The Bible makes Jesus’ mission clear: to declare the Good News to everyone. Among many encounters and statements, Christ’s interaction with the Roman Centurion would have challenged Jews and encouraged Gentiles.
Today’s idea of social justice also brings more complexity to this encounter. When dealing with minorities or marginalized people, progressives criticize the police or military and their abuses, whether perceived or real. Former generations might have seen him as an honorable soldier. Many today would view him as the representative of an oppressive system and colonial power, as Jews probably viewed him, too.
Still, the Gospels highlight this when Jesus praises the centurion’s faith. The story’s complexity teaches us much about ourselves, Jesus, and the Good News we can enjoy.
What Bible Passages Mention Roman Centurions?
A Roman centurion was pivotal in the Roman military, commanding respect and authority. Centurions were the backbone of the Roman legions, serving as mid-level officers responsible for leading a centuria that comprised approximately 80 to 100 soldiers. They maintained discipline, trained soldiers, and led them into battle. The centurion position of a centurion brought prestige and responsibility, often requiring years of service to attain.
Centurions played a crucial role, ensuring commander’s orders were executed efficiently, and soldiers were well-prepared for combat. Their duties extended beyond the battlefield; centurions were involved in logistical planning, overseeing construction projects, and acting as intermediaries between the common soldiers and higher-ranking officers. They were known for their strict discipline and could administer punishments to maintain order within the ranks.
In the Roman Empire, centurions often found themselves involved in civil duties, such as policing and maintaining public order. Their presence was instrumental in securing the empire’s vast territories and ensuring Rome’s rule and stability. Being a centurion often allowed a way to attain higher ranks within the military or politics.
Since the Romans controlled Israel during Jesus’ time, the New Testament references them. Acts 10:1-2 mentions one notable centurion, Cornelius: “At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” Scripture depicts Cornelius as a righteous and God-fearing man, ultimately becoming a Gentile convert to Christianity after receiving a vision from God and a visit from the Apostle Peter.
Another centurion appears during Jesus’ crucifixion. In Matthew 27:54, the centurion overseeing the crucifixion is moved by the events he witnesses: “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’” The centurion recognizes Jesus’ divine nature, symbolizing how the Gentiles would also declare Jesus as God’s Son.
In Acts 27:43, a centurion named Julius shows kindness and respect toward the Apostle Paul during a perilous sea voyage: “But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.” Julius’ actions testify to the honorable conduct often attributed to centurions, reflecting their capacity for compassion and justice even within their military roles.
John the Baptist even instructed soldiers not to abuse their position. “Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.’” (Luke 3:14). While not specifically about centurions, these signs of repentance would have absolutely applied to them.
Why Do Pharisees Ask Jesus to Help the Roman Centurion with a Servant?
The Pharisees approached Jesus to help the Roman centurion with his servant because they recognized the centurion’s significant contributions and believed his request was worthy of Jesus’ attention.
Despite the typical hatred between the Jewish people and their Roman occupiers, this centurion had earned the respect and goodwill of the Jewish community. The centurion’s notable acts, such as building the synagogue, showcased his genuine support and respect for the Jewish faith and its people. His respect and benevolence likely motivated the Pharisees to advocate on his behalf.
The interaction is found in Luke 7:1-10: “When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There, a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, ‘This man deserves to have you do this because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.’ So Jesus went with them.”
The Jewish willingness to intercede for a Roman centurion indicates their great respect and admiration for him. The centurion wasn’t merely an occupying authority; he had integrated into the community and supported their religious practices. By building the synagogue, he had demonstrated his reverence for their faith and earned their respect.
Also, the Pharisees likely believed that Jesus might have been more inclined to help if he had known about the centurion’s good deeds. Under normal circumstances, a Jewish teacher like Jesus might be expected to be hesitant to aid a Roman soldier, given the broader context of Roman occupation and resulting tensions. While we can understand their perception, Jesus showed in other encounters the willingness to touch the “unclean,” like lepers and Gentiles.
Why Does the Bible Say the Roman Centurion Shocked Jesus?
