedicated in the temple in Jerusalem in chapter 2. This would make sense if the Magi visited Jesus in Nazareth and not Bethleham. Is this the case? Otherwise, the timing seems off. |
Bible Answer: Greetings TruthCKR! Allow me to repost an earlier post of mine in response to a similar question: ********************* It is important to look at all of the details in order to answer this question. We know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7). We also know that circumcision took place on the 8th day after birth (Luke 2:21). We know that Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem for the circumcision (Luke 2:22). We know that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus returned to Nazareth (Luke 2:39). The account in Matthew is where most people get confused. The Magi were not at Jesus' birth. They saw the star, began their journey, and arrived some time later. The evidence in Matthew indicates that they may have arrived two years later. 1) After determing the time of the appearence of the star, Herod orders the execution of all male children 2 years old and younger. 2) Matthew uses the word for a 'child', not 'baby' to describe Jesus. So, Jesus was probably about 2 years old when the Magi arrived at where He was (Mt. 2:9), not where He was born. At that point, Joseph is warned to travel to Egypt until the death of Herod. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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