The Centurion - who is he?

The Centurion - who is he?

The Bible is full of so many interesting connections. The more you read it, the more you see it.

As I was reading Luke Chapter 7 this morning concerning a certain Centurion whose servant was near death, I began to wonder if this was the same Centurian in Acts chapter 10?

Jesus had just entered Capernaum.   A certain Centurion, whose servant was near death, desperately sent some Jewish elders to ask Jesus to come heal his servant.

The Jewish elders affirmed to Jesus that this Centurion was worthy to receive a miracle and was a good man. They said he loves the nation of Israel and has built them a synagogue.

Jesus was willing and began to follow them to the centurion's home. The Centurion felt unworthy and sent word by friends that he had faith if Jesus would just speak the word his servant would be healed.  

Jesus marveled at his faith. The friends returned back to the centurion's home to find the servant completely healed.

As I read this, I recalled the good words recorded about Cornelius in Acts chapter 10. Cornelius was also a Centurion and of good report among the Jews, but he resided in the area of Caesarea. Luke records Jesus as being in Capernaum 27 miles away. So, would that rule out any possibility of these two centurions being one and the same? Possibly but not completely.   

The Bible records that Jesus had been in both places (Caesarea and Capernaum) at various times.  Galilee was approximately 144 miles away from Jerusalem yet we know Jesus made that journey at times. Distance was no obstacle to the Savior! 

Cornelius was a devout man that feared God and gave money to the Jews. As he was praying and Acts chapter 10, he saw an angel come to him in a vision. The angel told him to send for Simon Peter who was in Joppa. 

Joppa was approximately 39 miles away from Caesarea. Not a big deal now with transportation but back then that was a long journey.  Yet Peter made that journey to tell Cornelius and his household about Jesus.  

Capernaum was only 27 miles from Caesarea. Not as far a distance as Joppa was from Caesarea.  (See map below)

As Jesus was making the journey to the Centurion's home, that centurion's faith caused his servant to be healed before Jesus arrived. Jesus did not have to make the full journey to Capernaum.  The Bible records that He entered the town of Nain on the day after....a town between Capernaum and Caesarea. 

I believe it is possible that this is the same Centurion and Jesus was willing to make that trip knowing that he and his household would one day be filled with the Holy Ghost ...the Bible said Peter heard them speaking with tongues. And then Peter COMMANDED them to be baptized in the Name of Jesus (Acts 10:44-48). 

That same gift of salvation is available to you, too, if you will receive it.