Lexical Summary Rhómaios: Romans, Roman, Rome Original Word: Ῥωμαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Roman, of Rome. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman (as noun) -- Roman, of Rome. see GREEK Rhome NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Rhómé Definition Roman NASB Translation Roman (5), Romans (6), Rome (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4514: ῬωμαῖοςῬωμαῖος, Ρ᾽ωμαιου, ὁ, a Roman: John 11:48; Acts 2:10 (R. V. here from Rome); Acts 16:21, 37; Acts 22:25-27, 29; Acts 23:27; Acts 25:16; Acts 28:17. ((Polybius, Josephus, others); often in 1 and 2 Macc.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range Strong’s 4514 designates a person belonging to Rome, whether by ethnicity, residence, or civic status. In the New Testament the word ranges from an adjective (“Roman customs”) to a substantive (“a Roman citizen”), and it can accent either political allegiance or legal privilege. Historical Background Rome’s dominion in the first century provided a unified political framework, common language corridors, and an extensive road system. Citizenship—secured by birth, purchase, manumission, or imperial grant—conferred notable privileges: legal protection, exemption from degrading punishments, and the right of appeal to Caesar. These factors shaped how early believers interacted with civil authorities and aided the rapid spread of the gospel. New Testament Usage 1. As a political or cultural descriptor (Acts 16:21; John 11:48). Roman Citizenship and Legal Protections Paul’s appeal to his civic status illuminates the protective scope of Roman law: These episodes show Paul’s strategic use of lawful rights to preserve his life and extend his witness. The gospel advanced, not by violent revolt, but within the orderly channels of Roman jurisprudence. Jewish Perceptions of Roman Rule John 11:48 records the Sanhedrin’s anxiety: “the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” Roman authority was viewed simultaneously as a threat to Jewish autonomy and as a check against mob violence (Acts 21:31-32). This tension formed the backdrop for apostolic ministry among both Jews and Gentiles. Pentecost and the Roman World Acts 2:10 identifies “visitors from Rome” among those who heard the Spirit-empowered proclamation. The presence of Roman Jews and proselytes in Jerusalem ensured that the gospel reached the empire’s heart early, likely laying groundwork for the church later addressed in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Missionary Opportunities within the Empire The Pax Romana supplied safe travel, while Latin and widespread Greek facilitated communication. Paul’s eventual transfer to Rome (Acts 28:17) placed the apostle in the empire’s capital, enabling proclamations “without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). Roman soldiers, officials, and household servants became conduits for the message (Philippians 1:13; 4:22). Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty: God used Roman structures to protect His servants and widen their audience. Practical Ministry Lessons • Respect for civil authority and prudent use of legal rights can open doors for testimony. Summary Strong’s 4514 encapsulates more than a national label; it highlights the providential alignment of Roman power and gospel mission. The early church’s interaction with Romans displays wise citizenship, courageous witness, and an unwavering confidence that God’s kingdom transcends every earthly empire. Forms and Transliterations Ρωμαιοι Ῥωμαῖοι Ῥωμαῖοί Ρωμαιοις Ῥωμαίοις Ρωμαιον Ῥωμαῖον Ρωμαιος Ῥωμαῖος Ῥωμαῖός Ρωμαιους Ῥωμαίους Ρωμαιων Ῥωμαίων Rhomaioi Rhomaîoi Rhomaîoí Rhōmaioi Rhōmaîoi Rhōmaîoí Rhomaiois Rhomaíois Rhōmaiois Rhōmaíois Rhomaion Rhomaíon Rhomaîon Rhōmaion Rhōmaiōn Rhōmaíōn Rhōmaîon Rhomaios Rhomaîos Rhomaîós Rhōmaios Rhōmaîos Rhōmaîós Rhomaious Rhomaíous Rhōmaious Rhōmaíous Romaioi Rōmaioi Romaiois Rōmaiois Romaion Rōmaion Rōmaiōn Romaios Rōmaios Romaious RōmaiousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 11:48 Adj-NMPGRK: ἐλεύσονται οἱ Ῥωμαῖοι καὶ ἀροῦσιν NAS: will believe in Him, and the Romans will come KJV: him: and the Romans shall come and INT: will come the Romans and will take away Acts 2:10 Adj-NMP Acts 16:21 Adj-DMP Acts 16:37 Adj-AMP Acts 16:38 Adj-NMP Acts 22:25 Adj-AMS Acts 22:26 Adj-NMS Acts 22:27 Adj-NMS Acts 22:29 Adj-NMS Acts 23:27 Adj-NMS Acts 25:16 Adj-DMP Acts 28:17 Adj-GMP Strong's Greek 4514 |
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