Topical Bible: The Roman Empire: Rome the Capitol of

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Introduction

The Roman Empire, a dominant force in the ancient world, played a significant role in the context of the New Testament. Rome, as the capital of this vast empire, was not only a political and military hub but also a center of culture, commerce, and religion. Its influence extended throughout the Mediterranean region and beyond, impacting the lives of early Christians and shaping the backdrop of the New Testament narrative.

Historical Context

Rome's rise to power began in the 8th century BC, eventually evolving from a monarchy to a republic, and finally to an imperial power under Augustus Caesar in 27 BC. By the time of the New Testament, Rome had established itself as the epicenter of a sprawling empire that encompassed territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, facilitated the spread of ideas, trade, and, significantly, the early Christian message.

Rome in the New Testament

Rome is mentioned explicitly in several New Testament passages, reflecting its importance in the early Christian era. The Apostle Paul, a Roman citizen by birth, had a profound connection with the city. In his Epistle to the Romans, Paul writes, "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:7). This letter, one of Paul's most theologically rich epistles, was addressed to the Christian community in Rome, highlighting the city's significance as a center for early Christianity.

Paul's journey to Rome is documented in the Book of Acts. After appealing to Caesar, Paul was taken to Rome as a prisoner, fulfilling his long-held desire to preach the gospel there. Acts 28:14-16 states, "And so we came to Rome. There the brothers and sisters from Rome heard about us and came as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people, Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him."

Cultural and Religious Influence

Rome's cultural and religious landscape was diverse, with a pantheon of gods and a strong emphasis on emperor worship. This environment posed challenges for early Christians, who were often viewed with suspicion and faced persecution for their refusal to worship the emperor or participate in pagan rituals. Despite these challenges, the Christian faith continued to grow, eventually gaining legal status under Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century AD.

The city's infrastructure, including its roads and communication networks, facilitated the spread of Christianity. The Roman legal system, while sometimes a source of persecution, also provided a framework for the protection of certain rights, as seen in Paul's appeal to Caesar.

Conclusion

Rome, as the capital of the Roman Empire, was a city of immense power and influence during the New Testament period. Its role in the spread of Christianity and its mention in the biblical narrative underscore its significance in the early church's history. The city's complex cultural and religious environment presented both challenges and opportunities for the nascent Christian movement, shaping the context in which the gospel message was proclaimed and received.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 18:2
And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 19:21
After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether the Great Extent and Long Duration of the Roman Empire ...
... Great Extent and Long Duration of the Roman Empire Should Be ... part performed by the
great gods, whereby Rome has been ... by his sceptre and by the Capitol on the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 whether the great extent.htm

The African Rome
... the extent of the privilege conferred by Rome on her ... so to speak, made partners of
the Empire and collaborated in the grandeur of the Roman scheme ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the african rome.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... along with him to fight against the capitol; and many ... he himself made haste to go
to Rome, as the ... the advancement of Vespasian and Titus to the Roman empire. ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

I Think I have Offered Sufficient Proof Upon the Question of False ...
... But how utterly foolish it is to attribute the greatness of the Roman name to religious
merits, since it was after Rome became an empire, or call it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xxv i think i.htm

Conclusion, the Romans Owe not their Imperial Power to their Gods ...
... his own Crete to be subdued by the Roman fasces, forgetting ... slave [1086] of Admetus
[1087] aggrandizes with empire the citizens of Rome, although he ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xvii conclusion the romans.htm

The Sack of Rome
... even said that in these conditions the Roman avarice produced ... The capture of Rome
by Alaric was not a national ... had no thought at all of destroying the Empire. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the sack of rome.htm

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ...
... in the middle of the market-place at Rome, and Otho ... by a great number of Greek and
Roman authors; yet ... Jerusalem, and stood waiting whither the empire would be ...
/.../chapter 9 that vespasian after.htm

The Counsel of Gamaliel.
... The banner of the cross was displayed on the Capitol of Rome; and the ... unfriended,
calumniated and opposed by the whole force of the Roman empire, it went ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vii the counsel of.htm

Index.
... Military service of Christians under the Roman Empire, 18 ... Poetical contests on the
Capitol, 282 ... Popes, their portraits in the basilicas of Rome, 209; their tombs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lanciani/pagan and christian rome/index 2.htm

The City of Gold
... in both hemispheres, these great Roman lords possessed them in every country in
the Empire. ... of the City when Augustin was in Rome, had considerable ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the city of gold.htm