Why is Constantine Important?
At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"
Key Facts
Term Name
Constantine
Role
Roman Emperor
Born
c. 272 AD
Died
c. 337 AD
Key Takeaways
- Constantine was the first Christian Roman emperor, reshaping the Church's trajectory through legal and institutional reforms.
- Theological parallels between Constantine and Daniel 4:34-35 highlight divine sovereignty over human rulers.
- His legacy illustrates the complex interplay of faith and political power in shaping Christian doctrine.
Who Was Constantine in the Bible? Wait... He's Not in the Bible!
Though the Bible was completed centuries before his birth, Constantine's 4th-century reign as the first Christian Roman emperor reshaped the Church's trajectory in ways that indirectly influenced biblical scholarship and Christian history.
Constantine is absent from biblical texts because he lived long after the last New Testament writings. However, his conversion to Christianity, legalization of the faith through the Edict of Milan (313 CE), and convening of the Council of Nicaea (325 CE) established foundational structures for church-state relations and scriptural standardization.
Theological reflections on Constantine’s life sometimes invoke Daniel 4:34-35, where Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration after a period of madness symbolizes divine authority. Similarly, Constantine’s rise from pagan ruler to Christian patron was interpreted by some as a divine reordering of power, illustrating how biblical themes continue to frame historical narratives.
Constantine and the Lesson of Humility from Daniel 4
The parallels between Constantine's life and Daniel 4:34-35 reveal theological reflections on divine sovereignty over human kingdoms.
Daniel 4:34-35 recounts Nebuchadnezzar's restoration to kingship after a period of divine judgment: 'At the end of the twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace. He looked out toward the city of Babylon and said, “Is this not magnificent? By my own mighty power I have done this, to make it a fortified city for the display of my glory.” While he was speaking, a voice came from heaven, saying, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: the kingdom has departed from you... until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of the heavens and sets up whoever he wishes in it.”' This passage underscores that all human authority is contingent on God's will.
Like Nebuchadnezzar, Constantine's rise from military commander to emperor was interpreted by some as a divine reordering of power, yet his legacy includes both Christian patronage and political manipulation of the Church. The Edict of Milan (313 CE) and Council of Nicaea (325 CE) exemplify how his authority was wielded to shape Christian doctrine, mirroring Nebuchadnezzar's role in preserving Daniel's faith. However, Constantine's story, like Daniel 4, warns against conflating political success with divine favor, emphasizing that earthly power is ultimately subject to God's sovereignty.
This framework invites readers to consider how biblical narratives about imperial figures provide cautionary templates for understanding historical leadership. By juxtaposing Constantine with Nebuchadnezzar, the text challenges simplistic celebrations of political triumph, instead directing attention to the enduring biblical principle that all rulers must ultimately submit to the authority of the Most High God.
The Lasting Impact of Constantine on Christianity
Constantine's Edict of Milan, Council of Nicaea, and extensive church-building projects fundamentally reshaped Christianity's institutional and doctrinal foundations.
The Edict of Milan (313 CE) ended state persecution of Christians, while the Council of Nicaea (325 CE) addressed divisive theological disputes—both reflecting biblical themes of unity (Daniel 4:34-35), though scholars debate whether his motives were genuinely pious or politically strategic.
His patronage of church construction, including Constantinople's Hagia Sophia, demonstrated stewardship of resources for spiritual purposes, yet his centralized authority over doctrine also sparked tensions between ecclesiastical independence and imperial control, illustrating the complex interplay of faith and power described in biblical narratives about rulers.
What Can Christians Learn from Constantine's Legacy?
Constantine's legacy offers modern believers a nuanced lens to examine the intersection of faith, power, and theological stewardship.
Christians must navigate cultural and political engagement with discernment, recognizing that while God can use earthly power (as seen in Constantine’s Edict of Milan and Council of Nicaea), such influence carries risks of compromising theological integrity. The biblical narrative of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:34-35 underscores that true authority flows from divine humility, not human ambition—a principle Constantine’s legacy both reflects and challenges. His patronage of the Church, while advancing Christianity, also blurred the lines between spiritual and imperial authority, illustrating the dangers of allowing political agendas to shape doctrine. Modern believers are thus called to advocate for faith in public spheres while safeguarding the Church’s independence, ensuring that spiritual truth remains distinct from temporal power.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Daniel 4:34-35
Nebuchadnezzar's restoration underscores God's sovereignty over earthly rulers, paralleling Constantine's story.