What does the Bible say about Rome?

Rome in Biblical History

Rome, as the ancient seat of a vast empire, appears prominently throughout the New Testament. The Roman Empire provided the geopolitical context for many pivotal biblical events. According to archaeological records, Rome was already a significant power by the first century BC, and by the time of the Gospels, Roman authority extended over much of the Mediterranean world, including Judea. Scripture depicts Rome as both the backdrop for key moments in the life of Jesus and the early Church and, ultimately, as a place where the message of salvation would be proclaimed.

Prophetic Foreshadowing

Some biblical interpreters identify Rome in the visions of Daniel, particularly in Daniel 2:33–40, where the prophetic description refers to an empire symbolized by legs of iron, indicating great strength. The interpretation sees the iron kingdom as representing the Roman Empire, known historically for its formidable legions and extensive roads. The Book of Revelation contains imagery of a city on seven hills (Revelation 17:9), a detail often linked to Rome’s renowned topography.

Rome in the Gospels

1. Caesar Augustus and the Birth of Jesus

Rome’s influence is evident from the outset of the New Testament. In Luke 2:1, Caesar Augustus issues a decree for a census, compelling Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Archaeological and historical documents (such as the Res Gestae Divi Augusti) attest to Augustus’s extensive enactments of census registrations.

2. Pontius Pilate and the Crucifixion

The prefect of Judea, Pontius Pilate, was a Roman official who presided over the trial of Jesus (John 19:10–16). As recorded in both biblical and extrabiblical sources (e.g., the writings of Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews 18.3.3), Pilate is historically verified. Scripturally, Pilate’s judgment of Jesus highlights Rome’s pivotal role in the crucifixion.

Paul’s Journey to Rome

1. The Book of Acts

The Apostle Paul’s voyage to Rome is meticulously documented in Acts 27–28. After appealing to Caesar, Paul traveled under Roman guard. Acts 28:14–16 notes, “And so we came to Rome... And when we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” Archaeological evidence of Roman roads, maritime navigation routes, and harbor facilities at Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli) corroborates Luke’s detailed descriptions.

2. Ministry and Imprisonment

Paul’s Roman imprisonment gave him a platform from which to write several epistles, traditionally known as the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), though the precise location of writing remains a matter of scholarly study. Acts 28:30–31 testifies, “Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to see him. Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Early Christian traditions also place the final days of both Paul and the Apostle Peter in Rome.

The Epistle to the Romans

1. Theological Significance

The Book of Romans is often regarded as one of the most profound expositions of faith in Scripture. Romans 1:7 addresses “all in Rome who are loved by God, called to be saints,” confirming the existence of a Christian community in the capital city. Its themes include justification by faith (Romans 3:21–28), the significance of Abraham’s faith (Romans 4:1–25), and living in harmony as believers (Romans 12:9–21).

2. Historical Context

By the mid-first century AD, Rome housed a diverse Christian congregation, including both Jewish and Gentile believers (Romans 1:14–16). Archaeological finds, such as first-century inscriptions and catacomb artwork, in addition to references by early Church Fathers (e.g., Clement of Rome), support the early Christian presence in the city.

Rome and Church Growth

1. Pax Romana and Gospel Spread

Rome’s well-established roads (the famous Roman road system) and enforced peace, known historically as Pax Romana, enabled rapid evangelistic voyages (Galatians 4:4–5). The conditions facilitated the spread of the gospel message, allowing missionaries like Paul and others to travel extensively and share Christ’s teachings.

2. Roman Authorities and Early Persecution

While the early Church took advantage of Rome’s infrastructure, Christians also faced opposition from Roman authorities. This tension surfaces in passages like Acts 25:23–27, where Paul is brought before Roman officials. Later, Roman emperors such as Nero persecuted Christians, an event alluded to in the writings of Tacitus (Annals 15.44) and shaped early Christian identity in the face of trials.

Symbolic References in the New Testament

1. Book of Revelation

Several scholars correlate “Babylon” in Revelation 17–18 with imperial Rome, drawing on the parallels of an oppressive power persecuting believers. Revelation 17:9 mentions “seven mountains,” echoing the well-known description of the seven hills of Rome. These passages serve as both warning and consolation, reminding believers of God’s sovereignty over worldly empires.

2. A Cautionary Tale

Although the name “Rome” may not be explicitly spelled out in these symbolic images, first-century readers often understood the references to a center of political might that opposed God’s people. In this light, the final biblical references to Rome serve as a testament that earthly powers, however grand, cannot stand against the eternal purposes of the Creator.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Enormous archaeological remains—such as temples, monuments, inscriptions, and the extensive network of Roman roads—concur with details recorded in the New Testament. Scholars consulting the works of Tacitus, Suetonius, and Josephus find consistent accounts of Roman governance in Judea. The existence of Roman political figures mentioned in the Gospels and Acts (Pilate, Felix, Festus) is validated by inscriptional evidence like the “Pilate Stone,” discovered in Caesarea Maritima.

Lessons and Theological Reflections

1. Human Government under Divine Authority

Throughout Scripture, Rome represents a formidable human government. Yet biblical teaching emphasizes God’s ultimate sovereignty. As Paul writes, “There is no authority except that which is from God” (Romans 13:1). Believers were instructed to submit to governing authorities while acknowledging that God, not Rome, holds ultimate power.

2. The Spread of the Gospel

The infrastructure and environment shaped by Roman governance aided the rapid growth of the early Church, illustrating how even empires can serve God’s redemptive purposes (Philippians 1:12–14). The message of Jesus Christ—centered on His death and resurrection—found its way to the heart of the empire, fulfilling Christ’s own words that the gospel would reach “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

3. Steadfast Faith in Persecution

Early Christian history in Rome exemplifies believers remaining resolute amid difficulties. Christians endured trials under various emperors, yet the gospel endured and expanded. The faithful resilience of early martyrs, recorded in historical works and Christian tradition, testifies to the transforming power of the risen Christ.

Conclusion

The Bible’s depiction of Rome is multidimensional: it is both the empire that crucified Christ and the strategic road system that facilitated the expansion of His message. From Caesar Augustus in the Nativity accounts to Paul’s final imprisonment, Scripture reflects Rome’s pervasive influence while pointing ultimately to God’s sovereignty over all nations. Supported by historical documents, archaeological findings, and the unified testimony of biblical manuscripts, the biblical portrait of Rome stands as a powerful testament to divine orchestration, historical reliability, and the unstoppable progress of the gospel.