bIRTH pLACE OF jESUS

[Keith Broaders]

census in Luke lacks historical support. Archaeologically, Bethlehem of Judea was a settlement in the Iron Age, with evidence like a First Temple Period seal mentioning the town, but Herodian-era (Jesus’ time) artifacts are limited due to sparse excavations. A minority view by archaeologist Aviram Oshri proposes a Bethlehem in Galilee, near Nazareth, as a possible birthplace, supported by stronger first-century evidence there.

The tradition of Bethlehem of Judea as Jesus’ birthplace was established by the second century CE, evidenced by early Christian writings and the Church of the Nativity, built around 330 CE. In conclusion, the claim relies on biblical accounts without independent historical or archaeological corroboration, and many scholars view it as symbolic rather than factual.