It is easy to stereotype Romans as the historical enemies of God’s people. Even before they played a major part in crucifying Jesus and subsequently harassing His followers for several centuries, there were times that they were shamelessly hostile to the Jews throughout the Empire. Jesus dryly alludes to one of these examples in Luke 13:1-3, as does Luke of the Emperor Claudius in Acts 18:2. And even though historians like Josephus have recounted numerous conflicts between the Jews and Romans, these were relatively scattered and infrequent. In fact, Judaism itself was never considered a religio illicita (unlicensed religion), and the Romans consistently protected the Jewish population within their borders. They were afforded special privileges, prominent political status, and given religious toleration (except in a few cases, such as during Emperor Gaius’ mad reign). The destruction of Jerusalem and the preceding conflict (68-70 AD) are exceptions to the generally uniform public policy toward the Jews.

While there were isolated instances of institutionalized persecution against Christianity under emperors such as Nero and Domitian, there were long periods of time when the Way flourished – even to the point of converting many Romans from their pagan roots. Some shining examples can be seen among these people, especially amongst the professional soldiers (Luke 23:47Acts 16:27ffActs 10). It would be foolish, of course, to characterize first century Romans as being generally favorable to Christianity, but I think that when we look at their various approaches to it, we see the same types of people often encountered in our culture: Some were openly hostile; Some were indifferent; Others were curious enough about the gospel to listen, but lacked the follow-through that is required for meaningful change; Still others shine as examples of Christian virtue, transformed by the power of grace.

Because of the similarities between our cultures (similarities which, in fact, can be found in many civilizations throughout history), we meet many “Romans” today. Some of us might not have been spiritually dissimilar to these people before conversion. Therefore, because of their unique perspective on the faith, this lesson will explore the examples of three Roman officials and their incredibly varied (but typical of people we encounter in our own society) responses to Christianity.

Felix, Who Feared Part Of The Message

Some days later, Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus, and as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, ‘Go away for the present, and when I find time, I will summon you.’ At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse him” (Acts 24:24-26).

This text reveals that there are some folks who have ulterior motives in beginning a Bible study with a Christian. Perhaps they are only interested in money, or in meeting single people, or riling up Christians with numerous supposed contradictions in the Bible. Perhaps they are like the people of Israel who “say to their seers, ‘You must not see visions.’ And to the prophets, ‘You must not prophecy to us what is right, speak to us pleasant words, prophecy illusions’” (Isaiah 30:10). Essentially, these are people who like to hear only certain parts of the message of God, or only like the frills and gimmicks that are offered by today’s denominations, and have no real interest in deeply spiritual or doctrinal matters. Let us look at Felix:

  • He had no problem when Paul was preaching about faith in Christ (Acts 24:24), and probably enjoyed the discussions thoroughly. As soon as Paul moved on to more difficult subjects – not more difficult to understand, but more taxing on our level of obedience – Felix became frightened and had Paul sent away.
  • Do we ever become like this? Do we love it when our preachers give lengthy sermons on all of the delightful topics in the Bible, such as faith, love, hope, Heaven, and fellowship? And then do we go up in arms and become upset when we have to endure a sermon on Hell, hatred, or the hopelessness of sinners?
  • If you are in Felix’s position right now, what is it that is preventing you from obeying? Are you frightened by Hell? Then obey the Gospel and fear never again! Are you afraid of self-control? Then just try it and see how wonderful life is when we are free from gluttony and self-indulgence. Does righteousness make you cower? Why? What is to be feared about righteousness, except that it requires us to leave our lives of sins behind and take up our cross in the footsteps of Jesus!

Gallio, Who Did Not Put Up With Religious Bickering

“But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, saying, ‘This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.’ But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, ‘If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; but if there are questions about words and names and your own law, look after it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.’ And he drove them away from the judgment seat. And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. And Gallio was not concerned about any of these things”(Acts 18:12-17).

While it is important to note that Gallio’s indifference resulted in the release of the apostle, his attitude is nevertheless a sadly typical one in our culture.

  • I have often encountered people who claim to avoid religion altogether because of their distaste for denominationalism and infighting. “I don’t believe in organized religion and its debating and bickering” is how the line often goes. It is a little sad, though, to see people dismiss religion itself because some of its adherents are petty. Essentially, Gallio threw out the baby with the bath water when he drove all of them away without hearing a word from Paul. When allowed to speak, the apostle was often quite convincing, even to the highest and most skeptical of listeners.
  • It was a common fallacy in the first century for the Romans to lump Christianity in with Judaism, assuming it was nothing more than a sect. Lazy, sloppy investigation leads to such inaccurate perceptions. The same happens today when unbelievers assume God’s church is nothing but another denomination, or that all “churches of Christ” are alike, or that the Bible is full of contradictions and discrepancies.
  • Another great lesson is that we must be diligent not to allow our actions to be used against God or His people later. Many unbelievers feel completely justified in their conclusions because they had a bad experience with a church or discovered some hypocrisy in the life of a Christian. They judge the whole because of a single part. So how do you treat all people? Do you represent God’s true faith in a way that is positive or negative? What impressions do you leave on people? Gallio dismissed the Jews and Paul together because he believed they were all petty, small, and splintered. One wonders how Paul himself must have felt being “shoed away” right along with the Jews!

Sergius Paulus, A Man Of Intelligence

“And when they had gone through the whole island (Cyprus) as far as Paphos, they found a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze upon him, and said, ‘You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.’ And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord” (Acts 13:6-12).

  • Although Sergius Paulus is a “man of intelligence”, he seems to have allowed Elymas into his inner circle for far too long. A great lesson is that no amount of intelligence can prevent fraud or trickery. The only solution is to seek answers in something truly objective (the Bible), rather than a man who claims to have them all. Even the smartest of us can be duped by those who are flashy and charismatic.
  • “He sought to hear the word of God” is telling of his attitude. Intelligence is immaterial compared to the power of a humble, truth-seeking heart.
  • “But Elymas was opposing them…” Every Bible class teacher has probably experienced this: two people attend a study, one an interested, engaged truth-seeker, the other a haranguing impediment. One of the most annoying situations for a Christian is to have to fight two battles in one sitting!
  • “You are full of all deceit and fraud” is the apostle’s impassioned response. While it might be tempting to say he went overboard, or dismiss his tirade as evidence of immaturity, it is rather refreshing to find someone “tell it like it is”. There is no holding back, no sweet talking, and no coddling. When somebody is a fraud and a corrupting influence, they must be called out for it! Notice also that everything Paul says occurs while filled with the “power of the Holy Spirit.”
  • Elymas’ punishment fits the crime. He was interfering with a Bible study and attempting to prevent a man from being saved. If he had had his way, Sergius Paulus would have left the room unconvinced and unsaved. The magician was made temporarily blind for trying to keep a man eternally condemned – seems like Elymas actually got off easy!
  • “The proconsul believed… being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.” While the miracle must have impressed this man of intelligence, it was the teaching that convinced him to believe. For those who seek a sign today, remember that no sign but that of Jonah will be given (Matthew 16:4). If the teaching cannot convince one to become a Christian, nothing will.