Topical Bible: Masters: Good: Centurion

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In the New Testament, the figure of the centurion emerges as a notable example of a good master, demonstrating qualities of faith, humility, and benevolence. The centurion, a Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers, is depicted in several Gospel accounts as a man of authority who exercises his power with integrity and compassion.

The Centurion of Capernaum

One of the most prominent accounts of a centurion is found in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, where a centurion approaches Jesus in Capernaum. This centurion is commended for his faith and understanding of authority. In Matthew 8:5-13 , the centurion comes to Jesus, pleading for the healing of his servant who is paralyzed and suffering terribly. The centurion's approach is marked by humility and respect, as he acknowledges his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home: "Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8).

This statement reflects the centurion's profound faith in Jesus' authority and power, recognizing that Jesus' command alone is sufficient for healing. 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). The centurion's faith is rewarded as Jesus heals the servant from a distance, demonstrating the power of faith and the authority of Christ.

The Centurion at the Crucifixion

Another centurion is mentioned in the context of Jesus' crucifixion. This centurion is present at the execution and witnesses the extraordinary events surrounding Jesus' death. In Mark 15:39 , the centurion, upon seeing how Jesus died, exclaims, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" This declaration signifies a recognition of Jesus' divine nature and the centurion's openness to the truth, even amidst a hostile environment.

The Centurion Cornelius

In the Book of Acts, Cornelius, a centurion stationed in Caesarea, is depicted as a devout and God-fearing man. Acts 10:1-2 describes him as "a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God always." Cornelius' piety and generosity are highlighted, and he becomes the first Gentile convert to Christianity after receiving a vision from God and sending for the Apostle Peter.

Cornelius' account is significant as it marks the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles, demonstrating God's impartiality and the inclusivity of the Christian message. His household's conversion and baptism by Peter signify the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, as Peter declares, "Truly I understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34-35).

Qualities of a Good Master

The centurions in these accounts exemplify the qualities of a good master. They are characterized by their faith, humility, and compassion towards those under their authority. Their interactions with Jesus and the early Christian community highlight their openness to truth and righteousness, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. These centurions serve as models of leadership that align with Christian values, demonstrating that true authority is exercised with integrity and a heart inclined towards God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 7:2,3
And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick, and ready to die.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fifth Commandment
... his servant when he was sick; but be as the good centurion, who kept ... Thus should
masters carry themselves prudently and piously, that they may gain honour from ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Way to Honor
... So according to Solomon, good servants obtained honor as ... better relations between
servants and masters than unhappily ... Testament we read of the centurion who so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... spirit of Job, Joshua, and the Gentile centurion, they would ... for although God, is
in his good providence, may ... but pronounce a woe against those masters by whom ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

The Crucifixion.
... "Fear not, good women," said ... Jews were exceedingly wroth and raged amongst themselves
at the centurion. ... pierced left hand of Jesus saying, "O, best of Masters! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ix the crucifixion.htm

In Rome
... At Rome the centurion Julius delivered up his ... The apostle reminded Philemon that
every good purpose and ... well knew the severity which masters exercised toward ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

John iv. 40-43
... an one, she easily masters it; or if she masters it not ... For one said, "Can there
any good thing come out of ... be the reason why in the case of the centurion He by ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm

Of the First Covenant Made with Man
... make his will and affections wonderfully good "God made ... awe and obedience as the
centurion his servants ... violence of unruly subjects usurping over their masters. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxi of the first.htm

Letter clxxxix. (AD 418. )
... of that time; among them was also that centurion who said ... by you, for, as it is written,
"Every good gift and ... whom his own invitation had made masters of North ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxxxix a d 418.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.
... eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." She ... leave it alone, as if
it were too good for him ... the Gospel by Luke we read of the centurion who had ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter iv grace abounding to.htm

Its Effects.
... may be poor political economy, but it is good spiritual economy ... masters will treat
their servants as they (the masters) would wish ... to a centurion." Acts 27:1. ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter xv its effects.htm