The concept of Emperor in Christianity
Synonyms: Sovereign, Monarch, Ruler, King, Potentate, Overlord, Dictator
In Malay: Maharaja; In Spanish: Emperador; In German: Kaiser; In Finnish: Keisari; In Dutch: Keizer; In Swedish: Kejsare; In French: Empereur
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Emperor'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The individual who held ultimate power, and was the source of the edicts and commands that initiated the persecution and caused widespread suffering and death.[1] (2) The wild beast was expected to recognize Constantine as emperor by accepting his portrait, and the situation involved a complex negotiation of power and authority.[2] (3) The individual was targeted by Galerius, who tried to gain his favor, even attempting to manipulate him into acts of extreme cruelty by using deceitful actions, such as setting fires.[3] (4) The ruler whose commands were dreadful and violent, and whose authority was challenged by the martyrs' silent resistance.[4] (5) This refers to the individual whose actions are being described, who was characterized by his desire to debauch women, illustrating the central focus of the text.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This phrase refers to the individual who directly appointed procurators to govern provinces, and the text highlights that the procurator, who was originally a financial official, was appointed by the Emperor, and this demonstrates the Emperor's authority over the provinces, which were in a transitional state.[6] (2) This individual, particularly Augustus, was central to the governance of the Empire, and made key decisions regarding the provinces, including the division with the Senate.[7] (3) The Emperor was responsible for the government of all provinces where an army was necessary and governed these by paid deputies of his own.[8] (4) This individual is mentioned as someone to whom the Greek word 'governing' can be applied, indicating a position of authority.[9] (5) This term refers to the ruler of the Roman Empire, and is mentioned in the context of Pilate's actions and his relationship with the central authority.[10]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) This is the title of the ruler who ordered the rebuilding of Sardis after the earthquake, demonstrating the influence of the Roman Empire.[11] (2) The emperor is a reference to Tiberius, who was the ruler at the time of Pilate's governance, and to whom Pilate was accountable, as the provided text elucidates.[12] (3) Caesarea Philippi was named in honor of Tiberius, the emperor, by Philip the tetrarch, who added the cognomen of Philippi to distinguish it.[13] (4) This refers to the ruler who banished the Jews from the city, and later expelled them again, during different periods in history.[14] (5) The emperor ordered Vitellius to bring Aretas prisoner or his head, after hearing of Herod's military disaster, as detailed in the provided text.[15]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) Emperors were those in power who had control over the army, and could shed noble blood with impunity.[16] (2) This was the person whose frown and the consequent loss of place and power led Pilate to condemn Jesus.[17] (3) The emperor refers to the ruler of the Roman Empire, to whom Herod went to sue for the title of "king", and from whom Herodias's instigation resulted in his loss.[18]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The text mentions this position of authority in the context of a higher power, and the text suggests that you must disregard the former and obey God.[19] (2) This is a figure who is cited in the text in relation to the interpretation of laws, specifically stating that only they should interpret between equity and law.[20]
Gnostic concept of 'Emperor'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) These individuals are the ones whose images were on the denarii, indicating the historical context of the treasures.[21] (2) He had imbibed some slight tinge of Zoroastrian doctrine, and regulated his prayers by the sun's position.[22]
The concept of Emperor in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Emperor" relates to notable historical figures such as Phocas, Severus, and Honorius, who governed during significant periods, influencing ecclesiastical decisions, territorial governance, and political dynamics in ancient Rome and Britain.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) In the year of our Lord 189, Severus, an African, born at Leptis, in the province of Tripolis, became emperor, and reigned seventeen years.[23] (2) The position that Honorius held during the year 407, as well as the one that Constantine was chosen for in Britain, as mentioned in the text.[24] (3) Phocas was the Emperor during the time of Mellitus and the synod, and he granted the gift of the temple at Rome to the Church of Christ, and he was the ruler.[25]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The emperor is a reference to the Emperor of Delhi, who was praised in a song by Tansen, the poet-laureate, during a discussion led by the Swami.[26] (2) This is the title of the father of Dhritarashtra and Pandu, whose sons were involved in the war described in the Mahabharata.[27] (3) This person prayed for more wealth, power, and a greater empire, which contrasted with the beggar's perspective on prayer and religious devotion.[28]