The Roman Empire: Historical and Biblical Significance

Roman Rule and Its Impact on Biblical Events

The city-state of Rome was founded around 753 BC. Roman domination expanded over Europe, North Africa, and the Near East, with Jerusalem coming under its control by approximately 63 BC. In 30 BC, Augustus Caesar became the Roman emperor, marking the beginning of a relatively peaceful era, though tensions persisted between various nationalities.

The Land of Israel was administered by a series of rulers appointed by Rome, beginning with Herod and later transitioning to Roman governors. Pontius Pilate presided over the crucifixion of Christ, followed by Felix and Festus (Mt 27:24; Acts 23:24, 24:27). Roman authority appointed political leaders (such as Herod and Pilate), religious leaders (like Caiaphas, the high priest, Mt 26:57), and tax collectors (including Matthew and Zacchaeus), who were unpopular among Jews due to their collaboration with the occupying power. The Jewish Supreme Court (Sanhedrin) was permitted to govern in minor affairs, but any death sentence required Roman authorization. In some instances, Roman citizenship could be purchased, granting greater privileges (Act 22:28).

Christian Response to Roman Authority and End-Time Prophecies

Jesus taught His followers to obey the laws of the land, even when it meant submitting to an occupying authority, and in some cases to go beyond what was required (Mt 5:41, 22:16-21). Paul reinforced this teaching, instructing believers to "be subject to the governing authorities" and to pay their taxes (Rom 13:1, 5, 7).

Despite Jesus stating, "My Kingdom is not of this world," many Jews expected the Messiah to liberate them from Roman rule (Lk 19:38, 24:21; Jn 12:13; Act 1:6). His crucifixion shattered their hopes for political freedom, as reflected in their downhearted bewilderment (Lk 24:17; Jn 18:36). However, the freedom Jesus came to provide was of greater significance to the people of that day and remains of eternal value to us (Jn 8:32, 36; Rom 8:2; 1 Thes 1:10).

Paul addressed his letter around 52 AD to "all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints" (Rom 1:7). Jewish believers returning to Rome after the day of Pentecost established the Church there, and during the latter part of the first century, Christians faced intense persecution for refusing to worship the emperor (Acts 2:5-40). Rome is often associated with power, crushing opposition and exhibiting anti-Christian tendencies by forcing worship of 'Caesar'.

Although the term "Revived Roman Empire" does not appear in Scripture, there are references to a powerful governmental regime that will rise to dominate the world during the end times. The Roman Empire, defunct since the fifth century, is believed by some to be revived in some form to fulfill end-time prophecies. Various interpretations of Daniel and Revelation point to either a worldwide political system or a specific nation under a specific ruler — possibilities include Rome, Turkey, or a location in the Middle East (Dan 2:33, 41-43, 7:7, 19-24; Rev 13:1). Rome continues to hold significance in church history and Western civilization, particularly through the political and religious influence of the Roman Catholic Church. Rather than focusing exclusively on how the closing period of human history will unfold, believers should prioritize living for Jesus and sharing the message of salvation with the lost.

Reflection and Application:

• How can we apply Christ’s teaching on submitting to governing authorities in today’s complex political environments?
• In what ways can believers maintain spiritual freedom while living under systems that may oppose Christian values?

See also: end times, Herod, Pilate, nations, Romans (Rom).