JOHN 17:1–5
The Roman Empire’s glory provided a grand backdrop for Jesus’ birth, as Emperor Caesar Augustus ended 200 years of civil war in 27 BC and replaced rundown neighbourhoods with beautiful monuments, temples, arenas, and government complexes. According to Roman historian Pliny the Elder, they were “the most beautiful buildings the world has ever seen.”
Despite its beauty, the Eternal City and its empire endured brutality until Rome’s fall, with thousands of slaves, foreigners, revolutionaries, and army deserters crucified on roadside poles as a warning to anyone who dared to defy Rome’s power.
Jesus’s death on the Roman cross revealed eternal glory, making Rome’s pride seem like a sunset’s beauty. The public curse and agony of the cross revealed the love, presence, and kingdom of God. It was unimaginable that all heaven and earth would sing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).
Reference:
The History of Rome
https://spine20.org/event/the-history-of-rome/
Accessed 18/09/2023
