Emperor Worship and the Persecution of Christians

Lord of Lords

"...the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Rev. 17:14)

The Christian faith began with antagonism between the Jewish Temple authorities in Jerusalem and the believers (Acts 4:1-21; 5:17-42; 6:8-7:60). The Jewish king Herod Agrippa l, who was sympathetic with the Sadducean Temple leaders persecuted the new movement as well (Acts 12:1-19). Significantly the Roman authorities were often a refuge for the believers who attempted to live and speak for Jesus among the gentile pagans. Paul, the early Jewish missionary often uses his Roman citizenship as a shield against the opposition of his listeners (Acts 16:22-40; 19:23-41; 21:27-22:30; 23:20-35; 24:1-4; 25:10-11; 24-25; 26:32; 25:10-11; 28:19). In the name of peace and law, the Roman overlords defended the believers against unjust attack. Those followers of Jesus wrote letters to the church communities urging obedience to the God ordained authorities (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14) "For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong." (Rom. 13:3)

But things would soon change. To read more click here.