The Italians, as referenced in the New Testament, were the people of Italy, the heart of the Roman Empire. By the first century AD, Rome was the dominant power in the Mediterranean world, ruling over Judea, Greece, Asia Minor, and North Africa. Italians were Roman citizens, often serving as officials, soldiers, and merchants throughout the empire.
The most notable Italian mentioned in the New Testament is Cornelius, a Roman centurion from the Italian Regiment stationed in Caesarea. His conversion in Acts 10 marked a turning point in Church history, as he became the first recorded Gentile believer to receive the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that salvation through Jesus Christ was available to all nations.
Understanding the history, culture, and influence of the Italians in the biblical world helps illuminate their role in the spread of Christianity and the fulfillment of God’s plan for the Gospel.
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Historical Background and Origins
The Italians were primarily Latins, an Indo-European people who founded the city of Rome in the 8th century BC. Their history includes:
- The Rise of Rome (8th–3rd century BC) – Rome began as a small city-state and gradually expanded by conquering neighboring tribes and territories.
- The Roman Republic (509–27 BC) – Rome became a republic, ruled by a Senate and elected officials, expanding across Italy, Greece, and North Africa.
- The Roman Empire (27 BC–New Testament period) – Under Augustus Caesar, Rome became an empire, ruling most of the known world, including Judea during Jesus’ lifetime.
By the New Testament era, Italians were the ruling elite of the empire, governing vast territories and establishing Roman law, culture, and military dominance.
Geography and Political Influence
Italy, particularly Rome, was the center of political and military power in the ancient world. Key cities in the New Testament period included:
- Rome – The imperial capital, where Paul was later imprisoned and martyred (Acts 28:16, 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
- Ostia – Rome’s major port city, facilitating trade and communication.
- Pompeii and Herculaneum – Thriving Roman cities, later destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Due to its position as the heart of the empire, Italy played a central role in the spread of Christianity, with Roman officials, soldiers, and citizens hearing the Gospel early on.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
Before Christianity, the Italians practiced Roman polytheism, which included:
- The Pantheon of Roman Gods – Romans worshiped Jupiter (Zeus), Mars, Venus, and Apollo, adapting Greek mythology.
- Emperor Worship – The Roman emperor was often deified, with temples built for Caesar Augustus and later emperors.
- Mystery Religions – Many Romans followed Eastern cults, such as the worship of Mithras and Isis.
- Jewish Influence – Rome had a significant Jewish population, influencing some Romans to embrace monotheism.
Despite their pagan traditions, some Italians were God-fearers, interested in Jewish teachings and the God of Israel, as seen in Cornelius’ devotion (Acts 10:2).
The Italians in the Bible
The Italians are explicitly mentioned in the New Testament through Cornelius, a Roman centurion from the Italian Regiment:
- Cornelius’ Vision and Angelic Encounter (Acts 10:1-8)
- Cornelius, a devout and God-fearing Italian, received a vision from an angel, instructing him to send for Peter in Joppa.
- He was described as generous and prayerful, showing that he already believed in the God of Israel, though he was uncircumcised.
- Peter’s Vision and the Inclusion of the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-23)
- Peter received a vision of unclean animals, symbolizing that God had made Gentiles clean (Acts 10:15).
- This revelation prepared Peter to preach to Cornelius, confirming that salvation was for all nations.
- The Conversion of Cornelius and His Household (Acts 10:24-48)
- When Peter preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Cornelius and his household believed and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44).
- This was the first recorded instance of a Gentile receiving the Holy Spirit, marking a historic moment in Christian history.
- Paul’s Ministry in Rome (Acts 28:16-31)
- Later, Paul preached in Rome, where he influenced many Italians, including members of Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22).
- Christianity spread rapidly in Rome, eventually becoming the center of the early Church.
These events show that Italians were among the first Gentiles to hear and accept the Gospel, helping to spread Christianity throughout the Roman world.
Interactions with Jesus and His Disciples
Though Jesus never traveled to Italy, His teachings directly influenced the Italians through the apostles. Key connections include:
1. The Italian Cornelius as the First Gentile Convert (Acts 10:44-48)
- Cornelius’ conversion fulfilled Jesus’ Great Commission to preach the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19).
- His baptism in the Holy Spirit confirmed that Gentiles were fully accepted into God’s kingdom.
2. Paul’s Evangelism in Rome (Acts 28:16-31)
- Paul brought the Gospel to the heart of the empire, where many Italians, including Roman soldiers and officials, converted.
- His letters to the Romans emphasized that salvation was for both Jews and Gentiles alike (Romans 1:16-17).
These events confirm that Italians were instrumental in spreading Christianity, both as converts and later as missionaries.
Significance in Church History and Prophecy
Italy, and particularly Rome, became the center of early Christianity:
- Many early Church leaders, including Peter and Paul, were martyred in Rome.
- Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, with Italy serving as its spiritual and political hub.
- The Book of Romans laid the foundation for Christian theology, emphasizing justification by faith.
Some scholars believe that Rome’s early embrace of Christianity fulfilled biblical prophecy, as the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
- God calls people from all nations to salvation – Cornelius’ conversion proves that God’s kingdom is for both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:34-35).
- Faith is demonstrated through action – Cornelius’ generosity and prayer life prepared him to receive the Gospel (Acts 10:2).
- God’s plans often challenge human traditions – Peter had to overcome his Jewish biases, showing that God’s mercy extends beyond ethnic boundaries (Acts 10:28).
- Christianity thrives even in the most powerful empires – Despite Roman opposition, the Gospel spread rapidly in Italy, proving that God’s Word cannot be stopped (Acts 28:30-31).
Conclusion: God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
The Italians, originally known as rulers and soldiers of the Roman Empire, became key figures in the spread of Christianity. Through Cornelius, Paul, and the early Church in Rome, the Gospel reached the heart of the empire, proving that salvation was for all people.
As Paul wrote to the Romans:
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
The Italians’ role in early Christianity reminds us that God’s message transcends borders, cultures, and nations.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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