A team of archeologists in 1899 excavated the ancient ruins of Priene, located in western Turkey today. They uncovered from the city’s ancient marketplace two stones from 9BC celebrating the birthday of Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor in power when Jesus was born.
Gaius Octavius Thurinus was the adopted son of Julius Caesar, who became Roman Emperor after Julius was assassinated. The Roman Senate conferred on Octavius the name Augustus meaning “majestic” or “revered one.” The stone inscription marks his birth as the beginning of good news (it’s the same word translated as gospel) to the world. He is given the name “Savior” in the inscription for bringing peace to the world. He is also called “Son of God” on Roman coins and written documents. Surely the parallels to Mark’s gospel can’t be coincidental. Mark introduces his gospel with comparable words to the Priene inscription, “The beginning of the good news of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1.1). Who changed human history by reason of his birth–the mortal who lies buried in a mausoleum in Rome or the immortal Son of God whose kingdom will have no end? Who is more powerful–the emperor who crushed his foes or the Crucified One who forgave his enemies?
The sixth Great Antiphon, “O King of the nations,” was a Messianic title (Jer. 10.7) conferred on Jesus in the New Testament, as expressed in the words, “Just and true are your ways, King of the nations” (Rev. 15.3). A few chapters later in Revelation, Jesus is given the title, “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19.16). Jesus Christ is Sovereign over nations. His kingdom has eclipsed the mighty Roman Empire and the Ming dynasty. Why, it even eclipsed the Yankee dynasty! King Jesus sits on David’s royal throne, where he will reign forever. In the exalted language of the Hallelujah Chorus, “And he shall reign forever and ever.” Come, O King of the nations. We join in praying: