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The concept of Empire in Christianity

According to Christianity, the term Empire encompasses various meanings, emphasizing its significance in both historical and spiritual contexts. It includes the idea of a political entity like the Roman Empire, which played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity and governance of provinces. The Empire is also depicted as the domain of Christ, intended to expand globally. Furthermore, references to other empires, such as the Babylonian and Assyrian, highlight the vast influences and borders that shaped historical narratives, illustrating the pervasive impact of empires throughout history.1
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Synonyms: Dominion, Realm, Kingdom, Territory, Federation, Sovereignty, Hegemony, Nation, Conglomerate, Authority, Government, Power, Reign

In Dutch: Empire; In French: Empire; In Finnish: Imperiumi; In Spanish: Imperio; In German: Reich; In Malay: Empayar; In Swedish: Imperium

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Empire'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) During this time, provinces experienced improved governance compared to the Republic, with prosperity and contentment, especially during the initial centuries.[1] (2) The Empire had not appeared to gather up the loose ends of provincial government, and the text mentions the role and actions of the Empire.[2] (3) The Empire was a time of luxury and idleness for the city of Rome, while the provinces entered upon an era of progressive prosperity.[3] (4) The great warriors of the succeeding 18th Dyn. made Thebes the greatest city of the Empire, after enriching the city with the spoils of conquest.[4] (5) This refers to the Roman Empire, and the text discusses the relationship between the province of Judaea and the central authority of the empire.[5]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is a political entity, and the group of people who recognize and acknowledge a person's character and influence.[6] (2) This refers to the Roman Empire, which initially showed a degree of benevolence and protection towards Christian teachers, and the Empire's policies enabled the spread of Christianity.[7] (3) The Empire is mentioned as the solid-seeming structure that was destined to crumble before the constructive power of Paul and his company.[8]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) During the classic ages of Greece and Rome society underwent a complete revolution of sentiment on this subject; insomuch that not only at Rome, but through all the provinces of the empire, it was a favorite pastime.[9] (2) The city ranked third in importance among the cities of this entity, demonstrating its significant size and splendor relative to other urban centers.[10] (3) The empire which, after the death of Alexander, became, under Seleucus Nicator, the Macedonian governor of Media and Babylonia, a portion of the new Syrian kingdom.[11]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The empire's boundaries were defined by geographical features, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Euphrates River.[12] (2) This refers to the Babylonian empire, and its early seat was there rather than higher up the Euphrates, signifying its importance.[13]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) The empire is the domain of Christ, the Son, that shall extend across the earth, as promised by the Father, and will be governed by his sceptre.[14]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to the Roman empire, where the philosophy has grown up and which the current ruler has succeeded to.[15] (2) The text references the cruelty of this entity as the reason for families to avoid domestic life.[16] (3) The empire refers to the period when Probus was emperor, during which the Disputation took place and Manichaeus gained notoriety.[17] (4) Daia, after his rapid ascension, was granted the authority to oppress the empire of the East, demonstrating the significant power he obtained.[18] (5) The archives of this will speak if a heretic wishes his confidence to rest upon a public record, as indicated in the text.[19]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The city of God

(1) This is the empire whose life was seen as one with the life of those whose difficulties were rather political, historical, and social.[20]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) This is a large territory under the control of a single ruler, and the text suggests that serving God is like having one.[21]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Gnostic concept of 'Empire'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) This term is used in the text to describe the time period when architecture had kept up a feeble existence after the fall of, its preservation being due to the patronage of the Church.[22] (2) The geographical location of the Eastern provinces where the several apostles established the true faith, which Gnosticism was considered a corruption of.[23] (3) Empire is one of the ten emanations, also known as the Consuming Fire and the wife of the Church, and is also employed in the Valentinian system.[24]

The concept of Empire in local and regional sources

History Books

Empire in this context denotes two aspects: the decline of Western dominance after Valentinian's assassination and the expansive political domain governed by Severus, characterized by its vast territories and multicultural population.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) The empire of the West ended with Valentinian's murder.[25] (2) The large political entity ruled by Severus, encompassing vast territories and diverse peoples.[26]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Large political structures or dominions that arose through the influence of 'I', showcasing human ambition and governance.[27]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The text states that the Japanese gave up their princedoms without a word to create the unity of this, highlighting the idea of patriotism.[28]

Plural form: Empires.