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Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About Augustus Caesar

Early Christian writings treat Augustus mainly as the Roman ruler in whose reign Jesus was born, not as a figure of Christian devotion. Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Tatian, Origen, Hippolytus, Tertullian, Archelaus, and Theophilus all place Christ’s birth or the start of his public life in the reign of Augustus, and several also give Augustus’ reign length in their time lines. The strongest and most direct material is historical and biblical:

Luke 2:1 names Caesar Augustus in the census at Jesus’ birth, while Luke 3:1 and related Christian writers use Augustus as a dating marker. The evidence is broad across the second and third centuries, but it is mostly indirect for the topic itself, since these writers are usually discussing Christ’s birth, Roman history, tribute, or persecution rather than Augustus’ person or character. Some texts even use Augustus as a symbol of imperial power, but that is secondary to the main historical use.

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Early Christian Beliefs About Augustus Caesar

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1 Luke 2:1 2 Acts 25:21 3 Mark 12:16 4 Acts 17:7 5 Luke 3:1 6 Acts 27:1 7 Acts 11:28 8 Luke 2:2 9 Acts 25:25 10 Philippians 4:22

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13 references

Foundation Texts

Luke 2:1 primary

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

Clearest Bible passage naming Augustus in the census at Jesus' birth

Acts 25:21

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Direct Bible passage about appealing to Augustus/Caesar.

Mark 12:16

And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.

Direct passage on Caesar’s image and tribute.

Acts 17:7

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

Direct Bible accusation about acting against Caesar’s decrees.

Supporting Passages

Luke 3:1

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Acts 27:1

And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Acts 11:28

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Luke 2:2

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Acts 25:25

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Related appeal-to-Caesar passage.

Philippians 4:22

All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

Shows saints in Caesar’s household.

Luke 20:24

Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Acts 25:12

Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

Related Caesar appeal passage.