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Translation
King James Version
¶ Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Now G1161 when G1893 he had ended G4137 all G3956 his G846 sayings G4487 in G1519 the audience G189 of the people G2992, he entered G1525 into G1519 Capernaum G2584.
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Complete Jewish Bible
When Yeshua had finished speaking to the people, he went back to K'far-Nachum.
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Berean Standard Bible
When Jesus had concluded His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum.
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American Standard Version
After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
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World English Bible Messianic
After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
When hee had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entred into Capernaum.
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Young's Literal Translation
And when he completed all his sayings in the ears of the people, he went into Capernaum;
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In the KJVVerse 25,197 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Luke 7:1 serves as a crucial transitional verse in the Gospel narrative, marking the conclusion of Jesus' extensive public discourse, often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain, and signaling His deliberate movement to Capernaum. This shift from concentrated teaching to active engagement in a new geographical center highlights the dynamic nature of His ministry, preparing the reader for the miracles and encounters that immediately follow.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse immediately follows the profound and comprehensive teachings delivered by Jesus in what is known as the Sermon on the Plain. Luke 6:20-49 presents a foundational discourse on discipleship, encompassing radical ethics such as loving enemies, practical wisdom, and the importance of hearing and obeying Jesus' words, culminating in the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The phrase "when he had ended all his sayings" explicitly indicates the completion of this significant teaching period, setting the stage for a new phase of Jesus' ministry characterized by action and demonstration of power, as seen in the subsequent narrative of the centurion's servant in Luke 7:2-10.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Capernaum (Greek: Kapernaoúm) was a bustling and strategically important city located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It served as a major fishing village, a customs post, and a crossroads for trade routes, making it a vibrant hub of activity. Historically, after leaving Nazareth, Capernaum became Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry. Its diverse population and central location made it an ideal place for Jesus to reach a wide audience, teach in the synagogue, and perform numerous miracles. The city's prominence in Jesus' ministry is further underscored by the fact that many of His disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, were from this region.
  • Key Themes: This transitional verse contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the Authority and Completeness of Jesus' Teaching. The "ending of all His sayings" implies a definitive and comprehensive body of instruction, establishing the foundational principles of His kingdom. Secondly, it highlights the Strategic Nature of Jesus' Ministry. His intentional movement to Capernaum, a significant population center, demonstrates His purposeful approach to evangelism and discipleship, always seeking to maximize the impact of His message and miraculous works. This strategic shift from teaching to active demonstration is a recurring pattern in Jesus' ministry, emphasizing that His words are to be followed by transformative actions, as exemplified by the immediate healing narrative in Luke 7:2.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • ended (Greek, plēróō', G4137): Meaning "to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc." In this context, "ended" signifies the completion and fulfillment of a specific period of teaching. It implies that Jesus had delivered a full and sufficient body of instruction, bringing that phase of His ministry to a purposeful close.
  • sayings (Greek, rhēma', G4487): Meaning "an utterance (individually, collectively or specially); by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever." This term refers not merely to individual words but to the entire discourse or message Jesus had just delivered. It emphasizes the comprehensive and weighty nature of His teachings, which were a coherent body of truth.
  • audience (Greek, akoḗ', G189): Meaning "hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard):--audience, ear, fame, which ye heard, hearing, preached, report, rumor." This word highlights that Jesus' teachings were delivered publicly, within the hearing of the people. It underscores the open and accessible nature of His ministry, emphasizing that His message was intended for all who would listen, not just a select few.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Now when he had ended all his sayings": This clause signifies a definitive conclusion to a significant period of Jesus' public teaching. It indicates that the discourse (the Sermon on the Plain) was not merely interrupted but brought to a complete and intentional close, having conveyed its full message.
  • "in the audience of the people": This phrase emphasizes the public nature of Jesus' ministry. His teachings were not delivered in private or to a select group of disciples but openly, within earshot of a large crowd. This highlights the accessibility of His message and the broad scope of His evangelistic efforts.
  • "he entered into Capernaum": This final clause marks a geographical transition and a strategic shift in Jesus' ministry. His entry into Capernaum, a prominent Galilean city, signals a move from a period of concentrated teaching to a new phase of active ministry, including miracles, healings, and direct engagement with the community in a central location.

