The Acts of Paul are a recollection of Paul’s journey to Rome that was recorded by Luke, his companion. According to scholarship, the Biblical Acts of Paul were written in approximately 100–160 CE (Wilson). In the Acts, an overview of the prophet Paul’s voyages and sermons may be found. At this time, the Roman Empire was one of the largest realms in the world, with its own architecture and art preferences. During their stay in Rome, the two men could have witnessed numerous noteworthy buildings, pieces of art, and scholars.
The primary motivation for creating the work was to describe Paul’s journey to Rome. In the times of Paul, Rome was among the most flourishing cities in the world (28:16). This was the most significant and prominent location in the Mediterranean region, and maybe the world, because it served as the capital of the strongest empire at the time, the Roman Empire. As per further narration, Paul was given permission to reside in his own leased home (28:30). The man later preached in the kingdom of God (28:23). Yet, it is also important to concentrate on the possible surroundings of Paul and Luke.
The architectural styles that the Greeks had originally established were still followed by the Romans at this time. Among the examples are columns that were still popular even after they were not required for structural support. This was done to give structures a typical and recognizable appearance. In this situation, Paul could admire the columns at the front of the Pantheon, which were built in about 125 CE (Cartwright). Furthermore, the man could see the Colosseum, which was among the noteworthy buildings of that time as well. There, columns were incorporated into the wall and served as ornaments, like the top levels of the Colosseum’s façade. Lastly, Paul could see the Temple of Jupiter Stator in Rome (146 BCE), the first structure made entirely of marble (Cartwright). However, it was not until the Empire started using this material that marble use flourished and became the preferred resource for the most remarkable construction projects.
The Romans were also renowned for using official documents outlining political, judicial, and municipal matters. The earliest newspapers, called Acta Diurna, were inscribed on either metal or stone materials and then displayed in busy locations like the Roman Forum (Andrews). The Acta are said to have first debuted about 131 B.C., and they frequently contained information on Roman military successes, a schedule of festivities and gladiatorial contests, birth and death announcements, and even important news (Andrews). As a result, Paul could have witnessed the use of these newspapers, which can be considered a piece of art.
Lastly, when it comes to the people Paul and his companion Luke met, aside from Jewish individuals who listened to Paul’s sermons, these could be other Roman citizens. However, Paul could meet noteworthy Roman philosophers, such as Marcus Aurelius, who lived from 121 to 180 CE (Adkins). Thus, aside from meeting Jewish leaders and speaking the truth of God and sending the message to this community, the man could also see other thinkers.
Hence, the Acts of Paul are a biblical overview of the prophet’s sermons and voyages to Rome. The recollection was recorded by Luke, the companion of Paul. In the Acts, Paul stayed in Rome in his residence and even spoke to Jewish leaders and the community. When considering the historical background, Paul could view such surroundings as buildings with columns like the Pantheon or marble buildings like the Temple of Jupiter Stator. Furthermore, he could witness the earliest newspaper, Acta Diurna, which can be considered a piece of art. Lastly, he could meet the Roman philosophers, among whom was Marcus Aurelius.
Works Cited
Adkins, Evelyn. Discourse, Knowledge, and Power in Apuleius’ Metamorphoses. University of Michigan Press, 2022.
Andrews, Evan. “10 Innovations That Built Ancient Rome.” HISTORY, 2021, Web.
Cartwright, Mark. “Roman Architecture.” World History Encyclopedia, 2022, Web.
Wilson, Joseph AP. “Recasting Paul as a Chauvinist within the Western Text-Type Manuscript Tradition: Implications for the Authorship Debate on 1 Corinthians 14.34-35.” Religions, vol. 13, no.5, 2022, pp. 1-18.