Topical Bible: The Roman Empire: Called the World from Its Extent

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◄ The Roman Empire: Called the World from Its Extent ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Roman Empire, often referred to simply as "the world" in biblical texts due to its vast expanse and influence, played a significant role in the historical and cultural context of the New Testament. At its height, the Roman Empire encompassed territories across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, creating a unified political and economic system that facilitated the spread of ideas, including the early Christian message.

Historical Context

The Roman Empire's dominance began in the first century BC and continued into the early centuries AD. It was characterized by a centralized government, a complex legal system, and a network of roads that connected distant provinces. This infrastructure allowed for relatively safe and efficient travel, which was crucial for the dissemination of the Gospel.

Biblical References

In the New Testament, the Roman Empire is often implied rather than explicitly named. The term "the world" is used to describe the extent of Roman influence. For instance, in Luke 2:1 , it is written, "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world." This passage highlights the administrative reach of the Empire, as decrees from the emperor affected populations across vast regions.

The Apostle Paul, a Roman citizen, utilized the Empire's infrastructure to travel extensively, spreading the Christian faith. His Roman citizenship afforded him certain legal protections and privileges, as seen in Acts 22:25-29 , where Paul asserts his rights to avoid unlawful punishment.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Roman Empire was a melting pot of cultures and religions, with a pantheon of gods and a strong tradition of emperor worship. This presented both challenges and opportunities for early Christians. On one hand, the prevalence of pagan practices and the deification of emperors often led to persecution, as Christians refused to worship anyone but the one true God. On the other hand, the relative peace and stability of the Pax Romana allowed for the rapid spread of Christianity.

The Roman legal system also played a role in the early Church's development. The trial and crucifixion of Jesus occurred under Roman authority, as did the trials of many apostles and early Christians. The legal proceedings against Paul, as recorded in Acts, illustrate the complexities of navigating Roman law while proclaiming a message that often stood in opposition to the prevailing cultural norms.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

In prophetic literature, the Roman Empire is often associated with the fourth beast in Daniel's vision (Daniel 7:7) and the iron legs of Nebuchadnezzar's statue (Daniel 2:40). These symbols represent the Empire's strength and its role in God's unfolding plan for history. The Book of Revelation also alludes to the Roman Empire, using imagery that many scholars interpret as references to Rome's power and eventual decline.

Legacy

The Roman Empire's legacy is profound, influencing legal systems, languages, and cultures long after its fall. For Christians, the Empire's infrastructure and political environment were instrumental in the early Church's growth. The spread of Christianity throughout the Roman world laid the foundation for the faith's global reach, fulfilling Jesus' command to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Grecian Literature, and the Roman Empire.
... This empire embraced the most fertile and civilized countries ... religion of poesy,
so was the Roman the work ... from the first believed themselves called to govern ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 12 grecian literature and.htm

The Roman Empire at the Time of the Birth of Christ. Upwards of a ...
... his administration, was one of the wonders of the world. ... Nor is it strange that the
Roman Empire at this ... for the votaries of what was called wisdom entertained ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the roman empire.htm

Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World
... a Greek dramatist wrote a play called "The Braggart ... as destined not to destroy but
to recreate the empire. ... that his references to matters of Roman history, and ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 3 lukes attitude towards.htm

Phial the Fourth, on the Sun of the Bestial Heaven.
... and above the earth and waters, is called heaven, in the ... as we may say, the Papal
world, destroying vast ... the first emperor to the Papal Roman empire, though the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/phial the fourth on the.htm

The vision
... could have been possible, when the Roman empire was desolated ... rejection should be
the reconciliation of the world. ... means the Gentiles were not called in their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the vision .htm

Luke's Account of the Enrollment
... principle of systematic "enrollment" in the Roman world, not to ... city of David, which
is called Bethlehem, because ... of the procedure in the Roman empire was as ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 6 lukes account of.htm

The Second Trumpet.
... we are to judge of this tenfold Roman division. ... destroyed the kingdom of the Ostrogoths,
being called forth in ... In the remainder of the dominion of the empire. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the second trumpet.htm

The Final Conflict.
... it must continue till the end of the world: the earth ... As only in its divided form,
the Roman empire continues till ... they that are with him are called and chosen ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the final conflict.htm

The Meaning of the Seventh Seal, that Is, of the Seven Trumpets.
... For thunderings are called qvlvt, that is, voices ... Spirit with the other empires of
the world, to a ... I understand of the bounds of the Roman empire, embracing in ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning of the seventh.htm

Periods of Church History.
... so that it may be called the church of ... of Jerusalem, the dissolution of the Roman
empire, fierce persecutions ... and the destinies of the world; marching over the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 4 periods of church.htm