Rome

At a Glance

Rome is the imperial capital and a major New Testament city tied to Paul, mission, and the symbolism of empire.

Key Points

• Rome is both a real city and, at times, a symbol of imperial power.
• Paul writes to the church in Rome and later arrives there as a prisoner.
• In apocalyptic texts Rome can function as a theological image of arrogant world power.

Description

Rome is the imperial capital and a major New Testament city tied to Paul, mission, and the symbolism of empire. Rome is present behind the whole New Testament setting, but it comes into more direct view in Paul's letters and Acts. It also lurks behind apocalyptic portrayals of oppressive imperial power. Historically, Rome governed a vast imperial system through the senate, emperor, military power, and legal administration. It was a cosmopolitan city marked by patronage, wealth, violence, public religion, and social hierarchy. Rome illustrates the tension between the church's mission into the heart of the nations and the danger of concentrated political idolatry. The gospel reaches the empire's center without being absorbed by it.

Biblical Context

Rome is present behind the whole New Testament setting, but it comes into more direct view in Paul's letters and Acts. It also lurks behind apocalyptic portrayals of oppressive imperial power.

Historical Context

Historically, Rome governed a vast imperial system through the senate, emperor, military power, and legal administration. It was a cosmopolitan city marked by patronage, wealth, violence, public religion, and social hierarchy.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Rome represented both the foreign power ruling the land and a strategic center from which influence moved outward across the empire.

Primary Key Texts

• Acts 19:21 - Paul sets his aim to see Rome.
• Acts 28:14-31 - Paul arrives in Rome and continues preaching there.
• Romans 1:7-15 - Paul writes to the believers in Rome and longs to visit them.

Secondary Key Texts

• Acts 23:11 - The Lord promises Paul that he must testify also in Rome.
• Acts 25:10-12 - Appeal to Caesar sends Paul toward Rome under imperial process.
• 2 Timothy 4:16-17 - Roman legal setting frames Paul's final testimony.
• Revelation 17:9, 18 - Rome stands behind major early Christian readings of Babylon imagery.

Theological Significance

Rome illustrates the tension between the church's mission into the heart of the nations and the danger of concentrated political idolatry. The gospel reaches the empire's center without being absorbed by it.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not read Rome's military or political strength as moral approval, and do not detach its history from God's providence, judgment, patience, and purposes for his people.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry touches mission, political theology, persecution, and the relation between the gospel and imperial culture.

Practical Significance

Rome reminds believers that the gospel must enter the centers of power without baptizing the ambitions of power.

Related Entries

• Roman Empire
• Paul
• Caesar
• revelation

See Also

• Greco-Roman world
• Edict of Milan
• Gentiles