The Quarrel about Quirinius

The Quarrel about Quirinius

by Heather Collver

I love it. I started off this week not being able to find a name that started with Q. So I chose a topic that started with Q, Quarrel. Then two people give me two different names. Both of these names is linked to the word Quarrel. For me, this kind of stuff is pretty exciting. I love this weeks devotional because it has been challenging, I am learning about two people that are not easiest to find in the Bible. Yet both of their lives seem so important to me. I saved Quirinius for today, it's pretty exciting.

Apparently there has been quite a bit of quarrelling going on concerning Quirinius and the accuracy of the Bible. Many scholars who have tried to find a historical error in the Bible in order to prove it is not accurate have used Quirinius as their example for hundreds of years. The argument stands that the Bible states Quirinius was the governor at the time of the first census. However, the New King James version states he was not the governor. He was governing, or in an important office, but not governor. So it really depends on the translation that is used when debating this fact. Why didn't anyone ever check historical documentation? Could they have been so set on proving the Bible inaccurate that they were blinded by the truth?

Quirinius was an important figure in Roman politics. His name is mentioned as a councilman of Augustus. The Roman historian Tacitus states that Quirinius was an advisor to Augustus' young son Caius Caesar in Armenia. The first century historian Josephus also mentions that Quirinius became governor later on in 6 A.D.,
He wrote:
“Quirinius, a Roman senator who had gone
through other magistracies and had passed through
them all until he had become consul, was appointed
governor of Syria by Caesar and was given the task
of assessing property there and in Judea."
So who was in charge as the assessor of property in Judea during the first census? Just as the
Bible had said all along, Quirinius.

Many men have died never believing that the son of God was truly Jesus all because of this small little fact. They say that because some translations read governor instead of governing, then the whole Bible inaccurate. It was all about the translation. Now, hundreds of years later we are able to check against historical documents and see that the Bible is 100% accurate. How tragic is it that these many men never knew the peace that comes with knowing Jesus. They quarrelled, so bullheaded that they were not able to see the truth. How true is that in our own lives. How many times have we been so headstrong we are practically willing to die over what we believe is fact. This world is full of information and not all of it is accurate. The best thing to do is to remember that the Word is accurate and if it does not line up with the Word of God, then it is not 100% truth. It is all about our perspectives and our translation, isn't it?

Dear Lord, I pray that we as a people in this World will not become believers of things that are not accurate. Will you guard us against lies in both our thoughts and ears so that we may hear your truth, so that we may not cause others to question such small and minute things that it would cause them to turn from you. May we guard our tongues and our hearts against such lies as the ones that have been told for hundreds of years. I pray that those who do not yet know you, will come to know and love you and trust in your Word. You are faithful. Thank you Lord.

Please pray for Bob Oliger today, for many blessings on him, as he suggested the name Quirinius to me, thanks so much.

Don't forget to send in praise and prayers for tomorrows devotional.