Literary Devices

Luke 7:1 employs several literary devices to effectively convey its message. The most prominent is Transition, clearly signaling a shift in the narrative from Jesus' extensive teaching ministry to a new phase of active engagement and miraculous works. This is achieved through the explicit statement "when he had ended all his sayings" and the subsequent action "he entered into Capernaum." There is also a strong element of Geographical Significance, as Capernaum is not just a random destination but a strategic hub for Jesus' Galilean ministry, setting the stage for many pivotal events. Furthermore, the verse functions as a subtle form of Foreshadowing, preparing the reader for the immediate events that follow, particularly the healing of the centurion's servant, which demonstrates the practical application and power inherent in Jesus' teachings.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Luke 7:1 encapsulates the dynamic nature of Jesus' ministry, illustrating the essential interplay between authoritative teaching and compassionate action. Having laid down the foundational principles of the Kingdom of God through His "sayings," Jesus immediately moves to demonstrate the power and reality of that Kingdom through tangible acts of healing and deliverance. This seamless transition underscores a core theological truth: divine revelation (the Word) is always accompanied by divine demonstration (the works). The public nature of His teachings and His strategic movement to Capernaum highlight God's desire to reach all people with His transforming truth and power, ensuring that both the message and its manifestation are widely accessible.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Luke 7:1 invites us to consider the profound impact of Jesus' words and the intentionality of His ministry. Just as the crowds heard "all his sayings," we are called to be diligent hearers and doers of the Word. The completion of Jesus' discourse implies that His teachings are comprehensive and sufficient for guiding our lives. Our spiritual growth is not merely about accumulating knowledge but about allowing the truth to transform our actions and direct our paths. Furthermore, Jesus' strategic move to Capernaum reminds us that faith is not static; it calls for active engagement in the world. We are encouraged to be intentional in our own spheres of influence, seeking opportunities to embody and share the Gospel, moving from contemplation to compassionate action, just as Jesus did.

Questions for Reflection

  • How do I move from merely hearing Jesus' "sayings" to actively applying them in my daily life?
  • In what ways can I be more intentional and strategic in sharing the Gospel or demonstrating God's love in my community?
  • What "new phases" of ministry or service might God be calling me to enter after a period of learning or preparation?

FAQ

Why is Capernaum so significant in Jesus' ministry?

Answer: Capernaum was highly significant because it became Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry, as noted in Matthew 4:13. Its strategic location on the Sea of Galilee, as a bustling fishing village and customs post, made it an ideal hub for reaching diverse populations. Many of Jesus' most powerful miracles, such as the healing of the centurion's servant (Luke 7:1-10), Peter's mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31), and the paralytic lowered through the roof (Mark 2:1-12), occurred there. Despite witnessing such mighty works, the city largely remained unrepentant, leading to Jesus' strong rebuke in Luke 10:15.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Luke 7:1, though seemingly a simple transitional verse, profoundly points to Christ's comprehensive redemptive work. Jesus' "ending all his sayings" signifies the completion of a foundational phase of His revelation, where He, as the incarnate Word of God, fully articulated the principles of the Kingdom. This anticipates His ultimate work on the cross, where He would declare "It is finished!" (John 19:30), bringing to completion the entire plan of salvation. His deliberate entry into Capernaum, a place of human need and spiritual darkness, foreshadows His active pursuit of humanity, entering into our brokenness to offer healing and deliverance. Just as He transitioned from teaching to demonstrating power in Capernaum, so too did His earthly ministry of teaching and healing culminate in the ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, which secured our eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Every word spoken and every step taken by Jesus was purposefully directed towards fulfilling God's redemptive plan for humanity, culminating in His triumph over sin and death, offering new life to all who believe (Romans 6:4).

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Commentary on Luke 7 verses 1–10

Some difference there is between this story of the cure of the centurion's servant as it is related here and as we had it in Mat 8:5, etc. There it was said that the centurion came to Christ; here it is said that he sent to him first some of the elders of the Jews (Luk 7:3), and afterwards some other friends, Luk 7:6. But it is a rule that we are said to do that which we do by another - Quod facimus per alium, id ipsum facere judicamur. The centurion might be said to do that which he did by his proxies; as a man takes possession by his attorney. But it is probable that the centurion himself came at last, when Christ said to him (Mat 8:13), As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.

