Romans Mentioned in the Bible — Biblical + Historical Details

ROMAN EMPERORS

Caesar

Biblical Details

• Generic title used in the Gospels and Acts (e.g., “Render to Caesar,” “appeal to Caesar”).
• Refers to the reigning emperor at the time.

Historical Details

• Title used by Roman emperors beginning with Julius Caesar and Augustus.
• In New Testament contexts, refers to Augustus, Tiberius, or Nero depending on the passage.

Augustus

Biblical Details

• Mentioned in Luke 2:1 as the emperor who ordered the census.

Historical Details

• First Roman emperor (27 BC–AD 14).
• Established the Pax Romana.

Tiberius

Biblical Details

• Mentioned in Luke 3:1 as the emperor during John the Baptist’s ministry.

Historical Details

• Second Roman emperor (AD 14–37).
• Reigned during Jesus’ public ministry.

Claudius

Biblical Details

• Mentioned in Acts 11:28 (famine prediction) and Acts 18:2 (expulsion of Jews from Rome).

Historical Details

• Roman emperor (AD 41–54).
• Issued the edict expelling Jews from Rome.

ROMAN GOVERNORS / PROCURATORS

Pontius Pilate

Biblical Details

• Governor who presided over Jesus’ trial (Gospels).
• Mentioned in Acts 3:13; 4:27; 13:28.

Historical Details

• Roman prefect of Judea (AD 26–36).
• Known from Josephus, Tacitus, and the Pilate Stone inscription.

Felix

Biblical Details

• Governor who heard Paul’s case (Acts 23–24).

Historical Details

• Procurator of Judea (AD 52–59).
• Known for corruption and unrest during his rule.

Festus

Biblical Details

• Successor to Felix; heard Paul’s appeal to Caesar (Acts 25–26).

Historical Details

• Procurator of Judea (AD 59–62).
• Considered more just than Felix.

ROMAN CLIENT KINGS (HERODIAN DYNASTY)

Herod the Great

Biblical Details

• King during Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2).

Historical Details

• Roman‑appointed king of Judea (37–4 BC).
• Known for massive building projects.

Herod Archelaus

Biblical Details

• Mentioned in Matthew 2:22.

Historical Details

• Ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea (4 BC–AD 6).
• Deposed by Rome.

Herod Antipas

Biblical Details

• Ruled during Jesus’ ministry; executed John the Baptist (Gospels).
• Appears in Luke 23.

Historical Details

• Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea (4 BC–AD 39).

Herod Agrippa I

Biblical Details

• Killed James; imprisoned Peter (Acts 12).

Historical Details

• King of Judea (AD 41–44).
• Died suddenly, recorded by Josephus.

Herod Agrippa II

Biblical Details

• Heard Paul’s defense (Acts 25–26).

Historical Details

• Last Herodian ruler; ally of Rome during Jewish revolt.

ROMAN MILITARY OFFICERS

Cornelius the Centurion

Biblical Details

• First Gentile convert (Acts 10).

Historical Details

• Centurions were mid‑level officers commanding ~80 soldiers.

Julius the Centurion

Biblical Details

• Escorted Paul to Rome (Acts 27).

Historical Details

• Member of the Augustan Cohort.

Centurion at Capernaum

Biblical Details

• Sought healing for his servant (Matthew 8; Luke 7).

Historical Details

• Represents Roman military presence in Galilee.

Centurion at the Cross

Biblical Details

• Declared Jesus “Son of God” (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39).

Historical Details

• Roman officer overseeing crucifixions.

Claudius Lysias

Biblical Details

• Roman tribune who rescued Paul (Acts 21–23).

Historical Details

• Tribune commanded a cohort (~600 soldiers).

ROMAN MILITARY UNITS

Italian Regiment

Biblical Details

• Mentioned in Acts 10:1 (Cornelius).

Historical Details

• Auxiliary cohort recruited from Roman citizens in Italy.

Augustan Cohort

Biblical Details

• Mentioned in Acts 27:1 (Julius).

Historical Details

• Elite unit associated with the emperor.

Roman Cohort / Band

Biblical Details

• Arrested Jesus (John 18:3).

Historical Details

• Standard Roman military unit.

ROMAN OFFICIALS (UNNAMED TITLES)

Biblical Details

• Proconsul (Acts 13)
• Magistrates (Acts 16)
• Praetors (Acts 16)
• Captain of the Guard (Acts 28)
• Chief Captain (Acts 21–22)

Historical Details

• All correspond to real Roman administrative offices.

NAMED ROMAN INDIVIDUALS

Sergius Paulus

Biblical Details

• Proconsul of Cyprus (Acts 13).

Historical Details

• Name confirmed in inscriptions.

Cornelius

Biblical Details

• Centurion in Acts 10.

Historical Details

• Roman citizen soldier.

Claudius Lysias

Biblical Details

• Tribune in Acts 21–23.

Historical Details

• Greek who purchased Roman citizenship.

Julius

Biblical Details

• Centurion in Acts 27.

Historical Details

• Member of the Augustan Cohort.

ROMAN CITIZENS

Paul

Biblical Details

• Declares his citizenship in Acts 22.

Historical Details

• Roman citizenship granted legal protections.