Overview
The Roman Empire maintained strict control over its territories, including Judea and the Mediterranean world where the early church developed. Roman citizenship, law, and military authority shaped the context of Jesus's crucifixion and the apostles' ministry. The empire's extensive road systems and relative peace during the Pax Romana actually facilitated the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the known world.
Key Scriptures
"Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.'" (John 19:19, ESV)
"And when they had examined me, they wished to release me, because there was no crime in me. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar." (Acts 25:25, NASB)
"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered." (Luke 2:1, ESV)
Application
Recognize that God sovereignly uses worldly authorities and circumstances to accomplish His purposes in spreading the gospel.
✦ Scripture References 40 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 107 verses
Accusation in writing placed over the head of those executed
Accused person protected from popular violence
Accusers and accused confronted together
All appeals made to the emperor
Augustus
Called the world from its extent
Claudius
Criminals delivered over to the soldiers for execution
Crowning of conquerors
Crowning of soldiers who distinguished themselves
Danger of sentinels' sleeping
Different military officers
Exempted from the degradation scourging
Expunging from the muster roll name of soldiers guilty of crimes
Foot races
Garments of those executed given to the soldiers
Gladiatorial fights
Hardship endured by soldiers
Italian and Augustus' band
Its division into ten parts
Its universal dominion
Judea a province of, under a procurator or a governor
Legs of iron in Nebuchadnezzar's vision
Nero
Obtained by birth
Obtained by purchase
Origin of papal power in
Person accused, examined by scourging
Power of life and death vested in its authorities
Prisoners chained to soldiers for safety
Rome the capitol of
Rules observed in conducting
Soldiers not allowed to entangle themselves with earthly cares
Strict obedience to superiors
Terrible beast in Daniel's vision
The soldier's special comrade who shared his toils and dangers
Those who appealed to Caesar, to be brought before him
Tiberius
Training of combatants
Triumphs of victorious generals
Use of the panoply or defensive armour
Wrestling