The Rise of Christianity

A major innovation of the Roman Empire was the development of the road system. The roads that spread throughout the extent of the empire were based on systematic planning and maintenance. This system not only allowed for the cohesion of Rome's many provinces, but provided the necessary means for the Christian church to expand its work as it fulfilled the gospel commission.

From cities like this one at Ephesus, where Paul spent more than three years, messengers traveled the Roman roads to spread the message of hope from city to city. A flame had been kindled that could not be extinguished.