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The Roman empire literally paved the way for the spread of Christianity. God's use of this empire was instrumental in sharing the Gospel with the world.

Gaius Julius Caesar (Dictator 48 - 44 BC)
Julius was a military and political leader that broadened the territory or the Roman republic.

Imperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus (31 BC - 14 AD) 
The Roman republic became an empire under Augustus. Jesus was born under his reign. In 8 BC he issues the second of three census during his reign (see Luke 2:1). The other two were in 28 BC and 14 AD.

Tiberius Caesar Augustus (14 - 37)
Tiberius was the emperor during the ministry of Jesus (see Luke 3:1). When questioned about taxes, Jesus had people bring him a coin and said "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"
"Caesar's," they replied.
Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." (Mark 12:16-17)

Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (Caligula) (37 - 41) 
Caligula becomes emperor soon after Saul's conversion..

Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (41 - 54)
He had all Jews to leave Rome (Acts 18:2).

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (54 - 68) 
There were evidently Christians working for Nero (see Philippians 4:22). Paul appeals to Caesar for trial (Acts 22).
Nero burned much of Rome then blamed the Christians, which began a persecution that has never been surpassed. Many were killed by wild animals before crowds of spectators in the arena. He also started the War of the Jews in 66 for being mocked by some Jews.
Some think the next three rulers were prophesied about in Daniel 7:7-8.
Servius Galba Imperator Caesar Augustus (68 - 69)

Imperator Marcus Otho Caesar Augustus (69)

Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Imperator Augustus (69)

Imperator Vespasian Caesar Augustus (69 - 79) 
He had his son Titus destroy Jerusalem in 70 in the War of the Jews. The war ended soon afterwards.

Imperator Titus Caesar Vespasianus Augustus (79 - 81)

Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus (81 - 96) 
During his rule is probably when John was exiled to Patmos and received his revelation. He persecuted Christians as much as Nero. Revelation 1:2-3 probably refers to them.
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