And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
And it came to pass in those days - a general reference to the foregoing transactions, particularly the birth of John, which preceded that of our Lord by about six months (Luke 1:26).
That there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus - the first of the Roman emperors --
That all the world - that is, the Roman empire; so called as being now virtually world-wide.
Should be taxed - or 'enrolled,' or 'register themselves.'