Julius
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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 Account

Julius 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 Context

Julius, 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 Significance

Julius'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
Julius

same 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
Julius

A 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
JULIUS

joo'-li-us (Ioulios): The centurion of the Augustan cohort under whose charge Paul was sent a prisoner to Rome (Acts 27:1, 3).

See ARMY, 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 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2457.htm - 6k

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. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/959.htm - 6k

Library

The Writings of Julius Africanus
The Writings of Julius Africanus. <. The Writings of Julius Africanus
Julius Africanus. Table of Contents. Title Page. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/africanus/the writings of julius africanus/

Julius
... Chapter II. Julius. Julius, [2576] bishop of Rome, wrote to one Dionysius
a single epistle On the incarnation of Our Lord, which ...
/.../various/jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter ii julius.htm

Julius Africanus
... Chapter LXIII. Julius Africanus. Julius Africanus, [2477] whose five volumes
On Chronology, are yet extant, in the reign of Marcus ...
/.../chapter lxiii julius africanus.htm

How Caius Julius Caesar was the First Roman that came into Britain ...
... BOOK I CHAP. II. How Caius Julius Caesar was the first Roman that came
into Britain. [54 AD]. Now Britain had never been visited ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap ii how caius julius.htm

Julius ii and Leo X (Ad 1503-1521)
... PART II CHAPTER XXIX: JULIUS II AND LEO X (AD 1503-1521). ... And after Pius came Julius
II, who was pope from 1503 to 1513, and Leo X, who lived to the year 1521. ...
/.../chapter xxix julius ii and.htm

Letter of Julius to the Eusebians at Antioch.
... Chapter II."Letter of Julius to the Eusebians at Antioch. Eusebius and
his fellows wrote also to Julius, and thinking to frighten ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter ii letter of julius to.htm

Introductory Notice to Julius Africanus
The Writings of Julius Africanus. <. ... Introductory Notice to Julius
Africanus. [ad200-232-245.] In a former volume, strengthened ...
/.../the writings of julius africanus/introductory notice to julius africanus.htm

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 Bishop Julius, recover their respective Dioceses. ...
/.../chapter xv athanasius and paul going.htm

Arrival of the Eastern High Priests at Rome; Letter of Julius ...
... Chapter VIII."Arrival of the Eastern High Priests at Rome; Letter of Julius, Bishop
of Rome, concerning them; by means of the Letters of Julius, Paul and ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter viii arrival of the eastern.htm

The Writings of Julius Africanus
The Writings of Julius Africanus. <. ... Gregory Thaumaturgus, Dionysius the Great,
Julius Africanus, Anatolius and Minor Writers, Methodius, Arnobius. ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/title page.htm

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 ...
/j/julius.htm - 8k

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 ...
/a/augustus.htm - 12k

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 of Julius Caesar. ...
/i/italy.htm - 10k

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 ...
/c/caesar.htm - 16k

Centurion (22 Occurrences)
... Men like Cornelius and Julius (Acts 10:1; Acts 27:1) may have been separated from
the legion to which they properly belonged for the discharge of special duties ...
/c/centurion.htm - 16k

Jump (3 Occurrences)

/j/jump.htm - 8k

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 Bethsaida Julius...
/b/bethsaida.htm - 19k

Band (150 Occurrences)
... T. Rees (3) The Augustan Band (speira Sebaste) to which Julius, the Roman centurion
who had charge of Paul as a prisoner on his voyage to Rome, belonged, was a ...
/b/band.htm - 50k

Rome (12 Occurrences)
... the republic, so that Pub. Cornelius Scipio was really the forerunner of
Marius, Julius Caesar, and Augustus. The stream of gold ...
/r/rome.htm - 43k

Empire (8 Occurrences)
... The conquests of Alexander the Great, Charlemagne and Napoleon seem small compared
with the durable structure reared by Julius and his successor, Augustus. ...
/e/empire.htm - 80k

Resources
What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org

What was Augustus Caesar's impact on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org

What happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Julius (5 Occurrences)

Acts 27:1
When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 27:3
The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 27:6
There Julius found an Alexandrian ship bound for Italy, and put us on board of her.
(WEY)

Acts 27:11
But Julius let himself be persuaded by the pilot and by the owner rather than by Paul's arguments;
(WEY)

Acts 27:31
But Paul, addressing Julius and the soldiers, said, "Your lives will be sacrificed, unless these men remain on board."
(WEY)

Subtopics

Julius

Julius: A Centurion

Related Terms

Augustus (4 Occurrences)

Italy (4 Occurrences)

Caesar (25 Occurrences)

Centurion (22 Occurrences)

Jump (3 Occurrences)

Bethsaida (7 Occurrences)

Band (150 Occurrences)

Rome (12 Occurrences)

Empire (8 Occurrences)

Captain (167 Occurrences)

Kindly (57 Occurrences)

Julias (1 Occurrence)

Latin (2 Occurrences)

Lod (4 Occurrences)

Lydda (3 Occurrences)

Liberty (32 Occurrences)

Generous (17 Occurrences)

Intreaty (1 Occurrence)

Illyricum (1 Occurrence)

Intreat (13 Occurrences)

Imperial (14 Occurrences)

Treating (9 Occurrences)

Thoughtful (4 Occurrences)

Treated (69 Occurrences)

Tiberius (1 Occurrence)

Regiment (3 Occurrences)

Refresh (18 Occurrences)

Entreat (55 Occurrences)

Entreated (56 Occurrences)

Delivering (35 Occurrences)

Decided (54 Occurrences)

Melita (1 Occurrence)

Province (66 Occurrences)

Permission (23 Occurrences)

Pilot (2 Occurrences)

Persuaded (40 Occurrences)

Profit (143 Occurrences)

Paul's (34 Occurrences)

Prisoners (170 Occurrences)

Provide (74 Occurrences)

Permit (36 Occurrences)

Battalion (6 Occurrences)

Belonged (105 Occurrences)

Cohort (7 Occurrences)

Chronology

Courteously (2 Occurrences)

Cared (25 Occurrences)

Custody (27 Occurrences)

Consideration (8 Occurrences)

Addressing (10 Occurrences)

Aristobulus (1 Occurrence)

Augustan (1 Occurrence)

Arguments (29 Occurrences)

Alexandrian (3 Occurrences)

Sebastus (3 Occurrences)

Sacrificed (112 Occurrences)

Sailing (23 Occurrences)

Susanna (1 Occurrence)

Herod (45 Occurrences)

Allowed (64 Occurrences)

Concordance

Corinth (13 Occurrences)

Roman (26 Occurrences)

Determined (89 Occurrences)

Visit (97 Occurrences)

Touched (96 Occurrences)

Heliodorus

Suffered (88 Occurrences)

Sail (32 Occurrences)

Philippi (8 Occurrences)

Care (466 Occurrences)

Needs (85 Occurrences)

Psychology

Pontius (4 Occurrences)

Pilate (60 Occurrences)

Proceeded (72 Occurrences)

Edomites (22 Occurrences)

Body (562 Occurrences)

Board (47 Occurrences)

Julias
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