CHAPTER IV.

BIRTH AND EARLIEST EVENTS OF THE LIFE OF JESUS.

§ 32. The census 152 33. Particular circumstances of the birth of Jesus. The circumcision 156 34. The Magi and their star. The flight into Egypt, and the murder of the children in Bethlehem. Criticism of the supranaturalistic view 162 35. Attempts at a natural explanation of the history of the Magi. Transition to the mythical explanation 169 36. The purely mythical explanation of the narrative concerning the Magi, and of the events with which it is connected 173 37. Chronological relation between the visit of the Magi, together with the flight into Egypt, and the presentation in the temple recorded by Luke 178 38. The presentation of Jesus in the temple 181 39. Retrospect. Difference between Matthew and Luke as to the original residence of the parents of Jesus 184