Augustus (äu-gŭs'tus), venerable. A title given to the Cæsars by the Roman Senate, first applied in b.c. 27 to C. J. C. Octavianus. This was four years after the battle of Actium. Augustus was the emperor who appointed the enrollment, Luke 2:1, causing Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born. He also closed the temple of Janus, in token of the rare occurrence, a universal peace; thus unconsciously celebrating the coming of the Prince of Peace. He died a.d. 14, having two years before admitted Tiberius Cæsar to a share in the government. In Acts 25:21; Acts 25:25, the title (translated the emperor in. R. V.) refers to Nero.