The Revived Roman Empire – What is it?

TL;DR:

The Revived Roman Empire describes a powerful government system that will rise during the end times and is spoken of in prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. Christians are called to focus on spreading the gospel rather than trying to figure out the particular nations and dates involved in the end-times prophecies.

what does the bible say?

The Revived Roman Empire is a concept used to describe a powerful government system that will rise in the end times. The phrase Revived Roman Empire does not appear in the Bible; however, the Bible does describe a powerful government that rises to power in the end times. Because Rome, at one time, ruled nearly the entire known world, some use the Revived Roman Empire to describe this coming world-wide government. It’s commonly linked to prophetic images in Daniel and Revelation, where a ten-horned beast symbolizing the Roman Empire is seen in both the Old and New Testaments. Daniel 7 and Daniel 2 suggest that this empire will be revived in some form, possibly through a ten-nation coalition led by a ruler in Rome or the Middle East. Revelation 13 also depicts a ten-horned beast with global power, symbolizing a tyrannical, blasphemous government controlled by Satan. While the details of how and when this empire will emerge remain unclear, Christians should focus on spreading the gospel rather than speculating about future events.

from the old testament

The Revived Roman Empire is often associated with the fourth beast in Daniel 7. The ten-horned beast is "terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong" (Daniel 7:7), and it is believed to be a prophetic image of the Roman Empire (Daniel 7:19–24).
As Daniel watched, a little horn grew out of the ten horns (Daniel 7:8), which represents the Antichrist, who is thus somehow connected with the Roman Empire. Since the Roman Empire lost its power and identity in the fifth century, we expect it to be "revived" in some sense to fulfill end-times prophecy.
The Revived Roman Empire is also associated with the fifth and final kingdom mentioned in Daniel 2. Daniel 2 describes Nebuchadnezzar's dream of an image made of various metals and Daniel's subsequent interpretation. The image had iron legs and feet made partially from iron and partially from clay. The iron legs represent the Roman Empire and the dual-material feet represent the last world empire. That the feet are partially made of iron may suggest that the last world empire is somehow associated with the Roman Empire. The ten toes may link to the ten horns in Daniel 7:20, perhaps a ten-nation coalition led by a ruler in Rome.

from the new testament

In Revelation 13, a ten-horned beast comes from the sea. The ten horns of this beast connect it to the fourth beast in Daniel 7. The Revelation 13 beast is described as blasphemous, tyrannical, and absolute in its rule. It has global power bestowed by Satan. Interpreting the symbolism as references to a coming political empire or ruler, rather than a figure of prior history, is more easily done with Revelation 13.

implications for today

In trying to determine what end-times prophecies mean,what nations may be involved, and when those events will happen, Christians must be careful to not neglect our primary calling—to spread the gospel. We can read the signs of the times (see Matthew 16:3), but the future is not clear enough to us at this time to completely understand what these prophecies mean. Christians shouldn’t get caught up in speculating about the exact nature of the government or the nations involved in the end times. Rather, we are called to recognize that the world is inherently hostile to God and that this opposition will only intensify. By the time the Revived Roman Empire comes, the Antichrist, through the power of Satan, will be in power and will use his power to deceive unbelievers and to persecute believers. Instead of focusing on identifying the specifics of this future empire, we are to stand firm in our faith. God has already called us to be His witnesses in a world that often rejects Him. We are to remain steadfast in truth and live courageously in faith as we face challenges, knowing that our ultimate hope is in His return and the fulfillment of His promises. Our calling is clear—to be faithful, to endure, and to trust in God’s sovereignty, no matter the turmoil around us.

understand

The Revived Roman Empire is symbolized by a ten-horned beast in Daniel and Revelation.
The Revived Roman Empire represents a powerful, end-times government.
This empire may emerge as a ten-nation coalition with the Antichrist leading it, gaining global, tyrannical power.

reflect

How does understanding the Revived Roman Empire impact your view of current world events and the future?
How can you guard against the temptation to focus too much on speculating about end-times prophecies, and instead focus on living out your faith?
What steps can you take to strengthen your resolve to stand firm in your faith, especially in the face of increasing opposition from the world?

engage

How can we practically prepare ourselves to endure in faith when facing potential challenges related to the rise of a tyrannical, blasphemous world system?
How does God call us to live even when the government isn’t honoring God?
How can we encourage one another to spread the gospel, even when the world is increasingly hostile to God?