Rome is mentioned several times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. As the capital of the Roman Empire during New Testament times, Rome played a key role in early Christianity. Here is an overview of the significance of Rome according to the Bible:
Rome in the Old Testament
Although Rome is never directly mentioned by name in the Old Testament, there are a few prophecies that may refer to Rome or the Roman Empire:
– Daniel 2 refers to a series of world empires, starting with Babylon but culminating in an unnamed kingdom of iron that would conquer the world. Many scholars believe this refers to Rome.
– Daniel 7 describes four beasts representing kingdoms, the last of which has ten horns. This is often interpreted as the Roman Empire and its eventual split into smaller nations.
– Daniel 9 speaks of a ruler who will destroy Jerusalem and the temple, which happened under the Roman general Titus in 70 AD.
So while not directly named, Rome seems to be alluded to in prophecies about mighty pagan empires that would dominate Israel and much of the world. The Jews would have recognized Rome as the major world power of their day.
Rome in the Gospels and Acts
The city of Rome takes on greater prominence in the New Testament, especially in the gospels and Acts:
– Jesus was born during the reign of Augustus Caesar (Luke 2:1), the first Roman emperor.
– The Roman province of Syria and its governor Quirinius are mentioned in connection with Jesus’ birth narrative (Luke 2:2).
– Roman soldiers were involved in Jesus’ mockery and crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea (Matthew 27, John 18-19).
– Roman centurions (commanding officers) are portrayed positively several times in the gospels for their faith (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10).
– Roman taxation is mentioned and contributed to Jewish resentment against their rulers (Luke 2:1-5).
– The book of Acts includes several important scenes involving Roman authorities:
1) Roman authorities persecuted early Christians from Jerusalem (Acts 8-9).
2) The Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus was converted on Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12).
3) Paul used his Roman citizenship to his advantage in spreading the gospel (Acts 16:35-40, 22:22-29).
4) Paul was taken to Rome under guard to appeal his case before Caesar (Acts 27-28).
So the gospels and Acts portray Rome as an occupying force and center of power that strongly impacted the ministry of Jesus and the early church.
Paul’s Letter to the Romans
The most significant mention of Rome comes in Paul’s New Testament letter to the Romans. Some key points:
– Paul wrote to the Christian community living in the capital and seat of the empire. They were residents of the most powerful city in the known world at that time.
– But Paul speaks of their faith in Jesus, not their Roman citizenship, as their core identity (Romans 1:6-7).
– In chapters 13-14, Paul tackles issues of how Christians should relate to governing authorities like Rome. He emphasizes submission to government while still prioritizing God.
– The theological themes in Romans emphasize the universal nature of the gospel going out from Jerusalem to the very center of the Gentile world in Rome.
– Paul hoped to gain the support of the Roman Christians for further missionary journeys in Spain (Romans 15:23-24). Rome would serve as a launching point.
So Rome features prominently in Paul’s plans to bring the saving message of Jesus from the eastern Mediterranean to the farthest reaches of the western Roman Empire.
Rome in Revelation
The city of Rome also shows up in symbolic visions in Revelation:
– Revelation 17 describes “Babylon the Great,” a city seated on seven hills which rules over the kings of the earth. This is commonly accepted as a coded reference to Rome.
– “Babylon” is depicted as wealthy, corrupt, idolatrous, immoral, and drunk on the blood of martyrs. This reflects early Christian views of Rome as evil, decadent, and complicit in persecution.
– The “beast” likely refers to the emperor and his power, while the “prostitute” symbolizes the city of Rome itself in all its worldly excess.
– “Babylon’s” ultimate downfall is prophesied, reflecting Christian hopes that Rome’s pagan empire would eventually cede to God’s eternal kingdom.
So in Revelation, Rome epitomizes lavish wealth, self-indulgence, and opposition to God’s people. It functions as an antithesis to the coming kingdom inaugurated by Jesus Christ.
Conclusions on the Significance of Rome
In summary, here are some key conclusions about how Rome is portrayed in the Bible:
– Rome represents Gentile (non-Jewish) world power at its peak, ruling an empire that covered the ancient Mediterranean region and beyond.
– Rome appears in prophecies about pagan kingdoms that would oppose God’s people and dominate Israel.
– Rome ruled over Judea during Jesus’ earthly ministry, influencing his life and early Christianity.
– The early church used Roman roads, laws, and citizenship to spread the gospel, even while being persecuted by Roman authorities.
– Paul saw Rome as a gateway for westward expansion of Christianity through the empire.
– Revelation depicts Rome metaphorically as an affluent but idolatrous and immoral empire destined to fall.
– Rome epitomized the earthly power, wealth, and temptations that Christians believed they should avoid and stand against.
So in the Bible, Rome functions as a major political and cultural force, the pinnacle of human empires and societies. Yet it represents both an opportunity for impact and an evil to be overturned by the advancing Kingdom of God inaugurated by Jesus Christ. Rome is both a setting and a symbol that shapes how the biblical narrative unfolds.