Pax Romana and the good news

Historians have said that one of the reasons for the rapid spread of the good news of Jesus was the Roman Empire, Pax Romana, which not only secured peace across its territories, but it also had an excellent road and transportation system, allowing for the transit of people and goods across national borders.

Pax Romana oversaw the rapid growth of little communities of people who would call themselves Christians by the middle of the first century, though that first generation called themselves, the ‘followers of the Way,’ as Paul tell us in the Acts of the Apostles.

Without Pax Romana, it would have been difficult to promote the good news. It was not without difficulties, for many saw Christianity as a sect of Judaism, and didn’t know what it was. Its anonymity was a blessing in disguise, but soon Christians were persecuted within the Roman Empire until 312, when Constantine converted, though periods of persecution continued after that time.

The Internet is the new Pax Romana

The internet is like a new Pax Romana, and for reason, Christians have not really understood its potential or have used it to its fullest. I am not sure how long the internet will remain open, and I am not of the opinion that it is inevitable, and eternal, as it is certainly the case that governments can restrict, censor and block the internet if they choose to.

When I was in Russia a few years ago, I saw firsthand how this censorship worked and for many in other places, this censorship is a daily reality. We may talk about the internet as the future, but we don’t really know what that future will be, or what forms it will take.

Certainly, the new deepfake images, as well as the massive tsunami of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation online tempts any government to step in, assess, regulate, and tax.

But, for the time being, it is a vehicle for good or ill, and as a Christian, I see it as a way to clearly, regularly, and decisively proclaim the good news about Jesus, whom I believe is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, the Saviour of the world, the Lamb of God, the presence, the power, and the person of God.

It is incredible to think that someone can send their email to me, subscribe to Jesus for Busy People, and then they will receive their own individual RSS feed link so that they can then access the podcast. This is anyone in the world, anyone.

It is remarkable that my words, my thoughts, and my reflections are then transmitted across the globe to an audience, and they can listen, send feedback, tell their friends, and be encouraged about Jesus.

My goal has always been to encourage you to follow Jesus

For me, it is this daily encouragement that is why I have started Jesus for Busy People. We are told in the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 3, verse 13, to ‘encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.’

This is usually ignored today because Christians often gather once a week, even though this is the only command in the New Testament to provide specific instructions.

The other time is in the same letter where it says, in chapter 10, verses 24 to 25, ‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’

We don’t know how often they met, the New Testament is silent on this, and we know that church buildings did not exist for several centuries, certainly not in their current form until Christianity was formalized under Pax Romana.

Christians are commanded to encourage each other daily

But it is this daily encouragement that is at the heart of the words of instruction in this letter.

We are to We are to ‘encourage one another daily,’ and Jesus for Busy People is my way of encouraging you, and if God permits, I will do so until I am called home, because I see this as my calling, to present to you, and to others, a daily reflection on the life of Jesus as we live out our busy lives.

I am not interested in a rambling podcast, or a long sermon, as I don’t believe these fit our times, or our needs. I have to date, crafted many messages using this new format, and it fits, it is enough, and for it to be longer, it doesn’t fit the purpose of a word of encouragement.

Most of these talks are on a theme, or a series, and so over the course of the years, they will cover, rather comprehensively, the person of Jesus, so we might know him better, and in knowing him, know ourselves and truly appreciate the good news for it is good, and it is the message we need to hear today.

We all matter to God, and we all need to follow Jesus. Jesus for Busy People will launch on the 22 August 2025, and for those who are unfamiliar with the format or want to know what to expect, I will broadcast a short series on the resurrection of Jesus to give listeners a sample of what they might hear if they decide to subscribe on a monthly or yearly basis.

I encourage you to subscribe, but most importantly, to follow Jesus. Freedom Matters Today because you matter to God.

Michael J. Sutton