December 9, 2007: Threat To An Empire (2 of 4) – Michael Hidalgo

The promise of Augustus was that he would make all war cease, and create order everywhere. This was Pax Romana. To ensure this kind of world he instituted harsh punishments for those who did not follow his program. Torture, imprisonment, and death were all part of his program. One instrument in particular was of special value for his program … the cross. He used the cross to bring the peace of Rome. It is interesting to note that Jesus promised peace, and he used a specific instrument to bring peace as well … the cross. The difference is that Jesus hung on Augustus’ cross … yet it was in his death that true peace came.