Two thousand years ago the Roman Empire held sway over Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Its legacy was to continue down through the centuries and is with us to this day. (The first part in this series ran in the May issue as "Who
Will Be the Next Superpower?")
by Melvin Rhodes
The 12 disciples of Jesus Christ were not perfect, just as we are not perfect, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Like people throughout history, they were much influenced by what was taking place around them.
There is an interesting account of an incident in Matthew 20 that helps us get a glimpse of life in the Roman Empire at that time.
"Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him [Jesus] with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, 'What do you wish?' She said to Him, 'Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your Kingdom'" (verse 21).
Here we see a clear case of political ambition. Knowing that Jesus Christ came preaching the good news of the coming Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14), the two men, with support from their mother, were making a power play for the two top positions after Christ in the Kingdom.
"And when the [other] ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers" (Matthew 20:24).
