Topical Bible: Love to Man: Centurion

◄ Love to Man: Centurion ►

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The concept of love to man, as demonstrated by the centurion in the New Testament, provides a profound example of faith, humility, and compassion. The centurion, a Roman officer commanding a hundred soldiers, is notably mentioned in the Gospels, particularly in the accounts of Matthew and Luke. His interactions with Jesus Christ reveal a deep sense of love and concern for others, transcending cultural and social barriers.

The Centurion's Servant

In Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, the centurion's love is vividly illustrated through his concern for his servant, who is gravely ill. Despite his high status and authority, the centurion approaches Jesus with humility, acknowledging his own unworthiness. He sends Jewish elders to Jesus, asking for His help, which demonstrates his respect for Jewish customs and his understanding of Jesus' authority. The centurion's plea is marked by a profound faith, as he believes that Jesus can heal his servant with just a word: "But just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8).

This act of love is significant because it shows the centurion's compassion for his servant, a person of lower social standing. His willingness to seek help from Jesus, a Jewish teacher, highlights his love that crosses ethnic and social divides. Jesus commends the centurion's faith, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). The servant's healing is a testament to the centurion's love and faith.

The Centurion at the Crucifixion

Another centurion is mentioned in the context of Jesus' crucifixion. In Mark 15:39, as Jesus breathes His last, the centurion standing guard exclaims, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" . This declaration is significant as it comes from a Roman officer, a representative of the occupying force, acknowledging Jesus' divine nature. While this centurion's role is different from the one who sought healing for his servant, his recognition of Jesus' identity reflects a moment of spiritual insight and respect.

The Centurion Cornelius

In Acts 10, Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is described as a devout man who "feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God continually" (Acts 10:2). Cornelius' love for man is evident in his charitable acts and his openness to God's message. His vision and subsequent encounter with the Apostle Peter lead to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles, marking a pivotal moment in the early Church. Cornelius' account underscores the theme of God's love extending to all humanity, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

Conclusion

The centurions in the New Testament exemplify love to man through their actions and faith. Whether through the healing of a servant, the recognition of Jesus' divine nature, or the embrace of the Gospel message, these Roman officers demonstrate that love transcends cultural, social, and religious boundaries. Their accounts serve as powerful reminders of the universal nature of God's love and the call for believers to love others selflessly.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 7:5
For he loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Our Lord Practised all the Most Excellent Acts of Love.
... 6. Love often led him to admiration, as of the Centurion and Chanaanitess. 7. He
contemplated the young man who had till that hour kept the commandments, and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvii how our lord.htm

Matt. viii. 5
... quite heal the servant's body, but the soul also of the centurion He did ... come; unto
which may we all attain, by the grace and love towards man of our ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvi matt viii 5.htm

The Centurion
... But the centurion, born in heathenism, educated in the idolatry ... As the "light, which
lighteth every man that cometh ... came, longing for His words of love and pity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 32 the centurion.htm

Of the First Covenant Made with Man
... his head lifted up in holiness and love towards God ... man and all the affections of
the man under their ... under such awe and obedience as the centurion his servants ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxi of the first.htm

Matt. Ix. 1, 2
... when He said, "I will, be thou clean," [1217] by the centurion, when upon ... which God
grant we may all attain, by the grace and love towards man of our ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxix matt ix 1.htm

Matt. xxvii. 45-48.
... some say that there is also a martyrdom of this centurion, who after ... and attain unto
the promised blessings, by the grace and love towards man of our ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxviii matt xxvii 45-48.htm

Devotion to God.
... of devotion from what is said of the centurion of the ... He was termed a devout man
because he feared God, gave ... The more we love an object, the more devoted to it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/devotion to god.htm

Matt. xviii. 21
... Since Cornelius also was a centurion, and Paul a worker in leather, and ... may forgive
us also all our trespasses by the grace and love towards man of our ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxi matt xviii 21.htm

Matt. viii. 14
... case too, others besought Him, as also in the instance of the centurion's servant ...
to come; unto which may we all attain, by the grace and love to man of our ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvii matt viii 14.htm

The Faith which Christ Praises
... the word and my servant shall be healed,' said the centurion. ... own power or holiness
we had made this man to walk ... takes as His due all the honour, love, and trust ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the faith which christ praises.htm