Topical Encyclopedia
Julius is a centurion mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is a Roman officer of the Augustan Cohort, a unit of the Roman army. Julius plays a significant role in the narrative of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner.
Biblical AccountJulius is introduced in
Acts 27:1, where it is noted that Paul, along with other prisoners, was handed over to him for transport to Italy. The passage states: "When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment" (
Acts 27:1). This indicates Julius's authority and responsibility in overseeing the safe passage of prisoners, including Paul, to their destination.
Throughout the voyage, Julius demonstrates a level of respect and kindness towards Paul. In
Acts 27:3, it is recorded: "The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs" (
Acts 27:3). This act of leniency suggests that Julius held a favorable view of Paul, recognizing his character and perhaps his influence.
As the journey progresses, the ship encounters severe weather, leading to a shipwreck. During this crisis, Julius's leadership and decision-making are highlighted. In
Acts 27:42-43, the soldiers plan to kill the prisoners to prevent any from escaping, but Julius intervenes: "The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land" (
Acts 27:42-43). Julius's intervention not only saves Paul but also demonstrates his authority and the respect he commands among his men.
Historical and Cultural ContextJulius, as a centurion, was a mid-level officer in the Roman army, typically commanding about 80 to 100 soldiers. The mention of the "Imperial Regiment" or "Augustan Cohort" suggests that he was part of a prestigious unit, possibly tasked with special duties such as escorting important prisoners or officials.
The Roman centurion was often seen as a figure of discipline, leadership, and loyalty to the Roman state. Julius's actions in the biblical narrative align with these characteristics, as he balances his duty to Rome with a sense of justice and humanity, particularly in his treatment of Paul.
Theological SignificanceJulius's interactions with Paul highlight themes of providence and divine favor. Despite being a Roman officer, Julius's favorable treatment of Paul can be seen as part of God's plan to ensure Paul's safe arrival in Rome, where he would continue his ministry. Julius's decisions during the shipwreck narrative underscore the protection and guidance that God provides to His servants, even through unlikely individuals.
Julius's account also serves as a reminder of the impact that individuals can have within God's broader plan. Though a Roman centurion, Julius's actions contribute significantly to the unfolding of the early Christian mission, illustrating how God can use people from all walks of life to fulfill His purposes.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Juliussame as Julia
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Julius(soft-haired), the centurion of "Augustus' band," to whose charge St. Paul was delivered when he was sent prisoner from Caesarea to Rome. (Acts 27:1,3) (A.D. 60.)
ATS Bible Dictionary
JuliusA centurion of the cohort of Augustus, to whom Festus, governor of Judea, committed Paul to be conveyed to Rome. Julius had great regard for Paul. He suffered him to land at Sidon, and to visit his friends there; and in a subsequent part of the voyage he opposed the violence of the soldiers, directed against the prisoners generally, in order to save the apostle,Acts 27:1-44.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The centurion of the Augustan cohort, or the emperor's body-guard, in whose charge Paul was sent prisoner to Rome (
Acts 27:1, 3, 43). He entreated Paul "courteously," showing in many ways a friendly regard for him.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JULIUSjoo'-li-us (Ioulios): The centurion of the Augustan cohort under whose charge Paul was sent a prisoner to Rome (Acts 27:1, 3).
SeeARMY, ROMAN;AUGUSTAN BAND.
Greek
2457. Ioulios --Julius, a centurion...Julius, a centurion. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Ioulios Phonetic
Spelling: (ee-oo'-lee-os) Short Definition:
Julius Definition:
Julius, a
...959. Bernike -- Berenice, Bernice, daughter of Herod Agrippa I
... Bernike Phonetic Spelling: (ber-nee'-kay) Short Definition: Bernice Definition:
Bernice, daughter of Agrippa I and Kypros, and sister of M.Julius Agrippa II....
Library
The Writings ofJulius Africanus
The Writings ofJulius Africanus. <. The Writings ofJulius Africanus
Julius Africanus. Table of Contents. Title Page....
Julius
... Chapter II.Julius.Julius, [2576] bishop of Rome, wrote to one Dionysius
a single epistle On the incarnation of Our Lord, which...
Julius Africanus
... Chapter LXIII.Julius Africanus.Julius Africanus, [2477] whose five volumes
On Chronology, are yet extant, in the reign of Marcus...
How CaiusJulius Caesar was the First Roman that came into Britain...
... BOOK I CHAP. II. How CaiusJulius Caesar was the first Roman that came
into Britain. [54 AD]. Now Britain had never been visited...
Julius ii and Leo X (Ad 1503-1521)
... PART II CHAPTER XXIX:JULIUS II AND LEO X (AD 1503-1521).... And after Pius cameJulius
II, who was pope from 1503 to 1513, and Leo X, who lived to the year 1521....
Letter ofJulius to the Eusebians at Antioch.
... Chapter II."Letter ofJulius to the Eusebians at Antioch. Eusebius and
his fellows wrote also toJulius, and thinking to frighten...
Introductory Notice toJulius Africanus
The Writings ofJulius Africanus. <.... Introductory Notice toJulius
Africanus. [ad200-232-245.] In a former volume, strengthened...
Athanasius and Paul Going to Rome, and Having Obtained Letters...
... Book II. Chapter XV."Athanasius and Paul going to Rome, and having obtained
Letters from BishopJulius, recover their respective Dioceses....
Arrival of the Eastern High Priests at Rome; Letter ofJulius...
... Chapter VIII."Arrival of the Eastern High Priests at Rome; Letter ofJulius, Bishop
of Rome, concerning them; by means of the Letters ofJulius, Paul and...
The Writings ofJulius Africanus
The Writings ofJulius Africanus. <.... Gregory Thaumaturgus, Dionysius the Great,
Julius Africanus, Anatolius and Minor Writers, Methodius, Arnobius....
Thesaurus
Julius (5 Occurrences)... for him. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
JULIUS. joo'-li-us
... AUGUSTAN BAND.
Multi-Version Concordance
Julius (5 Occurrences). Acts 27:1
...Augustus (4 Occurrences)
... The cognomen of the first Roman emperor, C.Julius Caesar Octavianus, during whose
reign Christ was born (Luke 2:1). His decree that "all the world should be...
Italy (4 Occurrences)
... Cisalpine Gaul was not placed on a footing of complete equality with the peninsula
as regards administration until shortly after the death ofJulius Caesar....
Caesar (25 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The title assumed by the Roman emperors after
Julius Caesar. In the New Testament this title is given...
Centurion (22 Occurrences)
... Men like Cornelius andJulius (Acts 10:1; Acts 27:1) may have been separated from
the legion to which they properly belonged for the discharge of special duties...
Jump (3 Occurrences)
Bethsaida (7 Occurrences)
... driven out of its course; and it is quite obvious that, sailing toward Capernaum,
whether at Tell Chum or at Khan Minyeh, it would never reach BethsaidaJulius...
Band (150 Occurrences)
... T. Rees (3) The Augustan Band (speira Sebaste) to whichJulius, the Roman centurion
who had charge of Paul as a prisoner on his voyage to Rome, belonged, was a...
Rome (12 Occurrences)
... the republic, so that Pub. Cornelius Scipio was really the forerunner of
Marius,Julius Caesar, and Augustus. The stream of gold...
Empire (8 Occurrences)
... The conquests of Alexander the Great, Charlemagne and Napoleon seem small compared
with the durable structure reared byJulius and his successor, Augustus....
Resources
What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Augustus Caesar's impact on biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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