Everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
And everyone went to his own town to register.
And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.
Luke 2:3 provides crucial context for the narrative of Jesus' birth, detailing the immediate response to the Roman decree mentioned in Luke 2:1. This verse explains the practical implication of Caesar Augustus's command for a worldwide census or registration, which required people to return to their ancestral cities.
Context
The Roman Empire, under Emperor Caesar Augustus, initiated a vast census (or registration) across its territories. This was not merely for taxation, but also for administrative purposes, including population counts and potential military conscription. The decree mandated that individuals register in their original family hometowns. For Joseph, who was "of the house and lineage of David" (Luke 2:4), this meant traveling from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea, the city of David. This historical event, orchestrated by a pagan emperor, became the means by which divine prophecy was fulfilled.
Key Themes
Divine Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over human affairs. Even the decrees of powerful earthly rulers like Caesar Augustus are used by God to accomplish His ultimate purposes, specifically the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem, as foretold in Micah 5:2.
Obedience to Authority: Joseph and Mary, devout Jews living under Roman occupation, exemplify obedience to the governing authorities, even when it meant a difficult and inconvenient journey. This aligns with broader biblical principles regarding submission to rulers (Romans 13:1).
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The requirement for everyone to return to their "own city" directly facilitated the fulfillment of ancient prophecies concerning Jesus' birthplace. Without this census, Joseph and Mary might not have been in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth.
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "to be taxed" or "to be enrolled" is apographesthai (ἀπογράφεσθαι). It refers to a public registration or enrollment, often for census purposes, which could certainly lead to taxation. It signifies a formal listing of citizens or subjects, requiring their physical presence in their designated place of origin. This detail underscores the bureaucratic and compulsory nature of the journey Joseph and Mary undertook.
Reflection and Application
Luke 2:3 reminds us that God often works in ordinary, even inconvenient, circumstances to achieve extraordinary results. The mundane act of a government census became the stage for the most significant event in human history – the incarnation of God. For believers today, this can be a source of comfort: God is at work in the seemingly mundane details of our lives and in the larger, often complex, events of the world, guiding all things towards His perfect plan. We are called to trust His providence, even when His methods seem circuitous or challenging.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
TRV
Luke 2:3 provides crucial context for the narrative of Jesus' birth, detailing the immediate response to the Roman decree mentioned in Luke 2:1. This verse explains the practical implication of Caesar Augustus's command for a worldwide census or registration, which required people to return to their ancestral cities.
Context
The Roman Empire, under Emperor Caesar Augustus, initiated a vast census (or registration) across its territories. This was not merely for taxation, but also for administrative purposes, including population counts and potential military conscription. The decree mandated that individuals register in their original family hometowns. For Joseph, who was "of the house and lineage of David" (Luke 2:4), this meant traveling from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea, the city of David. This historical event, orchestrated by a pagan emperor, became the means by which divine prophecy was fulfilled.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "to be taxed" or "to be enrolled" is apographesthai (ἀπογράφεσθαι). It refers to a public registration or enrollment, often for census purposes, which could certainly lead to taxation. It signifies a formal listing of citizens or subjects, requiring their physical presence in their designated place of origin. This detail underscores the bureaucratic and compulsory nature of the journey Joseph and Mary undertook.
Reflection and Application
Luke 2:3 reminds us that God often works in ordinary, even inconvenient, circumstances to achieve extraordinary results. The mundane act of a government census became the stage for the most significant event in human history – the incarnation of God. For believers today, this can be a source of comfort: God is at work in the seemingly mundane details of our lives and in the larger, often complex, events of the world, guiding all things towards His perfect plan. We are called to trust His providence, even when His methods seem circuitous or challenging.