Gladiators & Beast Hunts | Life In the Roman Empire PT 3 | EP193

In this third episode of Life in the Roman Empire – Pt 3: Gladiators & Beast Hunts, a dear friend of Walking The Text, Dr. Randall Smith, explores the explosive spectacle of Gladiators & Beast Hunts in the Roman world. Romans wanted something that grabbed them by the heart, and nothing did that like gladiatorial combat and beast hunts. These events were choreographed to recall great moments from Rome’s past and were sponsored by cunning politicians who distributed cash handouts, public donations, and other gifts (including free toilets) in order to secure the public’s favor.

What’s more, the games were comprised of three events: beast hunts, public executions, and gladiatorial combat. Exotic animals from all over the empire featured in the games, including lions, tigers, bears, boars, and bulls. However, some arenas were unsafe for lions and tigers because they could jump into the stands! Although a significant logistical and financial undertaking, Roman crowds flocked to see gladiators and beast hunts.

Not surprisingly, the Apostle Paul, makes use of certain imagery and language from the arena in the New Testament to illustrate how he was learning to yield everything to God, including his death. Life in the Roman Empire – Pt 3: Gladiators & Beast Hunts will challenge you to think hard about what a life of total devotion to Jesus looks like while also inviting you ask: Is there anything in my life I need to yield to God?

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[travisduggins]

I love dr randal smith!!! One bible one book helped me tremendously!