Luke 7:3
heard about Jesus. This happened in Capernaum and Luke already said that Jesus taught and performed many miracles there (4:23). John recorded a specific story of a Gentile official's son who was healed by Jesus (John 4:50). It's possible that the centurion heard about Jesus from the official. Perhaps the centurion believed that Jesus can do again what he did for the official's son (see vv. 7-9).
elders. Not members of the Sanhedrin, but local Jewish leaders.
Luke 7:4-5
Beyond the financial contribution, this centurion may have been a God-fearer like Cornelius (Acts 10:1-2). If so, he would have worshipped the God of Israel though had not become a full convert.
Luke 7:6
Lord. A word which can simply mean
sir but takes on greater significance within the narrative (see 5:8; 6:46).
not worthy. This speaks to the centurion's humility. It's also an interesting contrast to the testimony of the Jews (v. 4).
under my roof. Some see a concern for Jewish traditions ritual purity in this. However, the centurion's humility and faith (v. 7) are emphasized. Thus, we should see his reluctance to have Jesus travel to his house as an indication of his understanding of Jesus's identity.
Luke 7:7-8
authority Centurions were under several authorities, including the Primus Pilus, but ultimately, under the authority of Caesar. He observed the same kind of spiritual authority in Jesus.
say a word. True faith knows that God's power to heal is not dependent on any ritual, incentive, or external aid. His word alone is powerful (Ps. 107:20; Matt. 8:16; Heb. 11:3).
Luke 7:9
Jesus's praise of a person's faith was rare. Here it is especially unique that he highly praised a
centurion. This emphasized that inclusion of Gentiles by faith in Israel's Messiah within God's people (see 4:25-27; Acts 13:46-47; 18:6; 28:26-28).
Luke 7:10
The centurion's confident faith in Jesus (vv. 6-8) was well-founded.
Luke 7:11
Soon after that. Luke intentionally linked the accounts. He often used pairs in his narrative sections. He also echoed the ministries of Elijah and Elisha by joining this miracle (vv. 11-17; 1 Kgs 17:17-24; 2 Kgs 4:32-37) with the preceding one (vv. 1-10; 2 Kgs 5).
Nain. Located in southern Galilee, this town is only mentioned here.
Luke 7:12
carried out. Specific term for carrying a dead body out of town for burial. The typical procedure is described as follows. After ensuring death had occurred, the family will display their mourning through torn clothes. The dead body was then prepared for burial. This usually happened the same day to prevent decomposition. On the way to the grave, the body was wrapped and carried on a bier so all could see it (v. 14).
only son . . . widow. Luke emphasized the woman's desperate situation. She is now without any family or means of providing for herself.
large crowd. Funerals were an important event in first-century Jewish life. Normal activities ended for people to join the one mourning.
Luke 7:13
Lord. Not merely a title carried over from the previous account (v. 6). Luke used it here to reflect on Jesus's authority and compassion (v. 16; Isa. 54:7-10).
deeply moved. God is not indifferent to the sufferings of his people (Ps. 34:15-18).
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