The role of a centurion in the Roman army was one of authority and leadership, commanding a unit of approximately one hundred soldiers. In the New Testament, centurions are depicted as figures of faith and integrity, often serving as examples of how believers can live missionally within their own spheres of influence. The accounts of centurions in the Bible provide valuable insights into the call for all Christians to act as missionaries, spreading the Gospel through their words and actions.

Cornelius, the God-Fearing Centurion

One of the most notable centurions in the New Testament is Cornelius, whose account is found in Acts 10. Cornelius is described as "a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. He and all his household were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly" (Acts 10:1-2). Cornelius's life exemplifies the missionary call for Christians to live out their faith authentically and to seek God earnestly. His prayers and almsgiving were a testimony to his faith, which ultimately led to a divine encounter with the Apostle Peter. This meeting resulted in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household, marking a significant moment in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

The Centurion at Capernaum

Another centurion is mentioned in the Gospels, stationed in Capernaum. This centurion approached Jesus, seeking healing for his servant. His faith is highlighted in Matthew 8:8-10 : "The centurion replied, 'Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.' For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.' When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, 'Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.'" This centurion's understanding of authority and his faith in Jesus' power serve as a model for Christians to trust in Christ's authority and to boldly proclaim His power to heal and save.

The Centurion at the Crucifixion

At the crucifixion of Jesus, a centurion is present, witnessing the events surrounding Christ's death. In Mark 15:39 , it is recorded, "And when the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, 'Truly this man was the Son of God!'" This declaration of faith by the centurion at the cross underscores the transformative power of witnessing the truth of Christ. It serves as a reminder that Christians are called to bear witness to the reality of Jesus' identity and His redemptive work, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Centurions as Models for Missionary Living

The accounts of centurions in the New Testament illustrate that the call to be a missionary is not limited to those in formal ministry roles. Instead, all Christians, regardless of their position or occupation, are called to live missionally. The centurions' examples demonstrate that faith, integrity, and a willingness to act upon one's beliefs can have a profound impact on those around them. By living out their faith in their daily lives, Christians can serve as missionaries, spreading the Gospel through their actions and words, much like the centurions who encountered Jesus and His apostles.Luke 23:47
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... heathen multitude agree with one voice to call them Christians. ... prudence, and his
pious ardour were all calculated to ... by the Spirit that there should be great ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

The History of Simon Magus.
... the grace of God, from which he should have never ... But all these wrought that one
and the self same ... The first Christians were, for the most part, unlearned; and ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture x the history of.htm

'Other Sheep'
... when I say, that not one-half of the professing Christians of our ... that it should
be so. ... But with all these deductions, which ought fairly to be made, how much ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/other sheep.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... are serious in hell;"and why then should not you ... as we bye upon Him, that we are
strong Christians. ... only when self is nothing and Christ is all our confidence ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
... I have so fully dwelt on this, because Christians in business ... True godliness without
a shadow of doubt, should be the ... so is He willing to help all His children ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/the hearts desire given to.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... curial or an official, or, in case they should be such ... them, and be taught the true
faith of Christians, so that ... The common aim of all the hierarchy is the love ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... studiously sought after and searched out all the Christian ... derisively: "Do walls
then make Christians?" And this ... inquiry, and feared lest he should be denied ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

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