Topical Bible: Glorifying God: Centurion

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In the New Testament, the figure of the centurion emerges as a significant example of faith and reverence towards God, often leading to the glorification of God through their actions and words. The centurion, a Roman officer commanding a hundred soldiers, is depicted in several Gospel accounts as a man of authority, yet one who recognizes the supreme authority of Jesus Christ.

The Centurion of Capernaum

One of the most notable accounts involving a centurion is found in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. In these passages, a centurion in Capernaum approaches Jesus, seeking healing for his paralyzed servant. Despite his position of power, the centurion demonstrates profound humility and faith, acknowledging his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home. He expresses his belief in Jesus' authority by saying, "But just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8). Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, declaring, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). This acknowledgment by Jesus serves to glorify God, as it highlights the centurion's recognition of divine authority and power.

The Centurion at the Crucifixion

Another significant mention of a centurion is at the crucifixion of Jesus. In Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39, and Luke 23:47, the centurion overseeing the execution witnesses the extraordinary events surrounding Jesus' death, including the earthquake and the darkness that fell over the land. In response, the centurion exclaims, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). This declaration serves as a powerful testament to the divine nature of Christ and glorifies God by acknowledging Jesus' true identity. The centurion's statement is a pivotal moment, as it comes from a Gentile and a representative of the Roman authority, underscoring the universal recognition of Jesus' divine mission.

The Centurion Cornelius

In Acts 10, Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is described as a devout man who feared God, gave generously to the poor, and prayed continually. His piety and reverence for God lead to a divine encounter where an angel instructs him to send for Peter. Cornelius' obedience and faith result in Peter's visit, during which Peter shares the Gospel. The Holy Spirit descends upon Cornelius and his household, leading to their baptism. Cornelius' account illustrates the glorification of God through the breaking of ethnic and cultural barriers, as the Gospel reaches the Gentiles. His faith and actions demonstrate the inclusivity of God's salvation plan and the expansion of the early Church.

Attributes of the Centurion

The centurions depicted in the New Testament are characterized by their humility, faith, and recognition of Jesus' authority. Despite their roles as Roman officers, they exhibit a deep respect for the divine, often surpassing the understanding of those within the Jewish community. Their actions and declarations serve to glorify God by acknowledging His power and the truth of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through their interactions with Jesus and the early Church, centurions play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the reach of the Gospel beyond the boundaries of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

John iv. 40-43
... man might gain from Jesus not going, that knowledge which the centurion had of ... obtain
it not, to persist just the same in giving thanks, in glorifying God. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.
... inn; and as, besides, it was the hour of supper, the centurion and the ... And when all
were glorifying God, and wondering at the faith of John, Domitian said to ...
/.../acts of the holy apostle.htm

Against the Heresy of one Noetus.
... He was sent Peter testifies, when he says to the centurion Cornelius: "God ... showed,
that whosoever omitted any one of these, failed in glorifying God perfectly. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/against the heresy of one.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... we find such expressions as "glorifying God," "praising God ... designated the poor and
oppressed servants of God. ... the right hand (vi.6); the centurion's servant is ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

The Trinity.
... in the mission of the Holy Spirit is more glorifying to God ... He was a Gentile, a Roman
centurion. ... from sin, but wanted to be taught the way of God more perfectly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xv the trinity.htm

Words to Rest On
... good, and consumed with the purpose of glorifying God, then his ... fully as if he had
been the centurion in command ... their castles, shall by-and-by, God helping him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/words to rest on.htm

Book iii. The Words of the Lord, I in the Father...
... that confession touched the truth; the centurion confessed Him ... We must next ascertain
what and whence this glorifying is ... God, I am sure, is subject to no change ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book iii the words of.htm

The Lord's Prayer: the Preface in Matthew
... from their divinity, are to be found glorifying and pronouncing ... many who are rather
pleasure-loving than God-loving in ... hand may be built by a centurion, as was ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter xii the lords prayer .htm

Matt. xv. 21, 22
... But as He doth in the case of the centurion, saying, "I will come and heal ... that the
people had no great sense of hunger; for they were glorifying God for the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lii matt xv 21.htm

John Chapter xi. Jan-54
... so with them, if on these very grounds the centurion's faith was ... for the glory of
God, that the Son of God may be glorified." Such a glorifying of Himself ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlix john chapter xi.htm