Why is Rome so significant?

Of the four Gentile world empires, Rome represents the final Gentile superpower. Israel was under Roman rule when Jesus was born and when He was crucified. According to the prophetic Word, Jesus will return when Rome regains its power over the world. This does not mean that the geographical city located in Italy will literally rule the world, but rather that the Roman system of democracy, free enterprise and freedom of religion will govern the world.

Daniel identified the four Gentile superpowers. He told King Nebuchadnezzar: "...thou art this head of gold." Then he used only a few words to describe the second and third Gentile superpower in Daniel 2:39: "And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth." Finally, he described the last power structure: "And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise"(verse 40). We know from history that Rome conquered nation after nation using irresistible power in order to subdue all things. Again, this is not limited to the Italian city; it is of global proportion. The Bible says, "...which shall bear rule over all the earth."