Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mark from Plano 
To add to the confusion, for the first few centuries AD this dating system was not used. It was developed by a Catholic Monk in about the 7th or 8th century (could be wrong on this and too lazy to look it up). This genius messed up the dating, but nobody figured it out until it was too late. As a consequence, Jesus actual date of birth is probably more like 3-6BC and his death more like 30 AD.
That's what I was reading too
Quote:
Historical Data The best way to date the death of Christ is to look for the key players in his death drama, about whom there is considerable information, and to establish the context surrounding Jesus’ death. We begin by acknowledging that Jesus’ death followed the death of John the Baptist, and occurred while Caiaphas was High Priest and while Pilate was Prefect. We have reason to believe that John the Baptist met his gruesome death in 35 A.D. [1], Caiaphas was deposed by Lucius Vitellius, the legate of Syria, in 36 A.D. and Pilate was recalled to Rome at the end of 36 A.D [2]. Ipso facto, Jesus must have been crucified in the year 36 A.D. Having been born in 6 B.C. and having died in 36 A.D. means that Jesus was in his 40s when he died, probably 42 years old. The Gospel Record Further proof that Jesus was in his 40s when he died comes directly from the Gospel of John. Jesus is discussing the destruction of the temple and he says: “Destroy this temple, and in 3 days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for 46 years, and you will raise it up in 3 days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body (John 2:20-21).” John points out that later, when he is crucified, Jesus’ disciples remembered his prophecy of the 3 days; however, no one seems to recall the 46 years. Taken at his word, Jesus is clearly saying that he is 46 years old, and that when he dies, he will resurrect in 3 days. If Jesus was 46 years old when he died in 36 A.D., it means he was born in 10 B.C., which is theoretically possible, although 6 B.C. is a more probable date. We find further proof that Jesus is in his 40s from the Gospel of John. Jesus is in a Temple, close to the Mount of Olives, talking to the Scribes and Pharisees. The subject turns to Abraham, and the “Jews” ask Jesus: “You are not yet 50 years old, and have you seen Abraham? (8:57).”Jesus answers: “…before Abraham was, I am”, but the important thing to observe here is that the questioners describe Jesus as not yet being 50. Were he in his 20s or 30s, they would have chosen a different year, but by saying that he is not yet 50, they clearly identify him as being in his forties.