The encounter with the centurion and his servant appears in Luke and Matthew, revealing faith’s power and centrality.
Faith begins with humility. The centurion seeks healing for his paralyzed and suffering servant. Rather than asking Jesus to his house, the centurion expresses profound faith in Jesus’ ability to heal from a distance. In Matthew 8:8-9, the centurion says, “Lord, I do not deserve 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 this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
He likens Jesus’ spiritual authority to his own military command, where orders are obeyed without question. The centurion believes Jesus can command healing in the same way he commands his soldiers, demonstrating a unique and profound faith.
In Matthew 8:10, it is recorded, “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, ‘Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.’” Jesus looked past the man’s position and ethnic status to recognize what mattered—faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and God saves by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Taking cues from how the Jews describe the centurion, the man had likely learned about men and women of faith from the Old Testament and the testimony of a conquered people who claimed to be chosen but were regarded as second-class citizens by Rome. The centurion manifested great humility.
In addition, the centurion probably also understood his Gentile house would have been considered unclean to a traditional Jew, especially a holy man, and a Jew wouldn’t have been willing to defile himself to enter his home. Again, Jesus challenged these added Jewish traditions and interpretations, but the man didn’t know that. The centurion attempted to honor Jesus.
A centurion would have been used to ordering Jews around. Yet he humbly asks, showing his belief in a greater authority than Rome. The Romans of Jesus’ day didn’t appreciate anyone expressing a power greater than that of the emperor, who was treated as a type of divine figure. The early church endured great persecution for their unwillingness to bow to “Caesar.” However, the centurion acted like Jesus was the transcendent authority over everything, including sickness and disease.
Also, the centurion didn’t ask for his healing but for a servant in his household. The centurion’s compassion for a servant (one he could have easily replaced) further revealed his faith and character.
Finally, Jesus expressed amazement because the Roman soldier had a faith he didn’t find in other contemporary Jews, which is exactly where he should have found it. Jesus regularly criticized the Jews, even his own disciples, for their lack of faith (Matthew 17:17, Mark 9:19, John 12:37-40).
What Can We Learn from the Roman Centurion Today?
The centurion’s actions and words provide timeless principles that can guide modern believers on their spiritual journeys.
First, the centurion shows us how God responds to acts and prayers of faith. True faith doesn’t require physical evidence but relies on God’s word and promises, as evidenced throughout all the people mentioned in Hebrews 11. Those faith heroes heard God’s word and lived obediently within their time and situation. Today, we can do the same through the Spirit and the Scripture and see God perform amazing things.
Second, the centurion’s faith gives us a lesson in humility. Despite his high Roman military rank, he acknowledges his unworthiness before Jesus, a poor non-citizen without worldly titles. We need humility in our relationship with God. Regardless of our achievements or status, we must approach God humbly and acknowledge his supremacy. Humility allows us to fully rely on God’s grace and power rather than our own abilities.
Third, the centurion’s statements teach us about God’s authority over all creation. The centurion recognizes that just as his commands are obeyed without question, Jesus’ commands over sickness and health are absolute. We serve a Christ with authority over all aspects of life. His authority holds power over all circumstances, and trusting his command brings miraculous changes. This teaches us to intercede and pray for God’s will in every situation.
Fourth, the centurion’s care for his servant shows the value of compassion and intercession. Despite being a man of power, he deeply cares for his servant and seeks help on his behalf. As Jesus followers, we should care for others and intercede for needy people. The centurion’s actions reflect the Christian call to love and serve others selflessly, following Jesus’ example.
Nothing we can do impresses God. Only faith grabs his attention. On the surface, the centurion should have been disqualified due to his race and association with an oppressive empire. Yet Christ was impressed with his faith and worked a miracle. Any and all can come to God, no matter who they are or where they come from. Jesus says in Matthew 8:11, right after affirming the centurion’s faith, “Many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”
Faith transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. God’s kingdom remains open to all who believe. The Father’s inclusivity encourages us to share the Gospel with all people, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Peace.
Photo Credit: Public domain print based on Bernardino Passeri illustration
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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