[Footnote 86: The question as to the precise epoch of the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as of the commencement and the duration of His public career, has been well and concisely considered in the Synopsis Evangelica of M. Constantin Tischendorf (p. 16-19. Leipzig, 1864). The preferable conclusion from these researches is, that Jesus Christ was born in the year of Roma 750, that he commenced his divine mission towards the end of the year of Rome 780, and that his death took place in the fourth month of the year of Rome 783.] These thirty years, however, were not idly passed, nor were they without their peculiar testimony to Christ and the future in store for Him:-- "And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. ... "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. "Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. "And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. "And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. "But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. {237} "And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. "And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. "And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. "And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? "And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. "And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." [Footnote 87] [Footnote 87: Luke ii. 33, 40-52.] {238}