Luke 2:1

Amplified Bible

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

2 Now in those days a decree went out from [the emperor] ^[a]Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited world (the Roman Empire) should be ^[b]registered [in a census].

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Luke 2:1 Augustus, Rome’s first and possibly greatest emperor was born Gaius Octavius in 63 b.c. He was the great-nephew, adopted son and heir of the dictator, Julius Caesar. Under Augustus’ intelligent leadership (27 b.c.-a.d. 14) Rome entered the period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
Luke 2:1 This was the first general census conducted outside Rome that included the people of the Roman provinces.

Luke 2:1 in all English translations

Luke 2:4-5

Amplified Bible

⁴So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, ⁵in order to register with Mary, who was ^[a]betrothed to him, and was with child.^(A)

Read full chapter