Luke 2:1

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And it came to pass in those days - a general reference to the foregoing transactions, particularly the birth of John, which preceded that of our Lord by about six months ().

That there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus - the first of the Roman emperors --

That all the world - that is, the Roman empire; so called as being now virtually world-wide.

Should be taxed - or 'enrolled,' or 'register themselves.'