Centurions were officers in the Roman army, each commanding a "century," which typically consisted of about 80 to 100 soldiers. They played a crucial role in maintaining discipline and order within the Roman legions. In the New Testament, centurions are mentioned several times, often depicted as men of authority, integrity, and faith.

Biblical References:

1. The Centurion of Capernaum: One of the most notable centurions in the New Testament is the centurion of Capernaum, whose faith is commended by Jesus. This centurion approached Jesus, seeking healing for his servant. Demonstrating profound faith, he said, "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). Jesus marveled at his faith, stating, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10).

2. The Centurion at the Crucifixion: Another centurion is present at the crucifixion of Jesus. After witnessing the events surrounding Jesus' death, including the earthquake and the darkness, this centurion declared, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). His acknowledgment of Jesus' divine nature highlights the impact of the crucifixion on those who witnessed it.

3. Cornelius, the God-fearing Centurion: Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is introduced in Acts 10 as a devout man who feared God, gave generously to the needy, and prayed regularly. An angel appeared to him, instructing him to send for Peter. Cornelius' encounter with Peter led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles, marking a significant moment in the early Church. Peter recognized that "God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34-35).

4. The Centurion Who Saved Paul: In Acts 27, a centurion named Julius is responsible for transporting Paul to Rome. Despite the perilous journey, Julius shows kindness to Paul, allowing him to visit friends in Sidon. During a storm that threatened the ship, Paul reassured the crew of their safety, and Julius heeded Paul's advice, ultimately saving the lives of all aboard (Acts 27:43-44).

Characteristics and Role:

Centurions were known for their leadership skills, courage, and ability to command respect from their soldiers. They were often selected for their experience and valor in battle. In the New Testament, centurions are portrayed as men of authority who recognize and respect the power and authority of Jesus and His apostles. Their interactions with Jesus and the early Christians reveal their openness to faith and truth, transcending cultural and religious barriers.

Significance in the Early Church:

The accounts of centurions in the New Testament illustrate the reach of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community, highlighting the inclusivity of the Christian message. The faith and actions of these centurions demonstrate that God's grace and salvation are available to all, regardless of their background or status. Their accounts serve as examples of faith, humility, and the transformative power of encountering Christ.1543. hekatontarches -- a centurion, a captain of one hundred men
... Word Origin from hekaton and archo Definition a centurion, a captain of one hundred
men NASB Word Usage centurion (16), centurion's (1), centurions (3). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1543.htm - 7k

Acts xxiii. 8-Jun
... Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young
man unto the tribune: For he hath a certain thing to tell him. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlix acts xxiii 8-jun.htm

A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other ...
... beforehand by the sound of trumpets, nor is any thing done without such a signal;
and in the morning the soldiery go every one to their centurions, and these ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of.htm

Acts XXIII
... (17) "Then Paul called to him one of the centurions, and said, Lead this young
man to the chiliarch; for he has something to tell him. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiii.htm

Paul a Prisoner
... was in an uproar." Claudius Lysias well knew the turbulent elements with which he
had to deal, and he "immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 38 paul a prisoner.htm

To Begin with the Real Ground of the Military Crown...
... military service, their case is different, as in the instance of those whom John
used to receive for baptism, and of those most faithful centurions, I mean the ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter xi to begin with.htm

When I had Laid These Commands Upon Them...
... I also set over them centurions, and commanded them to take care that not a soldier
which they did not know should mingle himself among them. ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 47 when i had.htm

A Plot Detected
... Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man
unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.18. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a plot detected.htm

Paul in the Temple
... Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they
saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.33. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul in the temple.htm

A Short Confession of Faith
... unhistorical, that in this story of Paul's shipwreck he should become guide, counsellor,
inspirer, and a tower of strength; and that centurions and captains ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a short confession of faith.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... Accordingly, he assembled the centurions and tribunes that were under his command,
and persuaded them to go over to Antonius, and this by diminishing the ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

Centurions (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Centurions (3 Occurrences). Acts 21:32 Immediately
he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. ...
/c/centurions.htm - 7k

Centurion (22 Occurrences)
... Other centurions are mentioned in Matthew 8:5, 8, 13; Luke 7:2, 6; Acts
21:32; 22:25, 26; 23:17, 23; 24:23; 27:1, 6, 11, 31, 43; 28:16. ...
/c/centurion.htm - 16k

Commander (111 Occurrences)
... was in an uproar. (See NAS NIV). Acts 21:32 Immediately he took soldiers
and centurions, and ran down to them. They, when they saw ...
/c/commander.htm - 37k

Chiliarch (17 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:32 who, taking with him immediately soldiers and centurions, ran down upon
them. But they, seeing the chiliarch and the soldiers, ceased beating Paul. ...
/c/chiliarch.htm - 11k

Soldiers (83 Occurrences)
... Peter. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Acts 21:32 Immediately
he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. They ...
/s/soldiers.htm - 31k

Army (401 Occurrences)
... of 6,000 men, was familiar to the Jewish people, and the word had become a term
to express a large number (Matthew 26:53 Mark 5:9). Centurions figure most ...
/a/army.htm - 76k

Captain (167 Occurrences)
... in an uproar. (KJV ASV BBE WBS YLT). Acts 21:32 Immediately he took soldiers
and centurions, and ran down to them. They, when they ...
/c/captain.htm - 53k

Youth (169 Occurrences)
... Acts 23:17 And Paul, having called one of the centurions, said, Take this youth
to the chiliarch, for he has something to report to him. (DBY). ...
/y/youth.htm - 37k

Obed (13 Occurrences)
... (4) A Korahite doorkeeper, son of Shemaiah, and grandson of Obed-edom (1 Chronicles
26:7). (5) Father of Azariah, one of the centurions who took part with ...
/o/obed.htm - 12k

Light-armed (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 23:23 And having called to him certain two of the centurions, he said, Prepare
two hundred soldiers that they may go as far as Caesarea, and seventy ...
/l/light-armed.htm - 6k

What was a Roman centurion? | GotQuestions.org

What was a Roman legion? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about a Christian serving in the military? | GotQuestions.org

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