The Centurions. Two of them named: Cornelius – Acts 10:1 Julius – Acts 27:1.

The Centurions

The Centurions

Two of them

named:

Cornelius – Acts

10:1

Julius – Acts

27:1

The CenturionsWhat would we

expect from Roman military Officers?

Would they believe in the God of Israel?What would be their

attitude toward Jesus?

What Is a Centurion?Matthew 8:9A Man Under

Authority, with Soldiers Under Him.

Few as 60, as many as hundreds

Under the commander of the Cohort and

Legion

What Is a Centurion?Characteristics:DisciplineSupposed to be literateA soldier for a few years beforeOver 30 years of ageCourage & Leadership

What Is a Centurion?Part of the most disciplined army of its day

Rome won wars on basis of discipline of its army

Centurion had integral role of discipline in army

Centurions in New TestamentMatthew 8:5-13 / Luke 7:2-10Centurion sends elders of JewsJesus agrees to come & healCenturion declares self unworthy to have Jesus in his houseJesus marvels as the faith of this centurionJesus says the word, servant healed

Centurions in New TestamentMatthew 27:54 / Mark 15:39/Luke 23:47

Jesus’ Execution supervised by CenturionHe did not seem to do much to restrain his soldiers who abused JesusDeclared Jesus to innocent, the Son of God

Centurions in New TestamentActs Chapter 10.Cornelius, centurion of Italian Cohort Vss. 1,2Angel appeared to him Vss.3-6Men came from Cornelius to Peter Vss. 21,22Cornelius with friends, relatives, eager to hear Vss. 24-26Peter Preaches – were baptized Vss.44-48

Centurions in New TestamentAt Paul’s ImprisonmentActs 21:31,32 Centurion saved Paul

Acts 22:23-29 Centurion stops beating

Acts 23:17,18,23 Centurion takes message to Commander

Acts 24:23 Centurion in charge of Paul

Julius the Centurion of the Augustan band Acts 27:1,6,11,31,43

Examples of the CenturionsAre Consistent in their PortrayalDutifulObedientMany coming to terms with The FaithCornelius know for his belief in GodFirst Centurion in Matthew 8 has commendation among JewsCenturions with Paul did jobs well became favorable toward him

Openness to Faith?Matthew Chapter 8 – Understanding of AuthorityA man under authority, with authority over others Vss. 8,9Understood what power means- what is decreed by power is doneCommanded to do something, not done, likely executedDisobedience in ranks, similar punishment

Openness to Faith?He Learned about Jesus’ power, able to heal, cast out demonsJesus- incarnate Word of God, able to do anything by speaking it into existenceBy understanding authority, the path of belief for centurions is clear!Faith that if Jesus said the word, it will be done

Openness to Faith?Centurion at crucifixion sees wonders of natural world, understands a Higher Power at work, declares Jesus to be Son of God

Cornelius already fears God, on basis of message of Angel, believes sufficient authority vested in Peter, so Roman military official, bows to Galilean!

What About Us?Message declared – Acts 2:36; 4:33; 17:30,31

He has all power in heaven & earth – Matthew 28:18; Romans 2:5-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

What hinders us from having the type of faith exemplified in the centurions?

What About Us?

American ideology & mythology has not done us many favors, telling us that we really do not have anyone to whom we must give account, & that we are in authority in this country!