Topical Encyclopedia The term "emperor" is not directly used in the Bible; however, the concept is closely associated with the rulers of the Roman Empire, particularly during the New Testament period. The Roman emperors held supreme authority over the vast territories of the empire, which included Judea and other regions significant to biblical narratives.Roman Emperors in the New Testament 1. Caesar Augustus: Augustus, the first Roman emperor, reigned from 27 BC to AD 14. He is mentioned in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:1 states, "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire." This decree led to Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace. 2. Tiberius Caesar: Tiberius, who reigned from AD 14 to 37, is mentioned during the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus. Luke 3:1 notes, "In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness." Tiberius's reign provides a chronological marker for the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. 3. Claudius Caesar: Claudius, ruling from AD 41 to 54, is referenced in Acts 11:28 and Acts 18:2. Acts 11:28 mentions a prophecy of a famine during his reign: "One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.)" Acts 18:2 notes that Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome, affecting early Christian communities: "There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome." 4. Nero: Nero, who reigned from AD 54 to 68, is not mentioned by name in the New Testament, but his persecution of Christians is historically significant. It is during his reign that the apostles Peter and Paul are traditionally believed to have been martyred. Nero's tyranny and the subsequent persecution of Christians are often seen as a backdrop to the apocalyptic imagery in the Book of Revelation. Theological Implications The presence of Roman emperors in the biblical narrative highlights the tension between earthly and divine authority. Jesus' response to questions about paying taxes to Caesar, as recorded in Matthew 22:21, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," underscores the distinction between secular and spiritual obligations. This teaching emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers. The Roman emperors, with their claims to divinity and absolute power, contrast sharply with the humble and servant-like kingship of Jesus Christ. The early Christians' refusal to worship the emperor as a god often led to persecution, illustrating the conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Symbolism in Revelation The Book of Revelation, written during a time of Roman persecution, uses symbolic language to describe the oppressive nature of imperial power. Revelation 13:1-8 depicts a beast rising from the sea, often interpreted as representing the Roman Empire and its emperors. This imagery serves as a warning against idolatry and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over earthly empires. In summary, while the Bible does not use the term "emperor," the influence and actions of Roman emperors are woven throughout the New Testament, providing historical context and theological depth to the narrative of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The sovereign or supreme monarch of an empire; -- a title of dignity superior to that of king; as, the emperor of Germany or of Austria; the emperor or Czar of Russia.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia EMPERORemp'-er-er ho sebastos; Latin augustus: Greek 4575. sebastos -- reverend, august, hence Augustus, a Roman ... ... reverend, august, hence Augustus, a Roman emperor. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: sebastos Phonetic Spelling: (seb-as-tos') Short Definition: august ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4575.htm - 6k 828. Augoustos -- Augustus, the name of a Roman emperor 2541. Kaisar -- Caesar, a Roman emperor 5086. Tiberios -- Tiberius, a Roman emperor 2804. Klaudios -- Claudius, the name of an Emperor, also an army ... 4759 -- captain of the guard. 935. basileus -- a king 775. Asiarches -- an Asiarch, an official of Asian cities 1375. diogmos -- persecution 3505 -- Nero. Library The Prosphoneticus to the Emperor. Of the Piety of the Emperor Gratianus The Emperor and Empress Philip and the Emperor Of the Death of the Emperor Julian in Persia. Of the Piety of the Emperor Arcadius and the Ordination of John ... After the Death of the Emperor Honorius John Usurps the ... Of the Death of the Emperor Theodosius. Letter C. From the Emperor Marcian. Of Valentinianus the Great Emperor. Thesaurus Emperor (5 Occurrences)... (n.) The sovereign or supreme monarch of an empire; -- a title of dignity superior to that of king; as, the emperor of Germany or of Austria; the ...EMPEROR. ... /e/emperor.htm - 8k Emperor's (1 Occurrence) Caesar's (10 Occurrences) Augustus (4 Occurrences) Praetorian (2 Occurrences) Citizenship (4 Occurrences) Jerusalem (782 Occurrences) Caesar (25 Occurrences) Appeal (30 Occurrences) Nicopolis (1 Occurrence) Resources What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Nero? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the Roman Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Emperor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Emperor (5 Occurrences)Acts 17:7 Acts 25:21 Acts 25:25 1 Peter 2:13 1 Peter 2:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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