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The noteworthy Roman emperors of the second century—Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius—followed in the traditions of their imperial predecessors, including that of unflinching cruelty toward Christians.
Unknowingly, however, they were part of a tradition that far predated the Roman Empire. They marched in a regal line that included Pharaoh of Egypt (Ex. 9:16), Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (Dan. 2:37), Cyrus of Persia (Isa. 45:1, 13), and, indeed, every monarch from the dawn of time. They all sat on thrones granted to them by almighty God, the one who, according to Daniel,
“ ‘removes kings and raises up kings’ ” (Dan. 2:21b).
In Romans 9, Paul tells us that such sovereign Sovereignty is powerfully purposeful. Quoting Exodus 9:16, he declares the right of God to save or bypass whomever He wishes, to exalt and bring low, to so order the lives of His creatures as to accomplish His ends. “For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth’ ” (Rom. 9:17).
As far as we know, God never told Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus, or Marcus why He chose them to wield the scepter over the greatest empire of the ancient world. But there can be no doubt that, because they sat on the throne as Christ’s church flourished, that God’s name was declared. Their cruelty made it so.
Read the words of Ignatius of Antioch, who wrote to the church of Rome as he journeyed to the imperial capital to be martyred: “Let fire and the cross, let the companies of wild beasts, let breaking of bones and tearing of limbs, let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of the devil come upon me; be it so, only may I win Christ Jesus!”
Or ponder the testimony of Polycarp, who calmly informed those preparing him for death that there was no need to nail him to the stake. He then prayed, “O Father, I bless thee that Thou hast counted me worthy to receive my portion among the number of martyrs.”
These and countless others who met death under the so-called “good emperors” of the second century caused the name of their God to be lifted high. As always, God used those He had placed at the pinnacles of power to bring glory to Himself.
Our second-century brethren were “raised up” providentially at a difficult time. By comparison, our burden is feather-light. Nevertheless, the truths of God’s Word change not. Presidents and prime ministers wield power by God’s decree. And we are here because He willed it to be so. Our calling is no different from that of Ignatius, Polycarp, and so many other second-century saints: to so live that God is exalted. May His name be declared in our time.