Caesar Augustus was born Gaius Octavius (63 BC–AD 14). He was the high priest or Pontifex Maximus, which was the most important position in religious Rome. He gained sole control over the Roman world and in 27 BC the Roman Senate gave him the title Augustus. Augustus can be translated as “the illustrious one.” It was a title of religious rather than political authority.

Augustus played a crucial role in salvation history, even though he neither knew nor believed in the God of Israel. Augustus established the Pax Romana, the Roman Peace. This Peace enhanced the spread of the gospel greatly. The apostles travelled over vast distances in the Roman Empire, due to good roads and protection.