MAN PROPOSES BUT GOD DISPOSES References to RomeRomans

MAN PROPOSES BUT GOD DISPOSES (References to Rome/Romans)

INTRODUCTION • In this study, we consider various references to “Rome” or “Romans” that occur in the New Testament.

THE ROMANS VALUED ORDER • The Romans valued order, but so also did Jesus; thus, the charge of the Pharisees was false (John 11: 47 -54). • Our Lord was no insurrectionist, but commanded submission to civil authority, saying, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s” (Matt. 22: 15 -22).

THE ROMANS BROUGHT PEACE AND PROSPERITY • The Romans were multi-lingual, speaking Koine Greek, along with their native dialect (Acts 2: 5 -13). • Rome’s domination of the Mediterranean world provided for common language, good roads, ease of travel, etc. • The Pax Romana, i. e. , the long period of peace and prosperity, that spanned approximately 206 years (27 BC to 180 AD), created a uniquely conducive environment for the spread of the gospel (Gal. 4: 4 -5).

THE ROMANS RESPECTED RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP • The exploitive owners of the demonic-possessed slave girl falsely charged Paul and Silas, saying, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans” (Acts 16: 16 -24). • Paul availed himself of his rights as a Roman citizen. The baselessness of their charge is seen in the manner that he and Silas were delivered from prison (Acts 16: 35 -40).

THE ROMANS’ RELATIONSHIP WITH JEWS AND CHRISTIANS • During the first century, the Romans often considered Christians to be an off-shoot of Judaism; accordingly, hostility toward the Jews often impacted Christians (Acts 18: 1 -11).

THE APOSTLE’S PLAN TO VISIT ROME • Paul had long-intended to visit Rome and this hope was finally realized, although not in the manner originally conceived; accordingly, we might plan and pray, but leave the realization of our aspirations in the hands of God (Acts 19: 21 -22; 23: 11; Rom. 15: 22 -29).

THE APOSTLE’S ENCOURAGEMENT BY THE BRETHREN • Paul finally arrived in Italy after travelling by a most circuitous route, stopping at Rhegium, a port city in southern Italy, journeying by ship to Puteoli, and then by land to the imperial city. • Along the way, he visited with brethren at the Market of Appius and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage (Acts 28: 11 -15).

THE APOSTLE’S PROCLAMATION OF THE TRUTH • Arriving in Rome, the apostle was permitted to stay by himself, living in rented quarters, with a soldier who stood guard. This arrangement enabled Paul to continue to preach and teach, allowing him to study with others (Acts 28: 16 -31). • Over the course of his imprisonment, as he awaited trial before Caesar, the cause of Christ became well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and among many others as well (Phil. 1: 12 -14).

CONCLUSION • Let us, like Paul, learn to trust in God, accepting His outcomes, even when they differ from our expectations. • Like Paul, we may be subject to misrepresentation. However, let us provide for things honorable in the sight of all men (2 Cor. 8: 20– 21), keeping our behavior excellent and exemplary before the world (1 Pet. 2: 11– 12).