ONE HONORED THE OTHER DESPISED

ONE transformed a strife-ridden republic into a world empire.  The other increased its wealth twentyfold in 23 years. One was honored when he died, but the other was despised.  The reigns of these two emperors of Rome spanned Jesus' life and ministry. Who were they? And why was one honored and the other was not? 

HE "FOUND ROME BRICK AND LEFT IT MARBLE" 

In 44 B.C.E. when Julius Caesar was assassinated, his sister's grandson Gaius Octavian was only  18 years of age. Being an adopted son of Julius Caesar and his chief personal heir, young Octavian immediately set out for Rome to claim his inheritance.  There he encountered a formidable opponent -Caesar's chief  lieutenant, Mark Antony, who expected to be the principal heir.  The political intrigue and power struggle that followed lasted 13 years. 

Only after defeating the combined forces of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and her lover Mark Antony (in 31 B.C.E.) did Octavian emerge as the undisputed  ruler of the of the Roman Empire.  The following year Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide and Octavian annexed Egypt. The last vestige of the Grecian Empire was thus removed, and Rome became the world power. 

Remembering that Julius Caesar's exercise of despotic power had led to his assassination, Octavian was careful not to offend. Roman sentiments favoring a republic, he disguised his monarchy under a republican garment.  He declined the titles "king" and "dictator."  Going a  step further, he announced his intention to turn over the control of all provinces to the Roman Senate  and offered to resign from the offices he held. This tactic worked. the appreciative Senate urged Octavian to retain his positions and keep control of some of the provinces. 

Additionally on January 16, 27 B.C.E., the Senate bestowed upon Octavian the title "Augustus,"  meaning "Exalted, Sacred."  Octavian not only accepted the title but also rename a month named after Julius Caesar. Octavian thus became the first emperor of Rome and was thereafter  known as Caesar Agustus or "August One."  later he also assumed the title of "pontifex maximus" (high priest), and in 2 B.C.E.-the year of Jesus' birth-the Senate gave him the title Pater Patriae, "Father of his Country."

Next time: Conclusion of  He "FOUND ROME BRICK AND LEFT IT MARBLE"

From the book:  PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999