Caesar Augustus and the Census | The Wolfe Notes

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the English Standard Version (ESV) translation.

Notes on Caesar Augustus and the Census

(From Luke 2:1-3)

Annotation Notes, Summary, N/W/L Statements, Key Verse, God's Character, Prayer, Action 

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1. Annotation Notes

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, x a cross reference, ! a connection, and italics a referenced source.

1. ? Which Caesar is Caesar Augustus? What is his story? (Luke 2:1)
1. The first emperor of Rome after Julius Caesar's assassination. Also known as Octavian. 
2. Died shortly after Jesus' birth. ("What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history?" at GotQuestions.org.)
2. ! A census is taken like when David ordered one so God could punish Israel. (Luke 2:1)
1. x Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go, number Israel and Judah."  II Samuel 24:1
2. *A census is a way to note your achievements. Data to show how great you are. And in this case, it served as a way to remind the taxpayers who is in control. - The Voice
3. ? Who is Quirinius? (Luke 2:2) (For more about Quirinius, read "Does Luke's claim that Jesus was born in Bethlehem at the time of Quirinius' census match the historical record?" at GotQuestions.org)
4. ? Why is Syria of import here? Was Nazareth in Syria? (Luke 2:2)

2. Summary

Because Caesar ordered a registration (census), every person had to go to their own town. This was the first registration under Quirinius, the governor of Syria.

3. N/W/L Statements

1. I NOTICED that it says "all the world" should be registered, not just Jews.
2. I WONDER why they decided to take a census at this time. *The KJV says taxed, so was the purpose of the census to raise money?
3. I think God wants us to LEARN that:
1. Just as the Jews were not in power and still complied with the ruling government's orders, so should we.
2. Keeping record of your own accomplishments is vanity, but taking note of God's accomplishments builds the foundation of your faith.

4. Key Verse

In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Luke 2:1

This verse reminds me that the Israelites were not in power and remained submissive.

5. God's Character

1. He expects us to follow human laws.
1. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except form God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13:1-2 
2. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. I Peter 2:13-14
3. And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:20-21
2. He places rulers over us.
1. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21
2. The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. Proverbs 21:1
3. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2
3. He cares to know and account for (number) over whom He rules.
1. "Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel, by clans, by fathers' houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head. From twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war, you and Aaron shall list them, company by company. Numbers 1:2-3
2. The Lord said to Moses, "When you take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the LORD when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them. Each one who is numbered in the census shall give this: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as an offering to the Lord. Exodus 30:11-13
3. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:16
4. He wants us to keep record of His good deeds not our own.
1. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Psalm 139:17-18.
2. Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, Isaiah 46:9
3. Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. Exodus 13:3

6. Pray

Father God, often it feels like I'm not in control and that I have to do what others want me to do instead of following my own way. Remind me that when I do, I'm actually following You. Teach me to worship You through it, and steady my heart by reminding me I will find You even there.

7. Act

1. Live life following courageously. 
2. Fill every act of obedience with the love of your Master.

Sample these related posts:

• To be a courageous follower.
• To remember the good.
• To reflect on God's involvement in every story.
• To consider God's family.
• For hope in exile.

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