What was Roman?

In the context of Luke 2, “Roman” does not refer to a specific person but to the Roman Empire and its officials, particularly in relation to the imperial census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. The Roman Empire (Greek: Ῥωμαῖος, Rhōmaios, meaning “Roman citizen” or “of Rome“) serves as a political and historical backdrop to the birth of Jesus Christ. The mention of Rome and Roman practices such as census-taking is crucial to understanding the sovereignty of God in using worldly powers to accomplish His divine plan.

Biblical References and Cross References

The main reference to Roman involvement is found in Luke 2:1-3 (NIV):

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.”

Other cross-references include:

• Matthew 22:21 – “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

• John 18:36 – Jesus before Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world.”

• Acts 25:10-12 – Paul appeals to Caesar, showing continued Roman legal authority.

• Romans 13:1-7 – Paul exhorts believers to submit to governing authorities.

The Roman Empire in Luke 2

Political Power and Divine Providence

The Roman Empire, under the rule of Caesar Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus), held dominion over Israel during the time of Christ’s birth. Augustus’ decree for a worldwide census (Greek: ἀπογραφὴ, apographē, meaning registration or enrollment) required Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel…”

God sovereignly used a Roman administrative act to fulfill His promise concerning the birthplace of the Messiah. Though the Romans were pagans and their empire often persecuted Jews and later Christians, God used even their decrees to align events with His prophetic timeline.

Roman Governance and Jewish Subjugation

The census under Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, signifies the administrative grip of Rome on Judea. For many Jews, Roman occupation was a symbol of oppression. Yet for Luke, the mention of Roman rulers anchors the Gospel story in real historical events, showing that Jesus came into the world not as a myth, but in a tangible, verifiable context.

The Romans brought roads, order, and legal systems — elements God would later use to spread the Gospel throughout the empire. Roman peace (Pax Romana) created conditions that enabled the early church to travel and evangelize widely (cf. Acts and the missionary journeys of Paul).

Meaning for Today’s Christians

The presence of the Romans in Luke 2 reminds Christians that God is sovereign over political authorities and human governments. Even rulers who do not acknowledge Him can be used to fulfill His purposes. The census decree may have seemed like just another act of imperial control, but it became part of God’s orchestration to bring the Savior into the world in the right place at the right time.

Christians today are called to trust God’s providence even in secular or hostile governments. We are reminded that no power is outside His control, and all history moves toward the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

How the Romans Point to Jesus and the Gospel

The Romans appear as both the unwitting instruments of God’s plan (Luke 2) and later as opponents of Jesus (John 19:10-16). Yet in both cases, their involvement reveals the paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

• Jesus was born under Roman rule, fulfilling Scripture.

• Jesus was crucified under Roman authority, fulfilling Isaiah 53.

• Paul used Roman roads and protection to proclaim the Gospel far and wide.

Ultimately, Rome reminds us that God brings salvation not through worldly power but through humble submission to His will, as seen in Jesus’ birth in a manger and death on a cross. The Gospel was not silenced by the Empire—it spread through it.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1)

The Romans ruled by decree, but God ruled over history.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy

Rome’s census ensured Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.

3. Kingdom Not of This World

Jesus came into a politically charged Roman world, yet He declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)

4. Evangelism through Infrastructure

Roman roads, laws, and languages were tools that aided the rapid spread of Christianity after Pentecost.

5. Submission to Authorities

Romans 13 teaches that Christians are to honor governing authorities, knowing God establishes them.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the Roman census show God’s control over world events?

2. In what ways does the Roman backdrop enhance our understanding of Jesus’ birth?

3. How should Christians respond to governmental authority in light of Luke 2 and Romans 13?

4. How can we trust God‘s hand in times when secular powers seem dominant?

5. What comfort can we find in knowing God can use even pagan systems to fulfill His promises?

The Romans, though distant from the faith of Israel, played a key role in the historical unfolding of the Gospel. Their presence in Luke 2 is not a mere backdrop—it is a testament to the sovereignty of God over all things, working through kings and empires to bring forth the King of kings.