The Centurion

The Centurion

God arranged the assignment of this specific centurion to Jesus’ hometown and ministry base of Capurnaum in advance for Jesus. Matthew 4:13

Luke 7:1 – 10

This centurion was advocated for by the leaders of the Jewish people when he had a need due to his generosity in building them a synagogue.

Consider Acts 10:28. How much offense did he overcome? Psalm 119:165 (KJV)

Matthew 8:5 – 13

Same events are described.

Differences in the accounts pertain to different aspects being found memorable by Luke / Matthew.

Same centurion in my opinion as a student. Matthew Henry Commentary responsibly handled each event separately having no historical record to link them. (make mention of Grok calling Mark 15:16 & Matthew 27:27 a “rhetorical exaggeration”) I must incorporate more than consensus of experts because God’s Word is life. Consider “safe & effective” evidence clock.

If centurion wouldn’t have carried out crucifixion, he would likely have been killed immediately, as well as his men. An example of a do or die situation.

Mark 15:16 – 39

Note that Simon of Cyrene’s sons were mentioned by name in this account. In my inexpert opinion, this is because their lives became marked by God’s blessing as a result of their father’s service. (Save the explanation for time’s sake.)

Important detail: first account or witness attesting the centurion said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Matthew 27:27 – 54

Same events are described. Again, the differences come from what each disciple found memorable.

Important: this passage contains the second witness verifying that the centurion said, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Deuteronomy 19:15

Luke 23:33 – 47

Very important detail: Luke 23:34 Jesus asked God the Father to forgive them (including the centurion).

Important detail: the Bible refers to the centurion saying “This Man was in fact innocent,” as praise to God. I’ve learned a number of things from looking into how the Bible defines different terms at times.

Same centurion.

Consider how spiritual progress even works.

Acts 10:22 says that the entire Jewish nation spoke well of him. Were there two such centurions?

Given the scope of the Romans soldiers’ involvement in Jesus’ crucifixion (around 600 of them), I think it’s realistic that the centurion who had supervised it ended up being promoted in a significant way.

God answered Jesus’ prayer for the centurion’s forgiveness. He wasn’t guilty for Jesus’ death, even though he seems to have profited from it significantly. However, the centurion seems to have remained very mindful of his role in Jesus’ death.

Acts 10:2 Consider his entire household feared God – how easy is that to achieve, even for a strong leader?

Acts 10:7 Consider his close associate was someone devout.

Acts 10:33 He viewed himself as being before God in what he did in his life.