We have recently celebrated Jesus’ birth and a new year on our calendar. Did you know there are some surprising parallels to Caesar Augustus?
Luke reminds us of who was ruling at the time of Jesus’ birth: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus…” (Luke 2:1a) Caesar Augustus reigned over the Roman Empire when Jesus was born, including the areas of Judea (where Jesus was born) and Galilee (where Jesus grew up and did most of his ministry).
“Gospel”
Unlike Luke’s starting with Jesus’ nativity, Mark begins his account of Jesus with, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God…” (Mark 1:1)
But what did “gospel” mean to the original audiences? Although the Jewish context is also important to understand, today we will consider the meaning to the Gentiles living in Rome, those to whom Mark first wrote.
Euangelion, the Greek word translated as “gospel,” was a familiar term to those in the Roman Empire. “Gospel” or “good news” proclamations were declared when a new Caesar was enthroned, to announce his birthday, or to celebrate a Roman army victory.
For example, an ancient inscription found in Asia Minor refers to the euangelion (gospel) of the birthday of Caesar Augustus as the beginning of a new era that heralded peace and salvation. Accordingly, Rome started a new calendar system based on the year of his birth.[1]
In contrast, our calendar year is based on Jesus’ birth and he brought a very different gospel with a much better type of peace and salvation!
Caesar’s Jesus-like titles
Surprisingly, various titles given to Caesar Augustus also sound like descriptions linked with Jesus:
- Augustus – someone holy to be revered
- Caesar divi – his divinity with this title is seen in many Roman coins and inscriptions
- Divi filius – son of a god
- Pontifex maximus – the ultimate political and religious ruler/priest
- Caesar Augustus brought an age called “Pax Romana” meaning “Roman Peace,” expanding the Roman borders and unparalleled prosperity – for some.
Competing kingdoms
Whereas Caesar had his kingdom, Jesus came to usher in and teach about a vastly different kingdom. “He went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news (euangelizo/bring gospel) of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 8:1) The kingdom of God is where King Jesus is ruling as in peoples’ lives. We see this in the parallelism in the Lord’s Prayer, “your kingdom come / your will be done on earth as in heaven.”
The gospel/good news of the kingdom of God has endured and expanded for over two millennia. In contrast, the kingdom of the Roman Empire is ancient history with no more gospel/good news proclamations.
The kingdom of God is really good news!
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_Inscription_of_Priene
Such interesting information! I am going to copy this and save it in my Christmas file.