Rome
Summary
Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire and the city where Paul lived as a prisoner for two years, writing several of his epistles and eventually suffering martyrdom.
☩The City and Its Importance
Rome, situated on the Tiber River about fifteen miles from its mouth, was the capital of the ancient Western world. The famous "seven hills" formed the nucleus of the ancient city on the left bank of the river. The city grew from humble beginnings to become the center of a vast empire embracing the Mediterranean world. Its population in the time of Christ is estimated at between 800,000 and 2,000,000, including a large proportion of slaves. The city's public buildings were magnificent, including the Forum, Capitoline temple, and later the Colosseum, though many dwelling houses were dangerously dilapidated.
☩Jews and Christians in Rome
A significant Jewish population existed in Rome from the time of Pompey's conquests, with their own quarter across the Tiber. Claudius Caesar expelled Jews from Rome around AD 49, which brought Aquila and Priscilla to Corinth where they met Paul. The church at Rome was established early, perhaps by converts from the Day of Pentecost who returned home. When Paul wrote to the Romans about AD 58, the faith of this church was "proclaimed throughout the whole world." The Christians were later persecuted severely under Nero, who used them as scapegoats for the great fire of Rome.
☩Paul's Ministry in Rome
Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner about AD 60-61 after his appeal to Caesar. He was allowed to stay in his own rented quarters, chained to a Roman soldier, for two years. Despite his imprisonment, he preached to all who came to him, and the gospel spread even into Caesar's household. From Rome he wrote the epistles to the Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon. According to tradition, after a period of freedom Paul was imprisoned again in Rome and martyred there during Nero's persecution.
Related Verses14 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Rome," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Rome," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Rome," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Rome, Romans," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.George Morrish, "Rome," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).