Luke 2:2 “This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.”
Many have disputed the account of Luke here. The census of Quirinius seems to have occurred too late for this verse to be accurate. Besides this, there is no historical record of a worldwide taxation. Also, it is unclear why Joseph would have had to go to Bethlehem to be registered.
However, these issues can be addressed. First, the account of Luke does not require a worldwide registration, all at once. Instead, as verse two seems to indicate, the registration occurred at different places, at different times. And it occurred more than once.
Second, we have records of a registration under Quirinius, but there could have been more than one. Thus, this doesn’t give us an exact time. Third, Joseph may well have been required to go to Bethlehem because he would have a land inheritance there.
Needless to say, people tend to prefer the historical records we find outside of Scripture above Scripture. However, the Bible time and again shows itself to be an accurate historical account.
Heavenly Father, give us a love for Your Word! You have supplied is with an accurate account of Your plan and purpose for the ages. Help us to share it freely, kindly, and boldly. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.