The Centurion of Capernaum
Gentile Gentile soldier (a centurion) stationed at Capernaum · Life of Christ · New Testament
- Also called
- centurion
- Role
- Gentile centurion whose servant Jesus healed
- When
- c. AD 28
What they did
He asked Jesus to heal his sick servant, saying he was not worthy for Jesus to come under his roof and that Jesus need only speak the word; the servant was healed in that same hour.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Jesus marvelled at his faith and said many would come from the east and west to sit down in the kingdom, a promise of the Gentiles' place among God's people.
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. Matthew 8:8 (KJV)
Bible references
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 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. Matthew 8:5-8 (KJV)
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. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:10-11 (KJV)
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. Matthew 8:13 (KJV)
And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Luke 7:2-5 (KJV)
Family
The Jewish elders said he loved their nation and had built them a synagogue (Luke 7:4-5).