Topical Encyclopedia
A centurion was a professional officer in the Roman army, commanding a unit known as a "century," which typically consisted of approximately 80 to 100 soldiers. The role of a centurion was crucial in maintaining discipline and order within the Roman military structure. Centurions were known for their leadership skills, bravery, and ability to command respect from their subordinates. In the context of the New Testament, centurions are mentioned several times, often in a positive light, reflecting their significant role in the society of the time.
Biblical References:1.
The Centurion at Capernaum: One of the most notable centurions in the New Testament is the centurion at Capernaum, who approached Jesus seeking healing for his servant. This centurion is commended for his faith, as he believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. Jesus marveled at his faith, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (
Matthew 8:10). This account highlights the centurion's humility and recognition of Jesus' authority.
2.
The Centurion at the Crucifixion: Another significant mention of a centurion is at the crucifixion of Jesus. This centurion witnessed the events surrounding Jesus' death and declared, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (
Matthew 27:54). His declaration is a powerful testament to the divine nature of Jesus, recognized even by a Roman officer.
3.
Cornelius, the Centurion: Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is a pivotal figure in the Book of Acts. Described as a devout man who feared God, Cornelius is noted for his prayers and almsgiving. An angel of God instructed him to send for Peter, leading to a significant moment in the early Church where Peter realized that the Gospel was for Gentiles as well as Jews.
Acts 10:34-35 records Peter's revelation: "Truly I understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right."
4.
The Centurion Julius: In
Acts 27, Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Cohort, is responsible for escorting Paul to Rome. Julius is depicted as a fair and considerate officer, showing kindness to Paul by allowing him to visit friends in Sidon (
Acts 27:3). His actions during the shipwreck narrative demonstrate his leadership and concern for the welfare of those under his charge.
Role and Characteristics:Centurions were often selected for their experience and ability to lead men in battle. They were expected to be literate, as they needed to read orders and maintain records. Their duties extended beyond the battlefield, including maintaining discipline, training soldiers, and overseeing various administrative tasks. The New Testament portrayal of centurions often emphasizes their integrity, fairness, and openness to the message of the Gospel, suggesting that their military discipline and leadership qualities translated into moral and spiritual receptivity.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the Roman Empire, centurions held a respected position within the military hierarchy. They were often seen as the backbone of the Roman legions, responsible for implementing the strategies devised by higher-ranking officers. Their presence in the New Testament narratives reflects the pervasive influence of Roman authority in Judea and the broader Mediterranean world during the time of Jesus and the early Church. The interactions between centurions and key biblical figures underscore the intersection of Roman and Jewish cultures and the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.
Greek
1543. hekatontarches -- acenturion, a captain of one hundred men... a
centurion, a captain of one hundred men. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: hekatontarches or hekatontarchos Phonetic Spelling: (hek-at-on-
...Library
Healing theCenturion's Servant.
... HEALING THECENTURION'S SERVANT. Jesus entered into Capernaum, a city by the
Sea of Galilee, and while He was there a certainCenturion...
Concerning theCenturion's Faith the Raising of the Widow's Son....
... In Which Tertullian Pursues His Argument. Jesus is the Christ of the Creator. Chapter
XVIII."Concerning theCenturion's Faith The Raising of the Widow's Son....
Healing of the HeathenCenturion's Slave at Capernaum. --The...
... GALILEE. Section 160. Healing of the HeathenCenturion's Slave at Capernaum.
"The Deputation of Elders."Faith of theCenturion. As...
Healing theCenturion's Servant.
... Part Fifth. From Second Passover Until Third.(Time: One Year.) XLIII. Healing the
Centurion's Servant. (at Capernaum.) ^A Matthew 8:1, 5-13; ^C Luke 7:1-10....
The Return to Capernaum - Healing of theCenturion's Servant.
... CHAPTER XIX. THE RETURN TO CAPERNAUM - HEALING OF THECENTURION'S SERVANT. (Matthew
8:1, 5-15; Mark 3:20, 21; Luke 7:1-10.) We are once again in Capernaum....
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, "I am not Worthy that...
... For when the Lord Jesus promised that He would go to theCenturion's house to heal
His servant, He answered, "I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my...
The Faith which Christ Praises
... 'Thecenturion answered and said: Lord, I am... This miracle of the healing of the
centurion's servant is the second of the great series which Matthew gives us....
A Soldier's Training
... SERMON IV. A SOLDIER'S TRAINING. Luke vii.2-9. And a certaincenturion's
servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die....
TheCenturion
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 32 TheCenturion. [This chapter is based on
Matt.8:5-13; Luke 7:1-17.]... But He marveled at the faith of thecenturion who came...
An Explanation of the Circumstance that Matthew Tells us How the...
... Chapter XX."An Explanation of the Circumstance that Matthew Tells Us How theCenturion
Came to Jesus on Behalf of His Servant, While Luke's Statement is that...
Thesaurus
Centurion's (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Centurion's (2 Occurrences). Luke 7:2 A certain
centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death.
...Cephas (8 Occurrences)
Valued (27 Occurrences)
... BBE WBS). Luke 7:2 and a certaincenturion's servant being ill, was about
to die, who was much valued by him, (YLT NIV). Luke 16:15...
Reached (152 Occurrences)
... any misgivings. There also went with me these six brethren who are now
present, and we reached theCenturion's house. (WEY). Acts...
Regarded (52 Occurrences)
... blessed. (KJV WBS RSV). Luke 7:2 A certaincenturion's servant, who was
dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. (See NAS)....
Dear (120 Occurrences)
... at a price"); compare 1 Corinthians 3:12, "costly stones"; 1 Peter 1:19, "precious
blood." Luke 7:2, the servant was "dear" to thecenturion (entimos, "highly...
Misgivings (3 Occurrences)
... misgivings. There also went with me these six brethren who are now present,
and we reached theCenturion's house. (WEY NAS). Romans...
Paralysis (1 Occurrence)
... Bennett conjectures that thecenturion's palsied servant grievously tormented was
suffering from progressive paralysis with respiratory spasms (see PAIN)....
Palsy (12 Occurrences)
... Bennett conjectures that thecenturion's palsied servant grievously tormented was
suffering from progressive paralysis with respiratory spasms (see PAIN)....
Centurions (3 Occurrences)
Resources
What was a Roman centurion? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the city of Rome in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about a Christian serving in the military? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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