Keraia
Matthew 8

Matthew 8:5

The Faith of the Centurion · Matthew 8:5–13
Read Matthew 8

Translations

Modern
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him,
Traditional
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
Literal
And on His having entered into Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him
Latin
Cum autem introisset Capharnaum, accessit ad eum centurio, rogans eum,

Original

Greek
English
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him,

Notes

Matthew 8:5

  • Capernaum is on the Sea of Galilee, four kilometers (about two and a half miles) west of where the Jordan River flows out. In the time of Jesus, it was a thriving fishing village. Located at an important crossroads on the Great Trunk Road, it connected Mesopotamia and Egypt. It was an international village. Much of the ministry Jesus did in Galilee happened there (for example, Matthew 4:13; 8:14–17).

  • The centurion: He was one of sixty commanders in a legion and led 100 Roman soldiers (see also Mark 15:39; Acts 10:1; 27:1).

Matthew 8:5–13

Jesus once again served people who were pushed aside or rejected. The centurion was a Gentile soldier. Helping him would have caused strong anger from both nationalistic Jews and separatist Jews.

Matthew 8:1–9:34

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

  • non-Jewish people,

  • lepers,

  • blind people,

  • sick women,

  • people possessed by demons,

  • tax collectors,

  • those with long-term bleeding, and

  • the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).

Theme notes and profiles

Encounters with Jesus

Events

Parallels

Luke 7:1–10 John 4:43–54

Places

Capernaum: Town in Galilee; center of Jesus' ministry

Glossary

Capernaum Centurion Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ John the Baptist Magi Miracle Rome (City) Sea of Galilee

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks: Centurions Centurion of Capernaum, Comes to Jesus in Behalf of his Servant Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: The Centurion at Capernaum Intercession of Man with God Jesus, the Christ: Heals the Servant of the Centurion (Near Capernaum) Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of Heals the Centurion's Servant Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Restores the Centurion's Servant Prayer: Answered: Centurion, for his Servant Prayer: Importunity in The Roman Centurion