Meaning
A centurion was an officer in the Roman army who commanded a body of soldiers.
The title is derived from the Latin word centurio, related to centum, meaning one hundred.
Biblical Usage
Centurions appear in several accounts in the New Testament. A centurion in Capernaum approached Jesus and asked Him to heal his servant. Jesus commended his great faith.
Another centurion witnessed the events surrounding the crucifixion and declared that Jesus was the Son of God.
Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian band, feared God and received the apostle Peter into his house.
Key References
- Matthew 8:5-13
- Matthew 27:54
- Mark 15:39
- Luke 7:1-10
- Luke 23:47
- Acts 10:1-48
- Acts 27:1-3
Related Terms
- Roman
- Soldier
- Cornelius
- Faith
- Capernaum