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📖 Acts 16:11-11
Acts 16 - Series 03/Episode 03 - Mon, 29th June 2026 - Our current administration - Acts 16:11-15 - LYDIA'S CONVERSION - Romans 13:01
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Acts 16:11-12 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, (12) and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days.
Philippi was a Roman colony. Acts 16:21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe."
https://biblemapper.com/blog/index.php/2021/02/08/pauls-second-missionary-journey/,
The Roman Empire's infrastructure greatly benefited the spread of the Gospel. The Roman Empire played a direct role in the spread of the Gospel - not by accident, but by God's sovereign design. The Roman administration built over 400,000 km of roads, with 80,000 km paved. These connected every major city Paul visited.
Acts 13-21 - Paul's missionary journeys follow major Roman roads: (Pisidian Antioch → Iconium → Lystra) (Philippi → Thessalonica → Berea)
The fact of the good roads was a positive factor in the travel plans of Paul as they decided to visit the churches. Acts 15:36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing."
The good roads allowed safe, fast, predictable and plannable routes. Good access to cities and synagogues, and movement of people, material, and most importantly, the letters. The Gospel moved along the same roads used for commerce, military, and administration.
Roman Sea Routes enabled long-distance Gospel expansion. The Mediterranean was called "Mare Nostrum" (Our Sea) by the Romans because they controlled it completely.
These were some of the sea routes that were used by Paul. Acts 13:4 - Paul and Barnabas sail from Seleucia to Cyprus. Acts 16:11 - The team sailed from Troas to Neapolis. Acts 18:18-19 - Paul sails from Corinth to Ephesus. Acts 27-28 - Paul's voyage to Rome
Why did this matter for the ministry? These were regular Roman shipping routes. The harbours were safe, and there was Roman naval protection. The Gospel could leap across continents because the sea lanes were stable and secure.
The Pax Romana was a state of peace that made missions for the Gospel possible. For about 200 years, the Roman Empire enjoyed relative peace and stability.
The fullness of the time of God includes the geo-political climate of the times. The Roman Empire, being in the seat of power, was a part of God's timing for the birth of Jesus. Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
The church had a period of rest and peace for its growth and edification. The Roman administration facilitated the circumstances for the church to grow. Acts 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
There were no major wars preventing travel. Safe movement across borders was provided by Rome. There was a unified administration system which could be relied on to a large extent. There were predictable legal and financial systems in place, which mattered much for the growth of the Gospel. The Gospel spread in a Roman world that was unusually open and well-connected.
The common language of Greek was the lingua franca of the Roman Empire. Even though Rome ruled politically, 'Greek' ruled culturally. Because Greek was the common language, the Gospel could spread quickly, apostolic letters could be read everywhere, churches across regions could communicate easily with each other, missionaries did not need translators, and most importantly, the message remained unified, and disciples were being nurtured. God prepared the world linguistically for the coming of Christ.
Roman citizenship was a reality that Paul utilised in specific circumstances for the furtherance of the Gospel. Acts 22:25-26 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?" (26) When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, "Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman." / Acts 22:28-29 The commander answered, "With a large sum I obtained this citizenship." And Paul said, "But I was born a citizen." (29) Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
As we consider this matter about Rome being in power at that time, we must look at the current powers that are governing in our times. We must pray for our rulers that they will facilitate the growth of the Gospel. I Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
Rome also persecuted the believers, and so we must expect our current rulers to also harass and hinder the growth of the Gospel.
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