Many Christians may assume that Jesus Christ lived and died a long time ago. But interestingly enough, that is not the case. If you have ever been curious about it, the New Testament left clues that can help give us an answer to the age-old question: How old is Jesus?
Although the Bible does not give us Jesus’ exact birth date and year, theologians and scholars have been able to use historical facts to approximate that Jesus is around 2,025 years old as of 2023.
How long ago was Jesus born? How have Christians been able to know when He was born? How old would Jesus be today? And how about when He died? This article will answer all these questions and more while looking at history and biblical clues that can help us decipher the topic.
How Long Ago Was Jesus Born?
It is often believed that Jesus was born between 4 B.C. and 6 B.C., meaning that Jesus Christ was born around 2,025 years ago, as of the year 2023. Others opinion that Jesus could have been born in 1 B.C. We shall look at evidence that people use to support these opinions.
How Do Christians Know When Jesus Was Born?
Christian scholars have been able to estimate Jesus’ birth year by linking Biblical clues with historical facts. For instance, the Bible tells us of how Jesus’ birth occurred during King Herod’s rule in Matthew 2:1 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.” According to early Jewish historians such as Flavius Josephus, Herod’s death occurred at the same time as a lunar eclipse which was recorded to have happened sometime around 4 B.C and 6 B.C.
Another physics professor, John A. Cramer, has also pointed out that there was another lunar eclipse that took place in 1 B.C., therefore making this year another option for Herod’s death and Jesus’ birth. Further, when Herod ordered the execution of boys below 2 years (Matthew 2:16), Jesus and his family had to flee, indicating that he was at least 2 years old at the time of Herod’s death.
How Old Would Jesus Be Right Now?
Going by the estimations of Christian theologians, we can say that:
- If Jesus was born in 4 B.C., He would be 2,026 years old as of 2023
- If Jesus was born in 5 B.C., He would be 2,027 years old as of 2023
- If Jesus was born in 6 B.C. He would be 2,028 years old as of 2023
- If Jesus was born in 1 B.C. He would be 2,023 years old as of 2023
How Old Was Jesus When He Died?
While the Bible does not explicitly state the exact dates of Jesus’ birth and death, scholars have been able to make informed guesses using historical and biblical facts. To approximate Jesus’ age at death, theologians look at Luke 3:23, which states, “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.” He ministered for 3 and a half years because he celebrated 3 Passovers between baptism and death. If He started ministry at 30 years old and did it for 3 and a half years before death, Jesus was around 33 or 34 when He died.
Does the Bible Give Clues About the Age of Jesus Today?
Aside from mentioning that Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod (Matthew 2:1), the Bible does give other clues about when Jesus was born and, ultimately, how old he would be today. One of them is in Luke 2:1-2 which speaks of a census during the time Quirinius was governor of Syria “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.).” Historians have been able to place Quirinius’ governance and the records of this Judea census in approximately 6 B.C., meaning that Jesus was born roughly around this time. However, some have doubts as to whether this is correct.
Another vital Biblical clue documented in the Bible is that Jesus began His ministry after being baptized by John the Baptist at 30. (Luke 3:23). According to the same chapter in Luke 3:1-2, John the Baptist began his ministry “in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas” Historiographers have traced this time to be around A.D. 27-29. Tracing back 30 years, Jesus’ birth was around 6 B.C and 4 B.C.
As of 2023, 6 B.C. to 4 B.C. is around 2,025 years ago.
Why Do People Believe That Jesus Is 2000 Years Old?
People tend to believe that Jesus Christ is around 2000 years old because of the historical links that have been made to events and facts referenced in the Bible. Here are some of them:
- Jesus was born at the time of King Herod’s reign and death, historically traced to around 6 B.C. and 4 B.C.
- Jesus Christ began His ministry under the rule of Tiberius Caesar at the age of 30. Tiberius ruled in A.D. 27-29, so 30 years back would be around 6 B.C and 4 B.C.
- Jesus is believed to have been born during Judea’s first census, which took place around 6 B.C.
With these estimated birth years, it may be concluded that Jesus lived around 2,000 years ago.
References
- What Year Was Jesus Christ Born?
- How Long Ago Did Jesus Live?
- Herod’s Death, Jesus’ Birth, and a Lunar Eclipse
- How Old Was Jesus When He Died?
- What Year Was Jesus Born?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
