The Conclusion of the Centurion: Luke 23:47
“47) Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.”” Luke 23:47
“54) Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”” Matthew 27:54
“39) When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”” Mark 15:39
It is sometimes helpful to compare the gospel accounts to get a fuller picture. As the signs and wonders unfolded at the moment Jesus died, the Roman centurion overseeing the crucifixion made two observations. Let’s look them.
First, Luke quotes him as saying; “Certainly this man was innocent.” As you review the story of His trial and crucifixion, the innocence of Jesus was declared by Pilate, Herod, one of the criminals and now the centurion. The testimony of these four witnesses is compelling. They knowingly crucified an innocent man.
Second, according to Matthew and Mark, the centurion added to his response by saying; “Truly this was the Son of God!” The evidence added up to only one conclusion; Jesus was telling the truth about His identity. He was not guilty of blasphemy, He was indeed the Son of God!
Keep in mind, the centurion was present the entire time. He most likely witnessed the arrest, the three trails, the scourging and the crucifixion. He had a panoramic view of the whole ordeal. He concluded that Jesus was the Son of God.
It is only when the full context is added together that the rest of Luke 23:47 makes sense; “Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God.” The combined witness opened His heart to God.
As a side note, It fascinating studying the number of centurions who interacted with Jesus in the four gospels and later with Peter and Paul in the book of Acts. Many of them became followers of Jesus.
Their combined stories would make an amazing sermon. One had his servants healed and became an example of great faith. (Matthew 8:5–3) The centurion at the crucifixion concluded Jesus was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54) Another centurion sent for Peter and had the gospel preached to him and a gathering of family and friends. They became the first converts among the Gentiles who were filled with the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 10) Still another centurion rescued Paul from the angry mob. (Acts 21-22) Yet another accompanied Paul to Rome. (Acts 27-28) There were others as well.
There seems to be a pattern developing between these centurions. Maybe we could call the extended version; “The Conclusion of the Centurions.” You would be very wise to listen to their sermon.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ GlobalSent
Sent from my iPhone
“47) Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.”” Luke 23:47
“54) Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”” Matthew 27:54
“39) When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”” Mark 15:39
It is sometimes helpful to compare the gospel accounts to get a fuller picture. As the signs and wonders unfolded at the moment Jesus died, the Roman centurion overseeing the crucifixion made two observations. Let’s look them.
First, Luke quotes him as saying; “Certainly this man was innocent.” As you review the story of His trial and crucifixion, the innocence of Jesus was declared by Pilate, Herod, one of the criminals and now the centurion. The testimony of these four witnesses is compelling. They knowingly crucified an innocent man.
Second, according to Matthew and Mark, the centurion added to his response by saying; “Truly this was the Son of God!” The evidence added up to only one conclusion; Jesus was telling the truth about His identity. He was not guilty of blasphemy, He was indeed the Son of God!
Keep in mind, the centurion was present the entire time. He most likely witnessed the arrest, the three trails, the scourging and the crucifixion. He had a panoramic view of the whole ordeal. He concluded that Jesus was the Son of God.
It is only when the full context is added together that the rest of Luke 23:47 makes sense; “Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God.” The combined witness opened His heart to God.
As a side note, It fascinating studying the number of centurions who interacted with Jesus in the four gospels and later with Peter and Paul in the book of Acts. Many of them became followers of Jesus.
Their combined stories would make an amazing sermon. One had his servants healed and became an example of great faith. (Matthew 8:5–3) The centurion at the crucifixion concluded Jesus was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54) Another centurion sent for Peter and had the gospel preached to him and a gathering of family and friends. They became the first converts among the Gentiles who were filled with the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 10) Still another centurion rescued Paul from the angry mob. (Acts 21-22) Yet another accompanied Paul to Rome. (Acts 27-28) There were others as well.
There seems to be a pattern developing between these centurions. Maybe we could call the extended version; “The Conclusion of the Centurions.” You would be very wise to listen to their sermon.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ GlobalSent
Sent from my iPhone
