The term "Augustan Band" appears in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts, and refers to a cohort of Roman soldiers. The mention of this military unit is found in Acts 27:1, where it is noted in the context of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner. The Berean Standard Bible states: "When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment."

Historical Context

The "Augustan Band," also known as the "Imperial Regiment," was likely a prestigious unit within the Roman military structure. The name "Augustan" suggests a connection to the Emperor Augustus, indicating that this cohort may have been directly associated with the emperor or held in high regard due to its loyalty and service. Roman military units were often named to honor the emperor or to signify their elite status.

Role in Paul's Journey

In Acts 27, the centurion Julius, who is identified as belonging to the Augustan Band, is responsible for escorting Paul and other prisoners to Rome. This journey is significant in the narrative of Acts, as it details the challenges and divine interventions experienced by Paul on his way to stand trial before Caesar. The presence of a centurion from such a distinguished unit underscores the importance of the mission and the high level of security and authority involved in transporting prisoners to the heart of the Roman Empire.

Centurion Julius

Julius, the centurion of the Augustan Band, is portrayed in a positive light in the biblical account. He is depicted as a fair and considerate officer who shows kindness to Paul. In Acts 27:3 , it is noted: "The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they could provide for his needs." This act of kindness suggests that Julius recognized Paul's unique status and perhaps was influenced by Paul's character and the respect he commanded even as a prisoner.

Significance in the Early Church

The mention of the Augustan Band in the Book of Acts highlights the intersection of the early Christian movement with the Roman political and military systems. Paul's journey under the guard of a Roman centurion from such a notable unit illustrates the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish context and into the broader Roman world. It also reflects the providential care and protection that Paul experienced, as he was able to witness and minister even while under Roman custody.

Conclusion

The Augustan Band, as referenced in the New Testament, serves as a reminder of the historical and cultural backdrop of the early Christian church. It provides insight into the Roman military's role in the narrative of Acts and underscores the divine orchestration of events that allowed the message of the Gospel to reach the heart of the Roman Empire.Augustan Band

AUGUSTAN; AUGUSTAN BAND

o-gus'-tan o-gus'-tus-izs See ARMY, ROMAN.

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... of William the Norman to their present manhood, and more than Augustan, under the ...
West Highlands in Scotland, but in a little while he becomes a great band. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... disseminator of falsehood and dissension, who acts as leader of the hostile band. ...
embroil the Lutherans, or those who adhered to the Augustan Confession, with ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Footnotes
... the marrow, or rather a compend of evangelical doctrine, in the most polished and
mellifluent verses and in language taken from that of the Augustan age." (Poet ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Augustan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus