I have much to say on this, but as of now am unable to respond,
I will say one thing, this work has a lot of, “I believes,” in it.
When it comes to figuring out the past, we must first eliminate what we believe if our beliefs are not backed up by concrete facts.
I’ll leave a tease with this,
As to Jewish writings of the time, whenever Rome called for a census, the Jews always fought tooth an nail not to allow it. It was no difference with the Cenus you mention that forced Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem while she was pregnant.
Herod, knew they would fail, but he gave his approval to petition the Roman Senate about the census. We know they failed, because the census did happen. However, there was a time delay, which means the census did not take place at the time this commentary states it did.
There are many commentaries that attempt to nail a date for Jesus birth. As for this commentaries attempt, it is off.
As I stated, I will come back and shed some light on what my own investigations show, which I too can match to history Josephus wrote. That being said, there are other problems with this writers theory.
Yet as I sated I am rushed for time, so I will get back, and anyone interested can come back and read what I offer later. I have already written more than I have time for and must get out the door.
By the way, even my understanding is still but a theory, I will not be using, “I believe.” Instead my theory will include a phrase, “My findings point to…..”
Later alligator, my wife is loudly beckoning me.
Randy Nettles has done a lot of in depth study on the timing of many things.
While I don’t agree with his use of “I believe” either, you should at least try to read his articles with an open mind.
Neither you, nor he can prove the correct date for Our Lord’s birth - there’s a reason for that too.
To be fair, it wasn’t December 25th...