In the Roman Empire and, in a sense, in Caesar himself, diverse nations are brought together; his rule reconciles former enemies in the Pax Romana . But for Paul, it’s not in Caesar but in Christ that all things are truly reconciled. And how is the Pax Romana enforced? By the threat of swift, horrible, lethal torture on a cross if anyone questions Roman supremacy—a threat graphically dramatized on many a roadside entering major cities throughout the empire. In other words, the Roman peace might be precious, but its cost is high—a lot of brutality, fear, violence, and blood are required to keep
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