Yes, how could the gospel enter Rome? Yesterday we took a bus out of the city via and down the Appian Way, one of the major highways into Rome. Those coming from the east, including Paul, would have entered by this road. Straight as an arrow and well paved for its day, buses, cars and even pedestrians continue to use it. One cannot help but wonder if Paul stepped on the same stone paver you are walking on.
One significant reason for the spread of Christianity was the Roman roads, which allowed travel throughout the entire Roman World. Yet, a significant reason to visit the Appian Way is not the road but the Catacombs. Although most do not believe they were used as places of security in times of persecution, they were used for Christian burials. That significance may allude us unless we realize the Romans primarily cremated their dead, yet God’s people in both the OT and NT have buried their bodies because they believe in the resurrection. The presence of over 100,000 burial spots within the Catacombs over hundreds of years suggests Christianity not only infiltrated Rome but also radically changed the lives it impacted.
Once again the first chapter of Romans became increasingly clear. Paul said “I often intended to come to you . . . so that I may have some fruit even among you . . . for I am not ashamed of the Gospel . . . for it is the power of God to salvation, to all who believe, the Jew first but also to the Greeks” Rom. 1:13-17. Even Rome, the heart of paganism, could not stop the entrance of Paul and the transforming power of the Gospel.
Today, Ancient Rome lies in ruins while the church of Christ continues alive and well. That fact was reinforced tonight while eating dinner at a sidewalk café. The young couple only 3 feet from us bowed their heads and prayed for their food. If the gospel in Paul’s day overcame pagan Rome, surely it can do the same today.
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