This miracle is here said to have been wrought by our Lord Jesus when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, Luk 7:1. What Christ said he said publicly; whoever would might come and hear him: In secret have I said nothing, Joh 18:20. Now, to give an undeniable proof of the authority of his preaching word, he here gives an incontestable proof of the power and efficacy of his healing word. He that had such a commanding empire in the kingdom of nature as that he could command away diseases, no doubt has such a sovereignty in the kingdom of grace as to enjoin duties displeasing to flesh and blood, and bind, under the highest penalties, to the observance of them. This miracle was wrought in Capernaum, where most of Christ's mighty works were done, Mat 11:23. Now observe,

I. The centurion's servant that was sick was dear to his master, Luk 7:2. It was the praise of the servant that by his diligence and faithfulness, and a manifest concern for his master and his interest, as for himself and for his own, he recommended himself to his master's esteem and love. Servants should study to endear themselves to their masters. It was likewise the praise of the master that, when he had a good servant, he knew how to value him. Many masters, that are haughty and imperious, think it favour enough to the best servants they have not to rate them, and beat them, and be cruel to them, whereas they ought to be kind to them, and tender of them, and solicitous for their welfare and comfort.

II. The master, when he heard of Jesus, was for making application to him, Luk 7:3. Masters ought to take particular care of their servants when they are sick, and not to neglect them then. This centurion begged that Christ would come and heal his servant. We may now, by faithful and fervent prayer, apply ourselves to Christ in heaven, and ought to do so, when sickness is in our families; for Christ is still the great Physician.

III. He sent some of the elders of the Jews to Christ, to represent the case, and solicit for him, thinking that a greater piece of respect to Christ than if he had come himself, because he was an uncircumcised Gentile, whom he thought Christ, being a prophet, would not care for conversing with. For that reason he sent Jews, whom he acknowledged to be favourites of Heaven, and not ordinary Jews neither, but elders of the Jews, persons in authority, that the dignity of the messengers might give honour to him to whom they were sent. Balak sent princes to Balaam.

IV. The elders of the Jews were hearty intercessors for the centurion: They besought him instantly (Luk 7:4), were very urgent with him, pleading for the centurion that which he would never have pleaded for himself, that he was worthy for whom he should do this. If any Gentile was qualified to receive such a favour, surely he was. The centurion said, I am not so much as worthy of a visit (Mat 8:8), but the elders of the Jews thought him worthy of the cure; thus honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Let another man praise thee, and not thy own mouth. But that which they insisted upon in particular was, that, though he was a Gentile, yet he was a hearty well-wisher to the Jewish nation and religion, Luk 7:5. They thought there needed as much with Christ as there did with them to remove the prejudices against him as a Gentile, a Roman, and an officer of the army, and therefore mention this, 1. That he was well-affected to the people of the Jews: He loveth our nation (which few of the Gentile did). Probably he had read the Old Testament, whence it was easy to advance to a very high esteem of the Jewish nation, as favoured by Heaven above all people. Note, Even conquerors, and those in power, ought to keep up an affection for the conquered, and those they have power over. 2. That he was well-affected to their worship: He built them a new synagogue at Capernaum, finding that what they had was either gone to decay or not large enough to contain the people, and that the inhabitants were not of ability to build one for themselves. Hereby he testified his veneration for the God of Israel, his belief of his being the one only living and true God, and his desire, like that of Darius, to have an interest in the prayers of God's Israel, Ezr 6:10. This centurion built a synagogue at his own proper costs and charges, and probably employed his soldiers that were in garrison there in the building, to keep them from idleness. Note, Building places of meeting for religious worship is a very good work, is an instance of love to God and his people; and those who do good works of that kind are worthy of double honour.

V. Jesus Christ was very ready to show kindness to the centurion. He presently went with them (Luk 7:6), though he was a Gentile; for is he the Saviour of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, Rom 3:29. The centurion did not think himself worthy to visit Christ (Luk 7:7), yet Christ thought him worthy to be visited by him; for those that humble themselves shall be exalted.

