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 -- a centurion, 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- ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1543.htm - 7k Library Healing the Centurion's Servant. Concerning the Centurion's Faith the Raising of the Widow's Son. ... Healing of the Heathen Centurion's Slave at Capernaum. --The ... Healing the Centurion's Servant. The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, "I am not Worthy that ... The Faith which Christ Praises A Soldier's Training The Centurion An Explanation of the Circumstance that Matthew Tells us How the ... 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. ... /c/centurion's.htm - 7k Cephas (8 Occurrences) Valued (27 Occurrences) Reached (152 Occurrences) Regarded (52 Occurrences) Dear (120 Occurrences) Misgivings (3 Occurrences) Paralysis (1 Occurrence) Palsy (12 Occurrences) Centurions (3 Occurrences) Resources What was a Roman centurion? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the city of Rome in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about a Christian serving in the military? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Centurion's (2 Occurrences)Luke 7:2 Acts 11:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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