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"Whole World" in Luke 2:1 Include Russia?

From: Questions and Answers on Scripture: From the Bible Treasury

Narrator: Chris Genthree

Luke 2:1 • 1 min. read • grade level: 6

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Question: Does “the whole world” in Luke 2:1¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (Luke 2:1) include Russia, &c., or merely the Roman Empire?

Answer: It is clear that a decree of Augustus or any other emperor could not run in its effect outside the empire. But it was the phrase of the day, as we see in Acts 24:5⁵For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: (Acts 24:5). To a Roman the orbs ruled the orbern terrarum. The world and the empire were the same; all without was of no account. But the apostles had a true and larger view, as we may see in Acts 17:31³¹Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:31), Heb. 2:5⁵For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. (Hebrews 2:5), Rev. 3⁵He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5); 10, and elsewhere.

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