And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Ver. 1. A decree from Caesar Augustus] By a sweet providence of God, that Christ might be born at Bethlehem, according to the Scriptures. Howbeit Augustus thought not so (as it is said in another case of Nebuchadnezzar, Isa 10:1), but ambitiously sought the setting forth of his own greatness, and large command, and carried it without punishment; whereas David smarted sore for a like offence. But God will take that from others that he will not bear with in his own,Amos 3:2 .
That all the world] That is, the Roman world; but such was their ambition, that though they had but a part, yet they styled themselves lords of all the world. So the Pope (the image of that beast) will needs be styled universal bishop. The great Turk (that Eastern antichrist) calls himself God on earth, sole monarch of the world, commander of all that can be commanded, &c., and by many other such like swelling titles.