Why History Matters
I once heard a well-meaning Christian say something like, “Why study all this history stuff? The Bible says it. I believe, it. That’s the end of it!” But what about this? Reading what “the Bible says” is one thing. Getting “what the Bible means” is another. Case in point:
Most people summarize the Christmas story like this: “Joseph & Mary went to Bethlehem and needed to stay in the inn. Since there was no room in the inn, Mary had to give birth to Jesus in a manger.” Not too far off from how the old 1984 NIV translated Luke 2:7:
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
But here’s what we miss by skipping out on studying the context of Jesus’ birth:
There was no “inn”
The Greek word, “Kataluma,” is usually translated “upper room” not “inn.” For example, in Luke 22, Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples in an “upper room” (same word used here). This is why the new, 2010 NIV translates Luke 2:7 like this:
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Bethlehem was tiny
Joseph went to Bethlehem—his ancestral home—for the census cause that’s where his family was from. But Bethlehem was a tiny, no-nothing town—It wasn’t found on most maps. As Americans, when we hear “inn,” we think of a hotel, like the Holiday Inn. But the word just means a lodging space or living area. The idea of an “upper room” makes sense because the town was really, really small.
Think of a small town that doesn’t have a hotel because no one goes there; They just pass through. Magalia, CA would be a place like that. It’s a town above Paradise, CA. At least in Paradise there’s actually a Comfort Inn and grocery stores and stuff. But Magalia’s in the hills, in the middle of nowhere.
Hospitality was huge
Joseph wouldn’t have been turned away from the ancestral home even if there was no room, especially since Mary was pregnant. This would be a big no-no in Jewish culture. Here’s the floorplan of a typical Palestinian peasant home:
There wasn’t any space in the upper room. So Mary probably gave birth in the “garage area,” where people kept their animals. And a manger isn’t a barn. It’s a feeding trough that was commonly built into the floor. There were no Graco Pack N Plays back then, so the manger could have functioned as a make-shift crib.
Turns out, studying “all this historical stuff” actually helps us better understand “what the Bible means.” Even if most of our Christmas plays continue to have an innkeeper shouting, “No vacancy,” we still celebrate the meaning of Jesus’ birth today; The second person of the trinity took on a human nature and came to save sinners.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
The Manger Revisited
See how a former legal editor for the Chicago Tribune investigates the identity of the child in the manger. Was Jesus a cynic peasant philosopher? A prophet with political ambitions? Who was he, really? And how can we be sure? Lee Strobel isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Find out what he discovered.
Look inside this book on Amazon.com
If you enjoy this kind of information you should read the book “Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes” by Kenneth E. Bailey. He explains a lot of parables and events from Jesus’ life through their cultural lens. The book leans toward the academic, but it does not assume you’ve studied Biblical languages or been to seminary. For the most part, the chapters aren’t too long, and they explain some of the more difficult parables to understand, like the one about the shrewd steward.
Hi, Sara. Glad you got to see this. Looks like an interesting book. I remember doing a major paper and 4-hour Scripture meditation project in our Hermeneutics class on the parable of the shrewd manager. Love to get more background on this. Thanks for the comment, Sara!
Thank you for your article.
The reason why there was no room at the Inn is,
God did not want room at the Inn.
God did not want His Holy Son born there amid drunkenness, sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idol worshippers, evil thoughts, etc.
In short there was SIN in the INN and so it was not a fitting place for the birth of a Holy God. At that time, that was the stable! It would have been nothing for the creator of all things seen and unseen to provide the grandest palace adorned with Gold and Silver but it was not with gold and silver we were to be saved nor would the Lord condone mammon and greed. The humble stable with the animals that bore no sin was the cleanest place for our Saviour to be born.
Many brothers and sisters tend to focus on either the Inn it was full; or the time a busy time; people on the move; the tax season; the town was busy; all other hotels/inns were full; or the event, the census, the tax season etc.
However had our Living God wanted, I don’t think there would have been any major problem on His part to provide a room at any inn of His choosing, at any time regardless of how many people were or were not coming for any census or event at that time.
It was God’s wisdom and predestination alone that His Son Jesus Christ be born on ground that was holy and without sin in the camp
We have an all powerful God where ALL things are possible and who knows ALL things past, present and future, and He had already made up His mind to have His Son born on ground made Holy by His presence
I hope this revelation has been a blessing to you and an encouragement to your faith.
Wishing you a Happy, Holy and Peaceful Christmas.
Harry
PS: We have a beautiful video with carols that reflects the true meaning of Christmas on our website at fivefoldministryireland.com
Thanks for your comment, Harry. I’m not sure if I would suggest there was “drunkenness, sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idol worshippers, evil thoughts” in the kataluma of Joseph’s ancestral home. The area of the home where people kept their animals wouldn’t have been “holy” ground anymore than the kataluma was. Your statement that “had our Living God wanted, I don’t think there would have been any major problem on His part to provide a room at any inn of His choosing” seems like you might have missed my point. Please review my article again for details on the kataluma.
Well said. I just picked up the new NIV and read of this new translation.
It’s funny how we romanticize our Bible stories, as if their original earthy nature is too uncomfortable for us – and reinterpret them to fit our cultural experiences. Thank God that as much as he performs miracles he also is a ‘down to earth’ sort of God who shows us how good life happens within the ordinary things.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for posting your comments. I agree. BTW, I just checked out your site. Nice to meet a new Converge person on here! My wife and I spent four years with the BGC and I appreciate what you are doing with your blog. Merry Christmas!
-Mikel
Thanks, Mikel, I appreciate that. Have a great Christmas as well. I look forward to your future posts. Brian