Map of Rome
Map of ancient Rome
Paul and Peter executed here
In New Testament times, Rome was a big deal, and it played a major role in stories of the Bible and the early days of Christianity. That's because Rome was the center of the known world, the bustling heart of a vast Mediterranean-wide empire. Its influence reached far and wide, and it left a mark on the Bible and Christian history.Rome in the Bible
First, let's talk about how Rome shows up in the Bible. In the Gospel of Luke, we read about the famous census decreed by Caesar Augustus, which brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. That's a direct connection between Rome and the birth of Jesus. As we read through the New Testament, we'll find frequent references to Roman authorities. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. He gave the green light for Jesus' crucifixion. And Paul, one of the early Christian leaders, was a Roman citizen, which granted him certain legal privileges. His travels, documented in the Book of Acts, led him to Rome, under arrest, where he eventually faced trial before the emperor. Scholars debate whether he was executed that time or after a later arrest. But early Christian writers report that Romans executed Paul and Peter there. Paul, beheaded. Peter crucified upside down.Paul's letter to Rome
Paul wrote several letters (or epistles) to early Christian communities, and many of them were sent to Rome. The Letter to the Romans, for instance, addresses theological matters and encourages the Roman Christians in their faith journey. That book is the one that many Christian scholars say was the first theology book. Paul describes what it means to be a Christian, and how Christian behave. Then there's the Bible's grand finale: the Book of Revelation. This book is full of vivid imagery and apocalyptic visions. It contains messages for seven churches in Asia Minor (western Turkey). And it was written by a man called John, exiled on the island of Patmos, which was under Roman rule. Many scholars say the evil John described was coded language talking about Rome. Many theorize that the Beast and the Mark of the Beast (the number 666) pointed to Emperor Nero. (See Complete Guide to Bible Prophecy or Who's Who & Where's Where in the Bible.) So, Rome became the backdrop of many Bible stories, and its presence helped shape the early Christian narrative.Rome's persecution of Christians
The Roman Empire's persecution of Christians was a dark chapter in history. It began sporadically in the first century AD and intensified under Emperor Nero, who blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. Over the years, Christians faced various forms of persecution, including arrests, torture, and execution. Emperors like Decius and Diocletian issued edicts demanding Christian sacrifices to Roman gods, resulting in widespread suffering. Despite these hardships, Christianity continued to grow, eventually gaining official recognition and support under Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century, marking a significant turning point in the faith's history within the Roman Empire.Rome
Peter writes to Paul’s churches
Peter writes to Paul's churches
Why did Peter write to Paul's churches
When the apostle Peter wrote to church Paul had started throughout Paul's own homeland territory, in what is now Turkey, it might have come across as awkward. Maybe even inappropriate. What does another preacher think he's doing by writing his advice to another preacher's congregation. Or in this case, congregations. Peter's letter targets troubles in the general church. Christians are facing frauds passing themselves off as church leaders. And they’re facing persecution from people outside their community of faith. That may have included some former relatives and friends who didn't like changes Christianity was making in these new believers.Risk-taker
Peter always seemed a little out there, ready to stick his neck out. He started defending Jesus when Jewish police arrested him. Peter took a sword and cut off an ear from a servant of the high priest. He led the disciples of Jesus. Look at the list of names. Bible writers always put him first. And he is the star of the disciples in the Bible stories. Here, he addresses Christians scattered throughout what is now Turkey. That was Paul’s turf. Paul was born and raised there, and that’s where Paul started planting churches among non-Jews. There’s no record of Peter ever having gone there. He’s best known for ministering to Jews in what is now Israel and Palestinian Territories.A guess about why Peter wrote
One guess about why he wrote is that he was on trial in Rome, just before his crucifixion, when he got word that churches throughout Turkey were facing some kind of persecution, which Peter never identified.Nero may have ordered his execution
Emperor Nero, credited with executing Peter and Paul, launched the first persecution of Christians after accusing them of starting the July AD 64 fire that burned much of Rome. That might explain why Peter, on trial in Rome, wouldn’t specifically identify Nero as the source of the trouble. But there are other theories too. Jews might have caused the trouble for these churches, as they had done for Turkey’s premiere church planter, Paul. 1 Peter 2 Peter For other Bible versions, see Bible GatewayMap Peter
Map Peter
Map Peter. Apostle Peter writes a letter to Jews scattered throughout what is now Turkey.
Letter to scattered Jews
Map Roman Empire – Letter to all Christians
Map Roman Empire - Letter to all Christians
Map Roman Empire - Letter to all Christians. Rome controlled much of the land along the Mediterranean Sea coast, including what is now Israel.
Letter to all Christians
