1. To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher
To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher.com and click on “Gospel Meetings” 1

2. Saints in Caesar’s Household
Philippians 4:22
Presented by Chris Reeves * Southside Gospel Meeting * August 26, 2019

3. Caesar’s Household
Nero Claudius Augustus Germanicus was Roman Emperor from Oct. 13, A.D. 54 to June 9, A.D. 68
Nephew of Caligula
Had his mother murdered in A.D. 59; promoted athletic games

4. Caesar’s Household Raised taxes to build his public works
Known to be a “monster” not a man; a bloody debauchee; known for tyranny and extravagance, known to be compulsive and corrupt

5. Caesar’s Household
Seutonius recordes that Nero set the “great fire” of Rome (July, A.D. 64) to clear the way for his building projects and Tacitus recordes that he blamed the fire on Christians

6. Caesar’s Household
In A.D. 64, he divorced his wife Octavia for infertility and married a freedman named Pythagorus, playing the part of the bride
In A.D. 68, he committed suicide

7. Caesar’s Household
“Household” is the term for a house; a dwelling place; then, the people who live within
In the case of Caesar, his domus or familia Caesaris would refer to the slaves, attendants, soldiers, freedmen, aristocracy, court officials, etc., living in or around the imperial palace

8. Caesar’s Household
There were Christians in Caesar’s household possibly from the time of Pentecost in A.D. 33 (Acts 2:10), or from the time of Paul’s imprisonment in Rome in A.D (Acts 28:30-31; Phil. 1:12-13)
Note the word “especially” in Phil. 4:22, meaning “chiefly”, “most of all”, “above all”

9. Saints in Caesar’s Household
The power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16)
Willing to break from (“saints”) a very sinful environment (Rom. 1:18-32; 12:1, 9; 13:13-14)
Willing to courageously and fearlessly serve Christ in difficult surroundings (Rom. 5:3-4; 8:17-18; 12:14)

10. Saints in Caesar’s Household
Willing to esteem Christianity higher than their privilege (Rom. 1:6-7)
Were not ashamed to be identified as Christians (Rom. 1:8; 16:19)
Wanted to encourage other Christians through their heart-felt greetings (Rom. 16:1-16)

11. What Can We Learn? You can be a faithful Christian anywhere
It’s harder to be a Christian in some places than others
The harder the place, the more convicted the Christian and greater the reward