And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

A Scriptural Look at the Timing of John the Baptist’s Conception

The story of John the Baptist’s conception begins with his father, Zechariah, faithfully serving in the Temple in Jerusalem. Zechariah was a priest of the division of Abijah, one of the twenty-four priestly courses established in the days of King David. Luke records this clearly: “There was in the days of Herod… a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia” (Luke 1:5). Each priestly division ministered in the Temple for one week at a time, and Zechariah’s division traditionally served in the early summer months.