The Role of a Roman Centurion

The Roman Centurion: A Figure of Authority and Faith in the New Testament

The Roman Empire, at the time of Christ's earthly ministry and the nascent beginnings of the Christian church, was the dominant world power. Its vast dominion was maintained through a formidable military, and at the heart of this military structure stood the centurion. A centurion was a professional officer in the Roman army who commanded a "century," typically comprising around eighty to one hundred men. These were not mere soldiers but experienced, disciplined, and often highly respected leaders. They were the backbone of the legions, responsible for training, maintaining order, and leading their troops into battle. Their authority was significant, extending even to judicial and policing functions within their spheres of influence. The New Testament, particularly the Gospels and the book of Acts, presents us with several encounters involving Roman centurions, revealing not only their secular roles but also their unexpected spiritual insights and God's sovereign hand working through them. These biblical accounts offer profound lessons on authority, faith, humility, and the universal reach of God's grace.

Authority and Discipline: The Centurion's Defining Characteristics

The primary characteristic of a Roman centurion, as understood by both secular history and biblical narrative, was their absolute authority and the disciplined execution of their duties. They were men under authority, and therefore, men who exercised authority. This hierarchical understanding is vividly portrayed in the account of the centurion of Capernaum, who sought Jesus to heal his servant. This centurion, despite his position of power, demonstrated remarkable humility and an profound understanding of authority, both earthly and divine.

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Matthew 8:8-9

This passage highlights the centurion's grasp of delegated authority. He understood that Jesus, as one operating under the ultimate authority of God, did not need to be physically present to exert His power. His word alone was sufficient. This keen insight not only astonished Jesus but also serves as a powerful illustration of the nature of spiritual authority. Like the centurion, believers are called to be under the authority of Christ, and in so doing, they are empowered to act with spiritual authority themselves, not of their own accord, but through His name and power. The centurion's role thus becomes a metaphor for the Christian's walk: disciplined obedience to a higher power, leading to effective action in the world.

Encounters with Grace: Centurions in the Gospels and Acts

The New Testament records at least three distinct and significant encounters involving Roman centurions, each revealing a unique facet of God's interaction with Gentiles and those in positions of secular power.

As previously mentioned, the centurion in Matthew 8 and Luke 7 stands out for his extraordinary faith. He was a Gentile, a representative of the occupying power, yet he approached Jesus with a humility that shamed many within Israel. His concern for his servant, his acknowledgement of his unworthiness, and his profound understanding of Christ's authority led Jesus to declare:

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Matthew 8:10

This centurion's faith was not based on religious ritual or lineage, but on an intuitive grasp of divine power and authority. He embodies the truth that God's grace extends beyond ethnic and religious boundaries, reaching those with a humble and believing heart.

Perhaps one of the most poignant moments involving a centurion occurs at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As darkness covered the land and seismic events shook the earth, the centurion overseeing the execution was moved to a profound confession.

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Matthew 27:54

This confession, echoing in Mark 15:39 and Luke 23:47, is significant. It comes from a hardened Roman soldier, accustomed to death and suffering, yet utterly overwhelmed by the supernatural events surrounding Christ's death. His declaration, "Truly this was the Son of God," is a powerful, unsolicited testimony to Christ's divine identity, coming from an unlikely source. It underscores that God's truth can penetrate even the most stoic and seemingly impervious hearts, revealing the Son of God to those who witness His glory, even in suffering.

The story of Cornelius in Acts 10 is pivotal in the expansion of the early church. Cornelius was a centurion of the Italian band, described as a "devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway" (Acts 10:2). He was a "God-fearer," a Gentile who worshipped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism. God chose him to be the first Gentile convert, marking a crucial moment in the breaking down of the wall between Jew and Gentile.

God orchestrated a divine appointment between Cornelius and the Apostle Peter through visions given to both men. Cornelius was instructed by an angel to send for Peter, while Peter was given a vision of unclean animals, teaching him that God had cleansed all things and that he should not call any man common or unclean. This led to Peter's groundbreaking sermon in Cornelius's house, where the Holy Ghost fell upon all who heard the word, even before they were baptized.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:44-45

Cornelius's conversion signifies God's universal plan of salvation, demonstrating that faith in Christ, not ethnic background or adherence to Mosaic law, is the pathway to salvation. His story highlights God's readiness to reach out to all who seek Him, regardless of their social standing or nationality.

The book of Acts also features several centurions who, perhaps unknowingly, played roles in protecting the Apostle Paul and facilitating his journey to Rome. For instance, when Paul was arrested in Jerusalem, a chief captain ordered him to be examined by scourging. However, a centurion present intervened when Paul asserted his Roman citizenship (Acts 22:25-29), preventing an unlawful punishment. Later, a centurion named Julius was entrusted with Paul's transport to Rome. Despite the perilous journey, Julius showed kindness to Paul (Acts 27:3) and listened to his advice, especially concerning the storm at sea. When the ship was about to wreck, and the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent their escape, Julius prevented them, saving Paul's life along with the lives of the other prisoners.

And as the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

Acts 27:42-43

These instances demonstrate how God can use secular authorities, even those who might not know Him, to accomplish His purposes and protect His servants. The centurions, in their official capacities, became instruments of divine providence, ensuring Paul's safe passage to Rome, where he would continue to preach the Gospel.

Spiritual Lessons from the Roman Centurion's Role

The consistent portrayal of Roman centurions in the New Testament offers several enduring spiritual lessons for believers today:

Conclusion

The Roman centurion, a symbol of earthly power and order, emerges in the New Testament as a fascinating and spiritually significant figure. From the humble faith of the centurion of Capernaum to the confession of the centurion at the cross, and the pivotal conversion of Cornelius, these military men played an unexpected but crucial role in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan. They teach us that God's grace transcends all human barriers, His authority is supreme, and His purposes are accomplished even through those who are far from Him. Their stories stand as powerful reminders that God seeks out and transforms hearts from all walks of life, calling them into His kingdom and using them as instruments for His glory, often in ways that defy human expectation. The Roman centurion, therefore, is not merely a historical footnote but a timeless example of faith, humility, and God's boundless grace at work in the world.