Tag Archives: Roman culture

Index of articles – the Romans and the ministry of Jesus

The Romans had occupied the land they later called Palestine for nearly a century when Jesus began His ministry. This means that there was no one alive at that time who remembered when the Romans were not in control.
The writings of Josephus cover this period and New Testament writers called attention to the Roman rulers.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (Luke 2:1 ESV)

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, (Luke 3:1 ESV)

Roman soldiers roamed the country and eventually destroyed the Holy City Jerusalem. The culture of Rome can still be seen in the ruins of various cities.

Roman Centurion and a Charioteer at Jerash (the RACE show at Jerash). Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

I am not sure that this list of posts about the Roman empire in Palestine is a complete one, but I think it will be helpful as you study the impact of Rome and its culture on the ministry of Jesus and His apostles. We could compile another list specifically from the book of Acts, the New Testament Epistles, and the book of Revelation. Use the Search Box to locate other subjects you may be looking for.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum

This morning we made a short visit to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep. This museum contains many of the mosaics and some statues from the Roman city of Zeugma. Much of Zeugma has been covered by the waters of the Euphrates River due to one of the dams built by the Turkish government to provide hydro-electric power and water for irrigation for southeastern Turkey. Archaeologists worked diligently over a period of years to preserve as much of the material as possible. The small mosaic below has been called Gypsy Girl. When I first saw it in 2007 I thought it would rival the Mona Lisa. That was in the old museum. Today the small mosaic is  displayed in a dark room, perhaps to create more mystique. In my judgment it is not as attractive as before. My photo below was made in 2007.

The Gypsy Girl from Zeugma. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins..

The Gypsy Girl from Zeugma. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Otherwise the display of the mosaics is beautifully done. Perhaps at another time I will be able to post some of those photos.

This afternoon we are utilizing our time in the Gaziantep airport. Our flight for the day was cancelled and we were not notified before coming to the airport. Such is travel.

Yesterday we had a few sprinkles, but this afternoon it is pouring rain at the Gaziantep airport.

 

 

Boxers in the Roman World

Our photo today is of a terracotta statuette of an African boxer. According to the sign accompanying the statuette, it is Roman, possible made in Italy.

The gloves are the Roman caestus, equipped with balls of lead to give a brutal blow.

Terracotta statuettes of African boxers. British Museum.

Terracotta statuette of an African boxer. British Museum. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Paul used a boxing illustration to describe his own disciplined work in preaching.

So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 ESV)