Lexical Summary Ioulios: Julius Original Word: Ἰούλιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Julius. Of Latin origin; Julius, a centurion -- Julius. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Julius, a centurion NASB Translation Julius (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2457: ἸούλιοςἸούλιος, Ἰουλιου, ὁ, 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. 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. Relation to Other New Testament Centurions • The centurion of Capernaum who trusted Jesus’ word (Matthew 8:5-13). 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 IoúliosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 27:1 N-DMSGRK: 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 Strong's Greek 2457 |
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