The Sovereignty of God in History: Birth of Jesus, Pax Romana, Roman Roads

Ever so often I would like to share a brief picture of major events in history. When I study history, I am amazed to discover God in events and circumstances that clearly reveal his hand of providence. The sovereignty of God is evident throughout history.

At the time of Jesus's birth, Rome was in a period of relative peace, called the Pax Romana. The Roman Empire had risen in power and prosperity, and even though there were uprisings and rebellions, they were brief compared to previous battles and wars. Not only was Jesus born in a time of peace (so to speak), but Rome was the center of world power. Because of an increase in trade with other countries, the Romans embarked on a conquest of lands and goods far beyond Rome. They built the Roman roads which stretched through Europe, all the way to Great Britain. These roads eventually made it easy to spread the gospel throughout Europe to the uttermost parts of the known world.