What was Roman religion in biblical times?

Roman religion was the polytheistic state religion of the Roman Empire, centered on the worship of many gods and the deified emperor. It was the official religious system that early Christians often came into conflict with, as seen in Acts 17:16-23 where Paul encounters the city full of idols in Athens, a Greco-Roman context.

Why is Roman religion important in the New Testament?

Roman religion is important because the early church spread within the Roman Empire, and refusal to worship the emperor or Roman gods was seen as treason. This conflict is central to books like Revelation, where the beast and its image (Revelation 13:14-15) are often interpreted as symbols of imperial cult persecution.

Where does the Bible mention Roman gods or practices?

The New Testament mentions encounters with Greco-Roman religion, such as in Ephesus where the worship of Artemis (Diana) caused a riot (Acts 19:23-41). Paul also references 'so-called gods' in the Roman world (1 Corinthians 8:5-6), contrasting them with the one true God.

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Roman Religion

Roman Religion See ROMAN EMPIRE AND CHRISTIANITY,III ; ROME,IV .

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