VI. The centurion, when he heard that Christ was doing him the honour to come to his house, gave further proofs both of his humility and of his faith. Thus the graces of the saints are quickened by Christ's approaches towards them. When he was now not far from the house, and the centurion had notice of it, instead of setting his house in order for his reception, he sends friends to meet him with fresh expressions, 1. Of his humility: "Lord, trouble not thyself, for I am unworthy of such an honour, because I am a Gentile." This bespeaks not only his low thoughts of himself notwithstanding the greatness of his figure; but his high thoughts of Christ, notwithstanding the meanness of his figure in the world. He knew how to honour a prophet of God, though he was despised and rejected of men. 2. Of his faith: "Lord, trouble not thyself, for I know there is no occasion; thou canst cure my servant without coming under my roof, by that almighty power from which no thought can be withholden. Say, in a word, and my servant shall be healed:" so far was this centurion from Namaan's fancy, that he should come to him, and stand, and strike his hand over the patient, and so recover him, Kg2 5:11. He illustrates this faith of his by a comparison taken from his own profession, and is confident that Christ can as easily command away the distemper as he can command any of his soldiers, can as easily send an angel with commission to cure this servant of his as he can send a soldier on an errand, Luk 7:8. Christ has a sovereign power over all the creatures and all their actions, and can change the course of nature as he pleases, can rectify its disorders and repair its decays in human bodies; for all power is given to him.

VII. Our Lord Jesus was wonderfully well pleased with the faith of the centurion, and the more surprised at it because he was a Gentile; and, the centurion's faith having thus honoured Christ, see how he honoured it (Luk 7:9): He turned him about, as one amazed, and said to the people that followed him, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. Note, Christ will have those that follow him to observe and take notice of the great examples of faith that are sometimes set before them - especially when any such are found among those that do not follow Christ so closely as they do in profession - that we may be shamed by the strength of their faith out of the weakness and waverings of ours.

VIII. The cure was presently and perfectly wrought (Luk 7:10). They that were sent knew they had their errand, and therefore went back, and found the servant well, and under no remains at all of his distemper. Christ will take cognizance of the distressed case of poor servants, and be ready to relieve them; for there is no respect of persons with him. Nor are the Gentiles excluded from the benefit of his grace; nay, this was a specimen of that much greater faith which would be found among the Gentiles, when the gospel should be published, than among the Jews.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
On Idolatry
But how will a Christian man war, nay, how will he serve even in peace, without a sword, which the Lord has taken away? For albeit soldiers had come unto John, and had received the formula of their rule; albeit, likewise, a centurion had believed; still the Lord afterward, in disarming Peter, unbe
TertullianAD 220
On Idolatry
In that last section, decision may seem to have been given likewise concerning military service, which is between dignity and power. But now inquiry is made about this point, whether a believer may turn himself unto military service, and whether the military may be admitted unto the faith, even the rank and file, or each inferior grade, to whom there is no necessity for taking part in sacrifices or capital punishments. There is no agreement between the divine and the human sacrament, the standard of Christ and the standard of the devil, the camp of light and the camp of darkness. One soul cannot be due to two masters— God and Cæsar. And yet Moses carried a rod, and Aaron wore a buckle, and John (Baptist) is girt with leather and Joshua the Son of Nun leads a line of march; and the People warred: if it pleases you to sport with the subject. But how will a Christian man war, nay, how will he serve even in peace, without a sword, which the Lord has taken away? For albeit soldiers had come unto John, and had received the formula of their rule; albeit, likewise, a centurion had believed; still the Lord afterward, in disarming Peter, unbelted every soldier. No dress is lawful among us, if assigned to any unlawful action.
TertullianAD 220
Against Marcion Book IV
Likewise, when extolling the centurion's faith, how incredible a thing it is, that He should confess that He had "found so great a faith not even in Israel." to whom Israel's faith was in no way interesting! But not from the fact (here stated by Christ) could it have been of any interest to Him to approve and compare what was hitherto crude, nay, I might say, hitherto naught.
TertullianAD 220
Against Marcion, Book IV
Likewise, when extolling the centurion's faith, how incredible a thing it is, that He should confess that He had "found so great a faith not even in Israel," [Luke 7:1-10] to whom Israel's faith was in no way interesting! But not from the fact (here stated by Christ) could it have been of any interest to Him to approve and compare what was hitherto crude, nay, I might say, hitherto naught. Why, however, might He not have used the example of faith in another god? Because, if He had done so, He would have said that no such faith had ever had existence in Israel; but as the case stands, He intimates that He ought to have found so great a faith in Israel, inasmuch as He had indeed come for the purpose of finding it, being in truth the God and Christ of Israel, and had now stigmatized it, only as one who would enforce and uphold it. If, indeed, He had been its antagonist, He would have preferred finding it to be such faith, having come to weaken and destroy it rather than to approve of it.
Eusebius of Caesarea (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 339
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Although that centurion was strong in battle, and the prefect of the Roman soldiers, yet because his particular attendant lay sick at his house, considering what wonderful things the Saviour had done in healing the sick, and judging that these miracles were performed by no human power, he sends to Him, as unto God, not looking to the visible instrument by which He had intercourse with men; as it follows, And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him, &c.

