The World of Caesar Augustus

In February, 40 BC, the man we know as Caesar Augustus learned that Pacorus, son of the king of Parthia, had invaded Syria. Pacorus had seized Jerusalem and installed a new puppet ruler on the throne. Rome’s chosen ruler, Herod the Great, had fled to Masada. At the same time, a former Roman officer was leading hostile forces into the Roman province of Asia.

This series of crises demonstrated to Augustus that he never could feel entirely secure. He had become the first ruler of the Roman Empire through complicated circumstances, overcoming many rivals on his path to power. But he constantly had to wonder who might challenge him or betray his trust.

Augustus particularly was concerned about maintaining control over Judea, as it provided a buffer and corridor between Egypt and Parthia. Conducting a census was part of this process of maintaining control. Augustus wanted to know exactly what he controlled and what his options would be in the event he needed to confront an enemy or take military action.

This was the world into which Jesus was born—a world with trouble always boiling beneath the surface. In ways that Augustus never would understand, Jesus would be the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” He would have a government, and “there will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace.”

Through His life, Jesus would establish a Kingdom and uphold that Kingdom “with justice and righteousness.” He would accomplish this with “the zeal of the LORD” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Our world is filled with problems, but Jesus still is the Prince of Peace and King of Kings. The kingdoms of this world may rise and fall, but His Kingdom will have no end!