The days of the census are generally understood to be a reference to the census held by P. Sulpicius Quirinius, the governor of Syria-Cilicia. This census took place in 6 AD.1 (To be distinguished from the census of Luke 2:1 which took place around 5 or 6 BC). Together with a Pharisee named Zaddok, Judas the Galilean organized a protest against Roman rule.2 The Jewish historian Josephus also makes mention of him in 18.23 of his Antiquities.
37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.