And the elders of the Jews indeed demand favours for a small sum spent in the service of the synagogue, but the Lord not for this, but a higher reason, manifested Himself, wishing in truth to beget a belief in all men by His own power, as it follows, Then Jesus went with them.
Titus of Bostra (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 378
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
When He had strengthened His disciples by more perfect teaching, He goes to Capernaum to work miracles there; as it is said, When he had ended all his sayings, he entered into Capernaum.
Ambrose of Milan (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 397
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
But having finished His teaching, He rightly instructs them to follow the example of His precepts. For straightway the servant of a Gentile centurion is presented to the Lord to be healed. Now the Evangelist, when he said that the servant was about to die, did not err, because he would have died had he not been healed by Christ.

Which certainly He did not do, because He was unable to heal when absent, but that He might set them an example of imitating His humility. He would not go to the son of the nobleman, lest He should seem thereby to have respected his riches; He went immediately here, that He might not seem to have despised the low estate of a centurion's servant. But the centurion laying aside his military pride puts on humility, being both willing to believe and eager to honour; as it follows, And when he was not far off, he sent unto him, saying, Trouble not, thyself: for I am not worthy, &c. For by the power not of man, but of God, he supposed that health was given to man. The Jews indeed alleged his worthiness; but he confessed himself unworthy not only of the benefit, but even of receiving the Lord under his roof, For I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof.

But Luke well says, that friends were sent by the centurion to meet our Lord, lest by his own coming he might seem both to embarrass our Lord, and to have called for a requital of good offices. Hence it follows, Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee, but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

And indeed if you read it thus, "In none in Israel have I found so great faith," the meaning is simple and easy. But if according to the Greek, "Not even in Israel have I found so great faith," faith of this kind is preferred even to that of the more elect, and those that see God.

The faith of the master is proved, and the health of the servant established, as it follows, And they that were sent returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. It is possible then that the good deed of a master may advantage his servants, not only through the merit of faith, but the practice of discipline.

Mystically, by the centurion's servant is signified that the Gentile people who were enthralled by the chain of worldly bondage, and diseased with deadly passions, are to be healed by the mercy of the Lord.

But the centurion wished not to trouble Jesus, for Whom the Jewish people crucified, the Gentiles desire to keep inviolate from injury, and (as touching a mystery) he saw that Christ was not yet able to pierce the hearts of the Gentiles.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Commentary on Luke
And when he had finished giving these instructions, he teaches his disciples to follow the example of their teachers. For immediately the servant of a Gentile centurion is offered to the Lord to be healed, in whom the people of the nations, who were held captive by the bonds of earthly servitude and tormented by deadly passions, are expressed to be healed by the grace of the Lord. But what he said about the servant dying did not deceive the Evangelist; for he would indeed have died if he had not been healed by Christ. Therefore, he fulfilled the commandment with heavenly love, who loved his enemies in this way: that he might rescue them from death and bring them into the hope of eternal salvation.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. 26. in Matt.) How again does Matthew tell us that the centurion said, I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof, while Luke says here, that he beseeches Him that He would come. Now it seems to me that Luke sets before us the flatteries of the Jews. For we may believe that when the centurion wished to depart, the Jews drew him back, enticing him, saying, We will go and bring him. Hence also their prayers are full of flattery, for it follows, But when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying that he was worthy. Although it became them to have said, He himself was willing to come and supplicate Thee, but we detained him, seeing the affliction, and the body which was lying in the house, and so to have drawn out the greatness of his faith; but they would not for envy reveal the faith of the man, lest He should seem some great one to whom the prayers were addressed. But wherein Matthew represents the centurion to be not an Israelite, while Luke says, he has built us a synagogue, there is no contradiction, for he might not have been a Jew, and yet built a synagogue.

