The Roman Empire plays an important role in biblical history, especially in relation to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church. Here are some of the key ways the Roman Empire impacts biblical history:
Roman Occupation of Judea
In 63 BC, the Romans under Pompey conquered Jerusalem and brought Judea under direct Roman rule. This set the stage for Roman occupation of Judea during the time of Jesus. The presence of Roman authority figures like Pontius Pilate and Roman soldiers is evident throughout the Gospels.
Jesus and his followers frequently interacted with representatives of Roman authority. For example, in Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. In John 18-19, Jesus is interrogated and sentenced to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate.
Roman Execution Methods
Crucifixion was a method of execution used frequently by the Romans to punish rebels, slaves, and criminals. Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate around 30 AD (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19). The apostle Peter was also crucified, though upside down, during the persecutions of Nero around 64 AD (John 21:18-19).
The prevalence of Roman crucifixion frames the horrific nature of Christ’s suffering and death on behalf of sinners. It also shapes the theology of the cross that emerges in the New Testament as a central theme.
Roman Persecution of Christians
The Book of Acts records several instances of Christians being persecuted by Roman authorities. The apostle Paul asserts his Roman citizenship on multiple occasions to avoid punishment (Acts 16:37-38, 22:25-29). He also appealed his case to Caesar (Acts 25:11), leading to his journey to Rome.
The most intense persecution occurred under Nero after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. Nero falsely blamed Christians and subjected them to horrific torture and death, including being burned alive and fed to wild beasts in the arena (Tacitus Annals 15:44). Peter and Paul were likely martyred in Rome during this outbreak of persecution.
The specter of Roman persecution shapes the identity of the early church. It also serves as the backdrop for portions of Revelation, such as the references to Christian martyrdom (Revelation 6:9, 20:4).
Roman Roads and Infrastructure
The vast system of roads constructed by the Romans helped facilitate trade across the Empire. It also aided in the spread of the gospel in the Book of Acts by allowing apostles like Paul to travel so extensively around the Mediterranean world on their missionary journeys.
Roman infrastructure shows up in several biblical passages as the setting for ministry. In Acts 8:26-40, Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah on the road to Gaza. In Acts 10:1-48, the apostle Peter travels on the road to Caesarea and has a supernatural encounter that leads to the gospel reaching the Gentiles.
Roman Rights of Citizenship
Paul identifies himself as a Roman citizen on several occasions in Acts (Acts 16:37-38, 22:25-29, 25:10-12). First-century Roman citizenship granted certain legal protections and privileges under Roman law.
Paul leverages his rights as a citizen to avoid punishments like beatings and to appeal his case to Caesar when facing trouble from the Jewish authorities. His Roman citizenship provided helpful legal standing as he traveled within the Roman system.
Comparisons of Jesus to Caesar
The imperial cult of ancient Rome deified the emperor and required citizens to worship Caesar as a god. The early Christians refused to worship any god but Jesus, leading to accusations of disloyalty.
The New Testament presents Jesus as the true King in contrast to human rulers like Caesar. In Acts 17:7, Christians are accused of proclaiming Jesus as king in opposition to Caesar. Passages like Revelation 17-18 and Philippians 2:5-11 portray Jesus as victorious over rival human rulers.
Roman Archaeological Discoveries
Archaeological excavations in Rome and Israel over the past several centuries have unearthed artifacts and ruins that provide insight into Roman culture during the 1st century AD and corroborate certain historical aspects of the biblical accounts.
For example, in 1961 archaeologists discovered the “Pilate Stone,” which contained the first extra-biblical reference to Pontius Pilate. In 1990, excavations uncovered a likely location of the Pool of Bethesda described in John 5:2.
Continuing archaeological work helps paint a clearer historical picture of the events described in the New Testament within the context of the Roman Empire.
Greco-Roman Philosophies
The Greco-Roman culture permeating the 1st century Roman Empire emphasized philosophy and rhetoric. Paul’s gospel presentations adapted to these cultural values.
For instance, in Acts 17 during his visit to Athens, Paul quotes Greek philosophers and poets to find common ground with the intellectuals of the Areopagus before introducing them to Jesus and his resurrection. He also frequently structured his letters and sermons using the conventions of rhetoric popular in the Roman world.
The Greco-Roman philosophical context helped shape both the content and form of the New Testament writings as the gospel integrated with the broader culture.
Conclusion
From its armies to its policies, the Roman Empire formed an integral backdrop to the biblical story as it unfolded. Jesus was born during the reign of Caesar Augustus, put on trial under Pilate, and crucified using a Roman method of execution. The apostles regularly encountered Roman authorities during their travels and faced persecution from emperors like Nero. Roman infrastructure facilitated the spread of Christianity in the Book of Acts across the Empire.
Understanding the historical context of Roman rule provides deeper insight into the world of the New Testament and elucidates the courageous faith of early believers who followed Jesus at significant personal risk. Though an oppressive force in many ways, the Roman Empire played an indirect role in fostering the growth of biblical history by creating a common language and trade routes, as well as by bringing critical focus to the tension between God’s kingdom and worldly rulers.