Luke 2:1-7 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.… I. DIVINE POWER IN THE INCARNATION. II. WISDOM (1) in the time; (2) place; (3) circumstances. III. FAITHFULNESS. IV. HOLINESS. Hiding His wonders from unbelievers. V. Love (John 3:16). (Van Doren.) 1. Caesar Augustus. Son of Octavius and Aria; licentious and treacherous. Superstitious — oft borne to the temple before day, for prayer. Generous, vain, ambitious, warlike, another Louis XIV. Cruel — three hundred senators and two hundred knights murdered with his consent. Defeated at sea, he dragged Neptune's statue into the sea. His daughter Julia, by her infamy, embittered his last days. Reigned 44 years, died aged 76. A long and splendid reign. In Augustus, see man's nothingness, amid earthly splendour. In Mary, see highest destiny, amid earthly meanness. (Van Doren.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. |
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