### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Rhṓmē**, represented by `{{G4516}}`, is defined as **Rome**, the capital of Italy, and is derived from a base word meaning strength. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses**, signifying its important role as a key geographical location in the New Testament narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4516}}` is primarily featured as a pivotal destination in the ministry of the apostle Paul. The Lord told Paul that just as he had testified in Jerusalem, he must also bear witness in **Rome** [[Acts 23:11]]. Paul himself expressed this, saying, "I must also see **Rome**" [[Acts 19:21]]. The city was home to a community of believers, "beloved of God, called to be saints," to whom Paul was ready to preach the gospel ([[Romans 1:7]], [[Romans 1:15]]). It was also the seat of imperial power, where Emperor Claudius commanded Jews to depart from **Rome** [[Acts 18:2]] and where Paul later arrived as a prisoner [[Acts 28:16]]. Several epistles were written from **Rome**, including those to the Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon ([[Colossians 4:18]], [[Ephesians 6:24]], [[Philemon 1:25]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the context of **Rome** as a political and geographical center:
* `{{G2482}}` **Italía** (Italia, a region of Europe): This word places **Rome** in its larger geographical context. It is mentioned that Aquila and Priscilla had recently come from **Italy** after Claudius commanded all Jews to depart from **Rome** [[Acts 18:2]].
* `{{G2541}}` **Kaîsar** (Cæsar, a title of the Roman emperor): This title signifies the imperial authority ruling from **Rome**. The second epistle to Timothy was written from **Rome** when Paul was brought before Nero **Caesar** [[2 Timothy 4:22]].
* `{{G1198}}` **désmios** (a captive (as bound)): This term is directly linked to Paul's journey to **Rome**. Upon arrival, the centurion delivered the **prisoners** to the captain of the guard [[Acts 28:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4516}}` is seen in its role as the culmination of apostolic mission and the intersection of faith and worldly power.
* **A Divinely Ordained Destination:** Reaching **Rome** was presented as a fulfillment of divine will. The Lord appeared to Paul and stated he "must" bear witness in **Rome** [[Acts 23:11]], a conviction Paul himself held [[Acts 19:21]].
* **A Hub for the Early Church:** **Rome** was not merely a political target but a significant center for the church, home to "beloved of God, called to be saints" [[Romans 1:7]]. Paul expressed his eagerness to "preach the gospel to you that are at **Rome** also" [[Romans 1:15]].
* **The Gospel in the Heart of the Empire:** The city represents the place where the gospel directly engaged with the highest level of secular authority. This is seen in events like the imperial decree of Claudius affecting believers [[Acts 18:2]] and Paul being brought before Nero **Caesar** there [[2 Timothy 4:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4516}}` **Rhṓmē** is more than just the name of a city; it represents the strategic destination for the gospel in the apostolic era. As the capital of Italy and the Roman Empire, it was the focal point of Paul's mission to bear witness. The scriptural accounts highlight its significance as a place of both persecution and proclamation, where the early church was established and from which key apostolic letters were dispatched, marking it as a crucial location in the expansion of Christianity.
TRV