Numerous Jews from Palestine acknowledged the advantages of Roman governance in preserving tranquility and harmony. The Roman authority considered it advantageous to use client rulers like the Herods to maintain control over Palestine while tolerating religious groupings on a regional and local level. Judaea was exempt from the demand that heavenly honors be given to emperors as well as to traditional Roman or kindred gods, with the exception of Caligula (reigned 37–41), whose early death avoided societal turmoil and the damage of Jerusalem’s holy sites. The Jews’ dedication of synagogues and temple offerings in the emperor’s honor was sufficient. The Apostle Paul’s family was among the Jewish households that enjoyed the benefits of Roman citizenship.

Paul affirmed the providential function of government in containing evil in his Letter to the Romans. Though the emperor’s deification offended them, Christians did not need to be alienated from the empire. Furthermore, despite the fact that the church provided tremendous assistance to the oppressed segments of society as a social welfare organization, Christians never posed a threat to society or the political system. Following their master’s lead, Christians promoted patience and humility in the face of evildoers. Before the fourth century, fundamental Christian criticism did not even address the institution of slavery. Still, the church was not overtaken by religious mysticism. It met far more than only its members’ cultic (liturgical) requirements.