Among Emperor Nero's many immoral acts were the public banquets he offered for the people of Rome. The Roman historian Tacitus (A.D. 56-120) described one of Nero's more elaborate parties, which he said was typical: "The festivities were held on a small lake populated with exotic birds, fish, and other animals imported for the occasion. Guests were floated out on rafts to be lured in one direction or another. On one shore were brothels crowded with noble ladies; on another, naked prostitutes enticed the guests. As darkness descended, torches were lit, and the groves and buildings filled with song and laughter. Nero polluted himself by every lawful and lawless indulgence."

It was in the middle of Nero's decadent reign that Paul wrote about the extremes to which people can go apart from God.