Topical Bible: Kindness: Julius to Paul

◄ Kindness: Julius to Paul ►

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In the New Testament, the theme of kindness is vividly illustrated in the relationship between Julius, a Roman centurion, and the Apostle Paul. This account is primarily found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 27, which details Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner.

Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Cohort, was responsible for escorting Paul and other prisoners to Rome. Despite Paul's status as a prisoner, Julius demonstrated notable kindness and respect towards him. This is evident from the outset of their journey. Acts 27:3 states, "The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to visit his friends so they could provide for his needs." This act of kindness is significant, as it shows Julius's willingness to trust Paul and accommodate his needs, despite the potential risks involved in allowing a prisoner such liberties.

The centurion's kindness is further highlighted during the perilous sea voyage. As the ship encountered a violent storm, Paul, guided by divine revelation, advised the crew and passengers on how to ensure their safety. Julius's decision to heed Paul's advice, despite the contrary opinions of the ship's pilot and owner, underscores his respect and trust in Paul. Acts 27:31-32 records, "Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.' So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and set it adrift." Julius's actions here reflect a recognition of Paul's wisdom and divine insight, further illustrating the centurion's kindness and discernment.

Moreover, Julius's kindness is evident in his protection of Paul when the shipwreck occurred. As the ship was breaking apart near the island of Malta, the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any from escaping. However, Acts 27:43 notes, "But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land." Julius's intervention not only saved Paul's life but also ensured the safety of all aboard, as Paul had assured them that God would preserve their lives.

Julius's kindness towards Paul is a testament to the impact of Christian character and witness. Despite being a Roman officer, Julius's actions reflect a level of compassion and respect that transcends cultural and societal barriers. His treatment of Paul serves as an example of how kindness can manifest in unexpected relationships and circumstances, demonstrating the universal appeal and power of this virtue as taught in the Christian faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 27:3,43
And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself.
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Library

Acts XXVII
... (3) "And the next day we landed at Sidon: and Julius, treating Paul humanely, permitted
him to go to the friends, and partake of their kindness." Here we learn ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... Julius gave Paul liberty," it says, acting "courteously, that ... But against all these,
Paul's glory stood its ground ... through the grace and loving-kindness of His ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

Letter vii. --For 335. Easter-Day iv Pharmuthi, iii Kal. April; xx ...
... Julius Constantius, the brother of Augustus, Rufinus Albinus; Pr??fect ... to please Him
[4181] .' This Paul teaches ... pity upon all according to His loving-kindness. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vii for 335 easter-day iv.htm

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... Julius the centurion knew that Paul had been instrumental in ... For Paul's sake the
entire shipwrecked company were treated with great kindness; all their ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

In Rome
... At Rome the centurion Julius delivered up his prisoners to ... To these, first of all,
Paul determined to present ... His words were marked with caution and kindness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Acts XXVIII
... Publius was not without a reward for his kindness. ... It was probably the influence
of Julius, the centurion ... his favor, which obtained for Paul the distinguished ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxviii.htm

Imperial and Ecclesiastical Acts in Consequence of the Decision of ...
... your wishes, and that, having experience of our kindness, you may ... [660] Triberon,
Paul infr ... Newman explains that they treat Julius as a superior,' Athanasius as ...
/.../chapter iv imperial and ecclesiastical acts.htm

The Training of Origen from Childhood.
... son, and she treated him with the greatest kindness. ... apparent skill in argument
[1776] of Paul,"for this ... Julianus, in 193; and from Julius L??tus, minister ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii the training of origen.htm

Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ...
... And yet this kindness of the Emperor to the Romans would not have been of very much
avail had not ... No doubt, Julius and Leo, and Clement and Paul, will be ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 of the beginning.htm

The Historical Books of the New Testament, Meaning Thereby the ...
... ye show kindness, so shall kindness be shown ... and observes how Saint Paul's epistles
confirm it ... bishop of Jerusalem, Hippolytus, Ammonius Julius Africanus) whose ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section i the historical books.htm