Publius Sulpicius Quirinius was a Roman aristocrat, military commander, and administrator who lived during the final years of the Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire. Today, he is best known for his mention in the Gospel of Luke, which places the birth of Jesus during a census carried out under his authority in Syria. That statement has long been debated, as it appears to conflict with both the Gospel of Matthew and Roman historical records. To understand the controversy, it is necessary to examine who Quirinius was, when he ruled, and what the historical evidence actually says.
Early Life and Rise to Power
