What was the Roman attitude toward ancient religions?
The Romans held due respect for any ancient religion, whether pagan or otherwise. Because Judaism reached back into antiquity, Rome regarded it highly, even protecting temple offerings and safe passage. Christianity, however, was viewed as new and originating from one man, so Roman authorities opposed it, seeking to stamp it out and martyr its adherents.
Les teaches that the Roman government had due respect for any ancient religion, whether pagan or whatever. Since the Jews' religion went back into antiquity, the Romans had a high regard for it and did not bother Judaism; in fact, Roman authorities guaranteed that offerings to the temple from whatever section of the Roman Empire would arrive safely. But Christianity was something new, more or less coming from the upstart of this one man, and therefore they had no compunctions about putting it to death and martyring those who adhered to it. Les connects this with the pagan background and Satanic opposition, where they too were trying to stamp out this new idea.