Yes, Roman authorities respected Judaism as an ancient religion, but they viewed Christianity as a new sect and tried to stamp it out.
Les Feldick explains that Rome had respect for ancient religions, including Judaism, and therefore tolerated Jewish practices, even allowing Jewish leaders to execute their own people. However, Christianity was seen as something new, and thus Rome persecuted it, partly because Christians claimed a king above Rome.
The Bible does not directly discuss the Roman government's view of Judaism versus Christianity. However, it records instances of Roman interaction: In Acts 25, Paul appeals to Caesar, and Roman officials like Festus and Agrippa discuss his case. The Bible shows Rome's legal system was involved, but it does not describe a general policy favoring Judaism.
Les Feldick teaches that Roman authorities respected and tolerated Judaism because it was an ancient religion, and they even protected Jewish temple offerings and allowed Jewish leaders to execute fellow Jews under their own religious laws. In contrast, Christianity was seen as something new and thus was persecuted heavily by Rome. Les also notes that Rome's tolerance of Judaism included allowing Jewish extradition requests in some cities. The key reason Rome favored Judaism was its antiquity, while Christianity's newness and claim of a king above Rome provoked Roman opposition.
Les Feldick explains that Rome respected ancient religions, including Judaism, and therefore put up with Jewish religious practices. For example, Rome guaranteed safe arrival of temple offerings and allowed Jews to handle their own religious legal matters, even permitting stoning of Jewish offenders. This tolerance stemmed from Judaism's antiquity.
Christianity was not an ancient religion in Rome's eyes; it was something new. Rome tried to stamp it out because it was a new idea and because Christians claimed a king above Rome, which infuriated Roman authorities. This led to massive persecution of Christians, unlike the Jews who were left alone.
Why Paul Persecuted the Early Church — Galatians Chapter 1
And he kneeled down, and cried to the loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. When he had said this, he fell asleep." Maybe I shouldn't do this, but I'm going to. We had a listener from somewhere out in TV land send us a tape of their pastor's previous Sunday morning sermon. It was a gem. I'll tell you what, I just listened to it from start to finish, it was a good one.
Rome's Condescension to Judaism
Les explains that Rome condescended to Judaism, allowing Jews to execute their own people, which they would never have allowed for Gentiles. This shows Rome's tolerance of Judaism.
Rome's Respect for Ancient Religions
Les highlights that Rome respected ancient religions, including Judaism, and did not oppose Jewish temple worship, but actively tried to stamp out the new religion of Christianity.
Rome Protected Jewish Offerings
Les mentions that Roman authorities guaranteed safe arrival of temple offerings, showing they had no problem with the Jewish religion, but persecuted Christianity.
Christianity's Claim of a King
Les points out that Rome protected Jewish tithes and offerings, but persecuted Christianity because it was new and claimed a king above Rome, which infuriated them.
Jewish Clout with Rome
Les explains that Judaism had clout with the Romans, allowing the High Priest to demand extradition from certain cities, demonstrating Roman favor toward Judaism.
Jews Could Stone Their Own
Les notes that under Roman government, Jews could never stone a Gentile, but they were permitted to kill their own under their religious system, showing Roman acceptance of Jewish religious autonomy.
What Does "Only Begotten Son of God" Really Mean?
All right, now again let's go back to Romans 11, where we were in our last program for just a second. Unfortunately, it didn't always remain that way. Unfortunately, it wasn't long after Christianity began to permeate the Roman Empire, that instead of causing the Jew to envy, it caused the Jew to hate him.
Rome tolerated Judaism as an ancient religion and let the Jews handle their own religious system. Therefore, they allowed Jewish leaders to execute fellow Jews under their religious laws, but they would never have allowed such action against a Gentile.
Yes, Les Feldick notes that Rome guaranteed safe arrival of temple offerings from across the empire, showing their respect for the Jewish religion. They did not intercept the money and instead provided protection.
Watch the Teaching: Why Paul Persecuted the Early Church — Galatians Chapter 1