Of Augustus Caesar The First Emperor of Rome and His Days

In the fullness of time, when the Roman Republic was weary from strife and division, the Lord raised up a man to bring peace and order to the vast dominion of Rome. This man was Gaius Octavius Thurinus, whom history knows as Augustus Caesar, the first Emperor of Rome. His reign marked the dawning of a new era—the Pax Romana, a peace that spread across many nations and bore witness to the providence of God over earthly kingdoms.

The Rise of Augustus

Born in the city of Rome, Augustus was the adopted son of Julius Caesar, whose murder plunged the republic into turmoil. After many battles and the overthrow of rivals, Augustus emerged victorious, entrusted by the Senate with supreme authority. The Scriptures say, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1), and so his rise was within God’s sovereign will.

The Reign of Peace and Prosperity

Augustus ruled with wisdom and prudence, establishing laws, restoring temples, and securing the frontiers of the empire. He restored the Senate and maintained the outward forms of the republic while holding ultimate power—a prince among men. His rule brought peace after decades of civil war, allowing commerce, arts, and the gospel to flourish.

It was during his reign that the decree went out for a census to be taken throughout the Roman world, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, “And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria” (Luke 2:2). This census led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where the Christ child was born, fulfilling ancient prophecy.

Augustus and God’s Purpose

Though Augustus was a man of ambition and power, the Lord used his reign to fulfill divine purposes. The spreading of the Roman roads and Pax Romana provided the means for the apostles to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. The Apostle Paul traveled these very roads, preaching Christ to Jew and Gentile alike.

The Psalmist declares, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed” (Psalm 2:2), yet God’s plan cannot be thwarted. Augustus’s empire became the stage for the unfolding drama of salvation.

Reflection for the Faithful

As believers, we remember that all earthly rulers serve under the authority of the Almighty. The Apostle Paul instructed, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1).

Augustus Caesar’s reign reminds us of God’s hand in history—ordering the times and seasons (Acts 1:7) so that the gospel might be proclaimed to all nations. Though empires rise and fall, the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ endures forever.