Luke 3:1-3.
Tiberius followed Augustus, who died in A.D. 14. But before the
latter's death, Tiberius was associated with him on the throne. Some
modern historians date this appointment of Tiberius as Caesar from
A.D. 13; but the "History of Rome," by Dion Cassius, a Roman
senator, born in the second century, shows, under events of
A.D. 12, that Augustus recognized Tiberius as holding the
imperial dignity at that time. (Book 56, chap. 26.) Again, Dr. Philip
Schaff says:
"There are coins from Antioch in Syria of the date A.U. 765
[A.D. 12], with the head of Tiberius and the
inscription, _Kaisar, Sebastos (Augustus)."_--_"History of the
Christian Church," Vol. I, p. 120, footnote._
These coins from Syria bear certain witness that the first year of
Tiberius should be counted from A.D. 12. Therefore "the
fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar" would be A.D.
27, just 483 years from the going forth of the commandment to restore
Jerusalem. The prophecy of the sixty-nine weeks was fulfilled--the
Messiah had come.
Confirming the Covenant
But "one week" of the seventy remained--seven years.
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