(ubi sup.) For as soon as he was freed from the annoyance of the Jews, he then sends, saying, Think not that it was from negligence I came not unto Thee, but I counted myself unworthy to receive Thee in my house.

(ubi sup.) Here observe that the centurion held a right opinion concerning the Lord; he said not, pray, but, command; and in doubt lest He should from humility refuse him, he adds, For I also am a man set under authority, &c.

(contra Anom. Hom. 17.) We must here remark, that this word, Fac, signifies a command given to a servant. So God when He wished to create man, said not to the Only-begotten, "Make man," but, Let us make man, that by the form of unity in the words he might make manifest the equality of the agents. Because then the centurion considered in Christ the greatness of His dominion, therefore saith He, say in a word. For I also say to my servant. But Christ blames him not, but confirmed his wishes, as it follows, When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled.

(Hom. 27. in Matt.) But that you might see plainly that the Lord said this for the instruction of others, the Evangelist wisely explains it, adding, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Augustine of Hippo (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 430
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(de Con. Ev. l. ii. c. 20.) Here we must understand that He did not enter before He had ended these sayings, but it is not mentioned what space of time intervened between the termination of His discourse, and His entering into Capernaum. For in that interval the leper was cleansed whom Matthew introduced in his proper place.
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
But herein they show, that as by a church, so also by a synagogue, they were wont to mean not only the assembly of the faithful, but also the place where they assembled.

He says that he though a man subject to the power of the tribune or governor, yet has command over his inferiors, that it might be implied that much more is He who is God, able not only by the presence of His body, but by the services of His angels, to fulfil whatever He wishes. For the weakness of the flesh or the hostile powers were to be subdued both by the word of the Lord and the ministry of the angels. And to my servant, Do this, &c.

But who had wrought this very faith in him, save He who marvelled? But supposing another had done it, why should He marvel who foreknew it? Because then the Lord marvels, it signifies that we must marvel. For all such feelings when they are spoken of God, are the tokens not of a wonder-struck mind, but of a teaching master.

But he speaks not of Patriarchs and Prophets in times far back, but of the men of the present age to whom the faith of the centurion is preferred, because they were instructed in the precepts of the Law and the Prophets, but he with no one to teach him of his own accord believed.

Matthew explains these things more fully, saying, that when our Lord said to the centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee, the servant was healed in the self-same hour. But it is the manner of the blessed Luke, to abridge or even purposely to pass by whatever he sees plainly set forth by the other Evangelists, but what he knows to be omitted by them, or briefly touched upon, to more carefully explain.

But the centurion, whose faith is preferred to Israel, represents the elect from the Gentiles, who as it were attended by their hundred soldiers, are exalted by their perfection of spiritual virtues. For the number hundred, which is transferred from the left to the righta, is frequently put to signify the celestial life. These then must pray to the Lord for those who are still oppressed with fear, in the spirit of bondage. But we of the Gentiles who believe can not ourselves come to the Lord, whom we are unable to see in the flesh, but ought to approach by faith; we must send the elders of the Jews, that is, we must by our suppliant entreaties gain as patrons the greatest men of the Church, who have gone before us to the Lord, who bearing us witness that we have a care to build up the Church, may intercede for our sins. It is well said that Jesus was not far from the house, for his salvation is nigh unto them that fear him, and he who rightly uses the law of nature, in that he does the things which he knows to be good, approaches nigh unto Him who is good.

The soldiers and servants who obey the centurion, are the natural virtues which many who come to the Lord will bring with them in great numbers.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
When he had completed all his words in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Here it must be understood that, when he had indeed completed all his words in the hearing of the people, Christ entered Capernaum, meaning that he did not enter before these words had been finished, but it is not stated after what interval of time, once he had finished these discourses, he entered Capernaum. Within that interval, that leper was cleansed whom Matthew interposes in his own place, but this one anticipates beforehand.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Or in another way. The centurion must be understood as one who stood foremost among many in wickedness, as long as he possesses many things in this life, i. e. is occupied with many affairs or concerns. But he has a servant, the irrational part of the soul, that is, the irascible and concupiscent part. And he speaks to Jesus, the Jews acting as mediators, that is, the thoughts and words of confession, and immediately he received his servant whole.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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