Growing Fascination with the Roman Empire: A Massive Opportunity for Evangelism

Interest in the Roman Empire has surged in recent years. Google Trends data suggests that YouTube viewers in the U.S. are more interested in the Roman Empire than in American history. This presents a unique and powerful opportunity for evangelism.

The rise of ancient history podcasts and YouTube channels signals a cultural moment. People are looking to the past for meaning, wisdom, and insight. As Christians, we should recognize this as an open door for sharing the gospel. Here are three reasons why the Roman Empire’s history is a great tool for evangelism.

1. The Roman Empire Was Deeply Religious

The story of Rome cannot be told without discussing religion and spirituality. From its earliest days, Rome was a deeply religious society. Numa Pompilius, Rome’s second king, is credited with establishing its religious traditions.

The empire was polytheistic, but religion played a central role in society, politics, and daily life. The same is true today—people are still searching for spiritual meaning. Discussions about ancient Roman beliefs can naturally lead to conversations about truth, faith, and Jesus Christ.

“For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23)

Paul used people’s spiritual curiosity to point them to the one true God. We can do the same when discussing Rome’s religious heritage.

2. The Gospel Transformed the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire underwent a dramatic transformation. It began as a pagan empire, but by the time of Constantine and Theodosius in the 4th century, Christianity had become dominant.

This shift is undeniable. Jesus was born, crucified, and resurrected within the Roman Empire. The apostles spread the gospel across its vast territories. Within a few centuries, Christianity had triumphed.

This historical reality opens doors for discussion. How did a small group of disciples, armed only with the gospel, change the course of history? The answer points to the power of Christ’s message and the work of the Holy Spirit.

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

3. Rome’s History Sparks Conversations on Power and Authority

The Roman Empire was built on conquest, authority, and governance. Many of its leaders abused power, leading to corruption, persecution, and conflict. Discussions about Rome inevitably raise questions about justice, leadership, and morality.

These same issues exist today. People inside and outside the church struggle with authority, government corruption, and power dynamics. By looking at Rome’s history, we can gain perspective and ask:

• What does true leadership look like?
• How should power be used?
• How does Christ’s kingdom differ from earthly kingdoms?

Jesus provided a radically different vision of power—one rooted in humility and service.

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44)

How Christians Can Use This Opportunity

If you enjoy ancient history and can communicate well, this is a powerful moment. People are curious and eager to learn. By engaging in discussions about Rome, you can naturally introduce the gospel.

Here are some practical ways to do this:

• Join online discussions on YouTube, podcasts, or forums about Roman history.
• Write blog posts that connect historical events to biblical themes.
• Convene a study group exploring Christianity’s rise in the Roman Empire.
• Create short videos explaining key moments in church history.

The fascination with the Roman Empire is more than a trend—it’s an open door for evangelism. Let’s take advantage of it and point people to Christ, the King whose kingdom will never end.

Want more ideas on evangelism? Join the “Biblical Evangelism Today” discussion group

Note: Generative AI was used in creating this post. First, I made an audio recording of what I wanted to say. Then, I transcribed the audio using TurboScribe.ai. Finally, I transformed the transcript into a blog post using ChatGPT.