John Trapp on Luke 2:1

CHAP. II.

Verse 1. A decree from Cesar Augustus] BY a sweet providence of God, that Christ might be born at Bethlehem, according to the Scriptures. Howbeit Augustus thought not so (as it is said in another case of Nebuchadnezzar, Esay 10.) but ambitiously sought the setting forth of his own greatnesse, and large command, and carried it without punishment; when as David smarted sore for a like offence. But God will take that from others, that he will not bear with in his own. Amos 3. 2. That all the world] That is, the Romane world: but such was their ambition, that though they had but a part, yet they stiled themselves Lords of all the World. So the Pope (the image of that Beast) will needs be stiled Universall Bishop. The Great Turk (that Eastern Antichrist) calls himselfe God on earth, Sole Monarch of the [illegible: 1 word], Commander of all that can be commanded, &c. and by many other such like swelling titles.