Although he would become known as Augustus, his original name was Octavian. He was born in 63 B.C. as the grandson of Julia, Julius Caesar’s sister. He was related to Julius Caesar in another way as well; Julius adopted him as his son. When Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C., a power struggle ensued involving Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian. Lepidus dropped out of contention when he was forced to retire from his position of leadership, and Octavian gained control of Lepidus’s territory. Later, in 31 B.C. at the battle of Actium, Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra. Thus, when all “the dust had settled,” Octavian possessed complete authority over the Roman world. His rule began following the battle of Actium in 31 B.C.
Octavian was not as much a military genius as Julius had been, but he had an ability to preserve the peace. The people supported him, and in 27 B.C. the Roman Senate bestowed on him the title “Augustus,” which means “exalted one” or “reverend.” This, of course, perpetuated a climate of emperor worship in which Augustus eventually would be considered to be the world’s savior. Later, the early Christians would pay dearly for refusing to call Caesar Lord. They knew that only Jesus was Lord, and they refused to say otherwise.
Caesar Augustus was emperor of Rome when Jesus was born. It was he who ordered the census that was taken at the time of Jesus’ birth, the registration that compelled Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem (see Luke 2:1). Augustus ruled until A.D. 14, when he died after being ill a short period of time. After his death, the Roman Senate declared Augustus to be a god. How ironic! Death is a clear indication of being human—very human! Augustus had appointed Tiberius, his stepson, to be his successor (see Luke 3:1). Tiberius had become his stepfather’s co-regent in A.D. 13.
Copyright © 2015 B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations in this article are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
top image: Augustus as Pontifex Maximus
