The prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in the tiny village of Bethlehem:
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.'" (Micah 5:2, NIV)
The Gospel of Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus ordered a census taken of the entire Roman world, possibly for tax purposes. Palestine was part of that world, so Joseph, earthly father of Jesus Christ, took his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem to register. Joseph was from the house and line of David, who had lived in Bethlehem.
Historians agree that Caesar Augustus was one of the most successful Roman emperors. Born in 63 B.C., he reigned as emperor for 45 years, until his death in A.D. 14. He was the grand nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar and used the popularity of his great uncle's name to rally the army behind him.
Caesar Augustus brought peace and prosperity to the Roman empire. Its many provinces were governed with a heavy hand, yet with some local autonomy. In Israel, the Jews were allowed to maintain their religion and culture. While rulers like Caesar Augustus and Herod Antipas were essentially figureheads, the Sanhedrin, or national council, still held power over many aspects of daily life.
Ironically, the peace and order established by Augustus and maintained by his successors helped in the spread of Christianity. The extensive network of Roman roads made travel easier. The Apostle Paul carried his missionary work westward over those roads. Both he and the Apostle Peter were executed in Rome, but not before they had spread the gospel there, causing the message to fan out on Roman roads to the rest of the ancient world.
Caesar Augustus' Accomplishments:
Caesar Augustus brought organization, order, and stability to the Roman world. His establishment of a professional army ensured that insurrections were put down quickly. He changed the way governors were appointed in the provinces, which reduced greed and extortion. He launched a major building program, and in Rome, paid for many projects from his own personal wealth. He also encouraged art, literature, and philosophy.
Caesar Augustus' Strengths:
He was a daring leader who knew how to influence people. His reign was marked by innovation, yet he retained enough traditions to keep the populace satisfied. He was generous and left much of his estate to soldiers in the army. To the extent possible in such a system, Caesar Augustus was a benevolent dictator.
Caesar Augustus' Weaknesses:
Caesar Augustus worshiped the pagan Roman gods, but even worse, he allowed himself to be worshiped as a living god. Although the government he set up gave conquered provinces like Israel some local control, it was far from democratic. Rome could be brutal in enforcing its laws. The Romans did not invent crucifixion, but they used it extensively to terrorize their subjects.
Life Lessons:
Ambition, when directed toward worthwhile goals, can accomplish much. However, it is important to keep our ego in check.
When we are placed in a position of authority, we have a duty to treat others with respect and fairness. As Christians, we are also called to observe the Golden Rule: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31, NIV)
Hometown: Rome.
Referenced in the Bible: Luke 2:1.
Occupation:
Military commander, Roman emperor.
Family Tree:
Father - Gaius Octavius
Mother - Atria
Grand Uncle - Julius Caesar (also adoptive father)
Daughter - Julia Caesaris
Descendants - Tiberius Julius Caesar (later emperor), Nero Julius Caesar (later emperor), Gaius Julius Caesar (later emperor Caligula), seven others.
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