Contradictions and Paradoxes in Luke 2:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Luke 2:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Luke 2:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Luke, everyone had to travel back to their hometown to be counted for a big list, like a roll call, as part of a plan by the leaders at that time. This means lots of people had to go on a journey to make sure they were included.

Luke 2:3: And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. [taxed: or, enrolled]

Contradiction with Matthew 2:1

Describes Jesus' birth in Bethlehem with the visitation of the Magi, instead of focusing on the census and travel required as in Luke 2:3.

Matthew 2:1: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Contradiction with Matthew 2:13

Describes fleeing to Egypt, rather than being registered in a census as in Luke 2:3.

Matthew 2:13: And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Contradiction with John 7:42

Questions the idea of the Messiah coming from Bethlehem, which contradicts the journey to be registered mentioned in Luke 2:3.

John 7:42: Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

Contradiction with Hebrews 7:14

States that Jesus descended from Judah, yet does not mention needing to be registered in Bethlehem as per a census in Luke 2:3.

Hebrews 7:14: For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

Paradox #1

One potential contradiction related to this verse is the Roman census described, which required people to return to their ancestral towns. Historical records do not clearly corroborate such a census taking place during the time frame or under the conditions described in the account, leading to questions about the historical accuracy of this event as depicted.

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