“All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.” – Philippians 4:20
The question is asked concerning this passage – Just who were the members of Caesar’s household?
Bible scholars simply state that this phrase must have included family members, servants, and possibly appointed officials. Believers within Caesar’s household shows how deep the the gospel penetrated into the heart and culture of the Roman Empire.
Who was Caesar?
In the early Roman Empire, “Caesar” referred to the emperor, Julius Caesar, but after his assasination, his heir, Augustus, chose the name “Caesar” for himself as a title communicating his leadership and authority. His title and name were known as: Caesar Augustus. Succeeding emperors likewise took the title. At the time of Paul’s imprisonment, the “Caesar” of the Roman Empire was Nero.
We know that Nero was a persecutor of Christianity, and considered Christian faith as a highly dangerous revolution, which left unchecked would affect public order and the culture of the Roman Empire. At the time of Paul’s writing Nero considered Christianity as an “alien cult.” He tried Christians in courts of law and found them guilty for 1) Crimes of treason: Because they failed to worship Roman gods 2) Illegal Assemblies: Churches gathering of believers to worship Christ. 3) Later in 64AD, Nero scapegoated Christians, blaiming them for “great fire of Rome” in attempt to remove suspicion of himself. This led to widespread persecution of Christians.
Nero: The Ruthless Emperor:
Nero’s atrocities against Christians were horrific and ghastly tortures. Believers in Christ were crucified, and left on their crosses to rot. Beleivers were at times publically torn apart by dogs, with some being burned alive. Nero used Christians as human torches to light his gardens at night. He did all of this making public spectacles of crucifixions and torturing Christians as a form of entertainmant for the Roman people, but also to serve as a warning to the Romans against becoming Christians.
Despite all of the persecution and public ridicule of Christians, the message of the gospel was having a powerful impact upon Rome. So much so, that members of Caesar’s family and household became followers of Christ. It’s amazing that the power of the gospel had great influence in winning these to Christ; those who lived in the tryrannical household of Nero. We can only wonder and imagine how the lives of believers filled with Christ’s love impacted people in Rome! Roman citizens were receiving Christ and the number of believers in Christ in Rome were estimated to be a few thousand, and followers of Jesus in the Roman Empire likely numbered in the tens of thousands, as the message of the gospel kept on spreading throughout the continent.
The same will remain true for all time. The message and love of Christ lived out in the lives of God’s people is able to transform people, cultures, nations and empires! May the love of Christ continue to transform us to share the good news of salvation and eternal life with others.
