2:1–7 The primary purpose of this first paragraph is to set the stage for the angelic anthem (vv. 13–14) and the visit of the shepherds (vv. 15–20). Another purpose, however, is to place the birth of Jesus in the context of Rome’s greatest emperor, Caesar Augustus (see note below). Just as the edict of the Persian king Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple accomplished God’s plans (see 2 Chron. 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–4; Isa. 44:28–45:1), so Augustus’ order that a census should be taken played an important part in God’s redemptive plan. The census was to ascertain the income, property, and wealth of the inhabitants for purposes of taxation. Since everyone was to register in his own town (v. 3), Joseph went to Bethlehem (v. 4). For Luke, the significance of the trip to Bethlehem (see Mic. 5:…