2457. Ioulios
Lexical Summary
Ioulios: Julius

Original Word: Ἰούλιος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Ioulios
Pronunciation: ee-oo'-lee-os
Phonetic Spelling: (ee-oo'-lee-os)
KJV: Julius
NASB: Julius
Word Origin: [of Latin origin]

1. Julius, a centurion

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Julius.

Of Latin origin; Julius, a centurion -- Julius.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
Julius, a centurion
NASB Translation
Julius (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2457: Ἰούλιος

Ἰούλιος, Ἰουλιου, , Julius, a Roman centurion: Acts 27:1, 3.

Topical Lexicon
Name and Identity

Julius was a Roman centurion of the Augustan Cohort who escorted the apostle Paul and other prisoners from Caesarea toward Rome near the close of the apostle’s third missionary journey. His name appears twice in the Greek text of Acts, both in chapter 27.

Scriptural Record

Acts 27:1 introduces him: “When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment.”

Acts 27:3 highlights his kindness: “The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care.”

Although Julius is not mentioned by name after verse 3, the centurion who later intervenes to save Paul during the shipwreck narrative (Acts 27:43) is plainly the same officer, showing consistent concern for Paul’s welfare.

Historical and Military Context

Centurions commanded approximately one hundred soldiers and formed the backbone of the Roman army. The “Augustan Cohort” was likely an elite unit directly attached to the emperor. Transporting prisoners fell within a centurion’s duties, but Julius’s cohort assignment suggests a trusted position in imperial service. His authority extended to chartering ships, negotiating with shipmasters, and maintaining discipline during voyages—responsibilities that emerge throughout Acts 27.

Character and Conduct

1. Respect for lawful procedure: Julius accepted custody of Paul under imperial orders, reflecting Rome’s structured legal system.
2. Personal kindness: He permitted Paul shore leave at Sidon, a decision that risked professional censure should Paul escape.
3. Prudence under crisis: During the storm, he listened to Paul’s counsel though not always following it; ultimately he spared the apostle’s life by preventing soldiers from killing the prisoners (Acts 27:42-43).
4. Leadership: He maintained order during the shipwreck, commanding those who could swim to lead the way to shore while ensuring all reached land safely.

Theological and Ministry Significance

• God’s providence through Gentile authority – Julius’s decisions illustrate how the Lord used Roman structures to protect His servant and advance the gospel toward Rome, fulfilling Acts 23:11.
• Foreshadowing Gentile inclusion – Like Cornelius in Acts 10, Julius embodies responsiveness to truth and mercy, previewing the gospel’s reach among the nations.
• Affirmation of Christian integrity – Paul’s trustworthy conduct won Julius’s respect, demonstrating the persuasive power of a consistent Christian testimony before unbelieving authorities (compare 1 Peter 2:12).

Relation to Other New Testament Centurions

• The centurion of Capernaum who trusted Jesus’ word (Matthew 8:5-13).
• Cornelius, whose conversion marked a turning point for Gentile evangelism (Acts 10).
• The centurion at the crucifixion who confessed, “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).

These accounts, together with Julius, reveal a pattern: Roman officers often appear receptive to divine revelation, reinforcing Luke’s purpose of showing the gospel’s impartial reach.

Legacy and Applications

Julius’s brief appearance underscores that gospel progress frequently relies on seemingly incidental acts of kindness by those outside the covenant community. His fair treatment of Paul encourages believers to pray for and honor governmental authorities (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4), trusting that God can work through them to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Forms and Transliterations
Ιουλιος Ἰούλιος Ιουλιω Ἰουλίῳ Ioulio Iouliō Ioulíoi Ioulíōi Ioulios Ioúlios
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Englishman's Concordance
Acts 27:1 N-DMS
GRK: ἑκατοντάρχῃ ὀνόματι Ἰουλίῳ σπείρης Σεβαστῆς
NAS: cohort named Julius.
KJV: unto [one] named Julius, a centurion
INT: to a centurion by name Julius of the cohort of Augustus

Acts 27:3 N-NMS
GRK: τε ὁ Ἰούλιος τῷ Παύλῳ
NAS: in at Sidon; and Julius treated
KJV: And Julius courteously
INT: moreover Julius Paul

Strong's Greek 2457
2 Occurrences


Ἰουλίῳ — 1 Occ.
Ἰούλιος — 1 Occ.

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