The Roman Empire, with its vast expansion across Europe, the Near East, and North Africa, left a profound mark on the modern Western world. A clear example of its enduring legacy is Roman Law, which continues to be studied in law universities worldwide.

Despite its military greatness and its ability to subjugate other peoples, Rome lacked a solid moral foundation to guide daily life. The republic was based on the criteria of prestigious citizens, and the emperor, lacking a firm basis, often made decisions driven by his egocentrism. This lack of moral and spiritual foundations led Roman society to seek answers in limited gods, divine beings who shared human problems.

In the face of failures and social tensions, Rome sought refuge in its gods. However, these gods, besides being false, were limited and lacked the perfection necessary to guide society. The need for a solid moral foundation led them to accept an authoritarian government based on man himself, a lifelong dictator attempting to restore the system.

The Roman people began to venerate the emperor not only as a god but as the supreme being, granting him the power to govern and influence legislation according to his will. However, the worship of a human god remained a weak foundation. In contrast, those who embraced the gospel found in Jesus a moral absolute from the Creator, thus rejecting the worship of Caesar. This resistance was the real reason why Christians were persecuted and killed.

By accepting Jesus as the expected Messiah, Christians adopted a moral absolute that guided their lives. Meanwhile, Rome, devoid of solid foundations, sank into decadence. Despite the persecution, Christians found refuge in the catacombs, clinging to the guidance and hope that God provided them.

This narrative highlights the fundamental differences between those who have experienced radical regeneration, anchored in divine statutes, and those who, lacking solid moral foundations, suffer the consequences of their own interpretations of life. The lesson is clear: turning away from God and living based on human ideas leads to frustration and failure under life’s pressures. As the Lord said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

Author: Efrén Martínez