Topical Encyclopedia The term "emperor" is not directly used in the Bible; however, the concept is closely associated with the rulers of the Roman Empire, particularly during the New Testament period. The Roman emperors held significant influence over the regions mentioned in the New Testament, including Judea, where Jesus lived and ministered.Roman Emperors in the New Testament 1. Augustus Caesar: Augustus, the first Roman emperor, reigned from 27 BC to AD 14. He is mentioned in the context of the census that led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace. "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world" (Luke 2:1). 2. Tiberius Caesar: Tiberius, the successor of Augustus, reigned from AD 14 to 37. His reign is noted during the ministry of John the Baptist and the early ministry of Jesus. "In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness" (Luke 3:1-2). 3. Claudius Caesar: Claudius reigned from AD 41 to 54. He is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, particularly in relation to a famine and the expulsion of Jews from Rome. "One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the entire world. (This happened under Claudius.)" (Acts 11:28). "After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome" (Acts 18:1-2). 4. Nero Caesar: Nero, who reigned from AD 54 to 68, is often associated with the persecution of Christians. Although not directly named in the New Testament, his reign is the backdrop for much of the apostolic activity and the martyrdom of key figures such as Peter and Paul. Theological Implications The presence of Roman emperors in the New Testament narrative highlights the political and social context of the early Christian church. The emperors' decrees and actions often intersected with God's providential plan, as seen in the birth of Jesus and the spread of the Gospel. The early Christians' interactions with Roman authority also underscore the tension between allegiance to earthly rulers and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Render unto Caesar A significant teaching of Jesus regarding the relationship between His followers and secular authority is found in the synoptic Gospels. When questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responded, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Mark 12:17). This statement emphasizes the distinction between civic duty and spiritual devotion, guiding Christians in their conduct under governmental authority. Emperors and Prophecy The Roman emperors also play a role in biblical prophecy, particularly in the Book of Revelation, where the Roman Empire is symbolically depicted. The imagery of beasts and the persecution of the saints are often interpreted as references to the oppressive nature of Roman rule and its emperors, serving as a backdrop for the ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom. In summary, while the Bible does not use the term "emperor," the influence and actions of Roman emperors are integral to the historical and theological context of the New Testament. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over human history and the enduring call for Christians to navigate their earthly citizenship with a heavenly perspective. Greek 4759 -- captain of the guard. ... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Phonetic Spelling: (strat-op-ed-ar'-khace) Short Definition: commander of the Roman emperor's body-guard Definition: commander ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4759.htm - 5k 4575. sebastos -- reverend, august, hence Augustus, a Roman ... Library The Emperor's Letter to Eusebius Praising Him for Refusing the ... Note on the Emperor's Edict to the Synod. On the Emperor's Return from the West, the Acacians Assemble at ... The Emperor's Mother Helena Having Come to Jerusalem, Searches for ... The Emperor's Invasion of Persia, and Death. Athanasius, Intimidated by the Emperor's Threats, Returns to Rome ... Fragment viii. Those, Moreover, who have the Care of the Emperor's ... Arius Having Returned to Alexandria with the Emperor's Consent ... Of the Literary Labors of the Two Apollinares and the Emperor's ... The Macedonians, Pressed by the Emperor's violence Toward Them ... Thesaurus Emperor's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Emperor's (1 Occurrence). Acts 25:21 But when Paul appealed to have his case kept for the Emperor's decision ... /e/emperor's.htm - 6k Caesar's (10 Occurrences) Praetorian (2 Occurrences) Procurator Guard (185 Occurrences) Emperor (5 Occurrences) Household (222 Occurrences) Nereus (1 Occurrence) Julius (5 Occurrences) Emphatically (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Pliny the Younger? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have left your first love (Revelation 2:4)? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the Roman Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Emperor's (1 Occurrence)Acts 25:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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