Augustus was the founder of the Roman Principate and is recognized as the first Emperor of the Roman Empire, reigning from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14. He is perhaps the most significant non-Israelite political figure mentioned in the New Testament, as his decree directly precipitated a foundational event in the life of Jesus Christ.
His birth name was Gaius Octavius, but he is known to history as Caesar Augustus, a title which reflects his adopted status as the heir of Julius Caesar and the divine honorific (Augustus) bestowed upon him by the Roman Senate. The name Augustus is derived from the Latin word augustus, meaning “venerable,” “majestic,” or “exalted.”
The Decree of the Census
Augustus appears in the opening verses of the Gospel of Luke, in the account of the birth of Jesus. This brief mention places the events of the Incarnation firmly within the context of global history, confirming the sovereignty of God over even the most powerful human rulers.
The King James Version sets the scene for the birth of Christ:
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) (Luke 2:1–2)
This decree required every man to return to his ancestral home to be enrolled for taxation. Because of this mandate, Joseph was compelled to travel from Nazareth, in Galilee, to Bethlehem, in Judæa, because he was “of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4).
Fulfilling Prophecy
The decree issued by Augustus, the mighty ruler in Rome, inadvertently ensured the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). This detail beautifully illustrates the Christian theological view that human political power is merely a tool in the hands of divine providence.
During the reign of Augustus, the Roman Empire was at a period of unprecedented stability and peace known as the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). This era created the ideal conditions for the spread of the Gospel following Christ’s ministry:
- Roads and Communication: A vast network of well-maintained Roman roads facilitated travel.
- Common Language: Greek (Koine) was widely spoken, allowing the Christian message to be easily disseminated.
- Centralized Rule: Relative peace and order reduced the dangers of long-distance travel.
Legacy and Rule
Augustus transformed Rome from a republic into an empire, undertaking massive building projects and establishing institutions that would last for centuries. He was worshipped as a deity in many parts of the empire during his lifetime and after his death, a practice that set the stage for later conflicts between the Roman state and the monotheistic Christians.
Augustus, the man who ordered the census, is historically significant not merely for his political achievements but because his actions unwittingly served as the means by which the King of Kings was born in the appointed city, at the “fullness of the time” (Galatians 4:4, KJV).