Topical Encyclopedia The Roman Empire, a dominant force during the New Testament period, is frequently alluded to in the Bible, particularly in the context of its military prowess and the roles of various military officers. The Roman military was a symbol of power and authority, often intersecting with the lives of early Christians and the spread of the Gospel.Centurions and Their Influence Centurions, commanders of a hundred soldiers, are mentioned several times in the New Testament, often depicted as figures of authority and respect. In Matthew 8:5-13, a centurion approaches Jesus in Capernaum, seeking healing for his servant. His faith is commended by Jesus, who states, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). This encounter highlights the centurion's understanding of authority, both earthly and divine. Similarly, in Acts 10, Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is described as "a devout man who feared God" (Acts 10:2). His vision and subsequent interaction with Peter mark a pivotal moment in the early Church, as the Gospel begins to reach the Gentiles. Cornelius's role underscores the openness of the Roman military to the Christian message and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers. Military Tribunes and Their Roles Military tribunes, senior officers in the Roman army, also appear in the biblical narrative. In Acts 21:31-40, the tribune Claudius Lysias intervenes during a riot in Jerusalem, rescuing Paul from the mob. His actions demonstrate the Roman commitment to maintaining order and justice, albeit through their own legal system. Claudius Lysias's decision to send Paul to Governor Felix for trial (Acts 23:26-30) further illustrates the complex relationship between Roman law and the early Christian movement. The Roman Army and the Crucifixion The Roman military's involvement in the crucifixion of Jesus is a significant aspect of the Gospel accounts. Roman soldiers are depicted as carrying out the execution, a method reserved for the most severe criminals and rebels against the state. In John 19:23-24, the soldiers divide Jesus' garments, fulfilling the prophecy, "They divided My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing" (John 19:24). This act, while routine for the soldiers, is laden with theological significance, emphasizing the fulfillment of Scripture. Paul and the Roman Military The Apostle Paul's interactions with the Roman military are numerous and varied. His Roman citizenship afforded him certain protections and privileges, which he utilized to further his mission. In Acts 16:37-39, Paul invokes his rights as a Roman citizen after being unjustly beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, leading to an apology from the magistrates. This incident highlights the legal framework within which the early Christians operated and the strategic use of Roman law to advance the Gospel. In Acts 27, Paul's journey to Rome under the guard of a centurion named Julius illustrates the respect and trust he garnered from Roman officers. Despite being a prisoner, Paul is allowed certain freedoms and ultimately plays a crucial role in the survival of all aboard the ship during a perilous storm. This narrative underscores the providential care of God and the influence of Christian witness even within the Roman military structure. Conclusion The Roman Empire's military officers, from centurions to tribunes, are portrayed in the New Testament as figures of authority who often intersect with the Christian narrative. Their interactions with Jesus, the apostles, and early believers reveal a complex relationship between the burgeoning Christian faith and the Roman state, marked by moments of faith, justice, and divine providence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 21:31And as they went about to kill him, tidings came to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 23:23,24 Library New Testament History and Prophecy. The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The First Theban Empire The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ... The Political Constitution of Egypt the Legendary History of Egypt [Endnotes] Resources What is the significance of the Roman Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Holy Roman Empire? | GotQuestions.org What is Roman Catholicism? | GotQuestions.org Roman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Irony: The Roman Soldiers to Jesus Roman Empire: Citizenship In by Birth Roman Empire: Citizenship In by Purchase Roman Empire: Ruled by Augustus Caesar Roman Empire: Ruled by Claudius Caesar Roman Empire: Ruled by Tiberius Caesar Roman Empire: The Right of Appeal Roman Empire: The Right of Trial Roman Empire: The Rights of Citizens The Roman Empire: Allusions to Citizenship of Exempted from the Degradation Scourging The Roman Empire: Allusions to Citizenship of Obtained by Birth The Roman Empire: Allusions to Citizenship of Obtained by Purchase The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Crowning of Conquerors The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Foot Races The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Gladiatorial Fights The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Rules Observed in Conducting The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Training of Combatants The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Wrestling The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Accused Person Protected from Popular Violence The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Accusers and Accused Confronted Together The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of all Appeals Made to the Emperor The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Garments of Those Executed Given to the Soldiers The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Person Accused, Examined by Scourging The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Power of Life and Death Vested in Its Authorities The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Prisoners Chained to Soldiers for Safety The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Crowning of Soldiers Who Distinguished Themselves The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Danger of Sentinels' Sleeping The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Different Military officers The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Hardship Endured by Soldiers The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Italian and Augustus' Band The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Strict Obedience to Superiors The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Triumphs of Victorious Generals The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Use of the Panoply or Defensive Armour The Roman Empire: Called the World from Its Extent The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Augustus The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Claudius The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Nero The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Tiberius The Roman Empire: Judea a Province of, Under a Procurator or a Governor The Roman Empire: Predictions Respecting: Its Division Into Ten Parts The Roman Empire: Predictions Respecting: Its Universal Dominion The Roman Empire: Predictions Respecting: Origin of Papal Power In The Roman Empire: Represented by The: Legs of Iron in Nebuchadnezzar's Vision The Roman Empire: Represented by The: Terrible Beast in Daniel's Vision The Roman Empire: Rome the Capitol of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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