Month: February 2024

The Centurions #4

Monday, February 19, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

After persistent pagan idolatry—disobedience to the Law of Moses—the nation Israel gradually lost its political might in the Earth. This was one of the punishments or curses of the Law (see Leviticus 26:14,15,17-19,23-25,27-39). Beginning in Judges 2:11-15, after the Israelites worshipped and served Baal and Ashtaroth (their neighbors’ heathen idols), Gentile armies begin invading the Promised Land and conquering Israel. By the time of Samuel and Saul, the Philistines are triumphant. Under David, however, Israel enjoys victory; under Solomon, Israel experiences peace.

Eventually, upon Solomon’s death, Israel splits into two kingdoms (10 tribes of Israel in the north, two tribes of Judah in the south). The idolatrous northern tribes are exiled to Assyria, whereas the idolatrous southern tribes are deported to Babylon. David’s throne is lost to Gentiles until Christ’s return, as disclosed in Daniel 2:36-45. The LORD God has now removed Israel’s political blessings, and a series of Gentile rulers govern Israel in the Promised Land.

As world history testifies, Babylonians (Nebuchadnezzar) conquer Israel, Medians-Persians overthrow Babylonians, Greeks defeat Medians-Persians, and the Romans overpower the Greeks a few centuries before Christ. Caesars—the Roman emperors—have replaced King David’s sons as monarchs. The Roman centurions and their military subordinates therefore patrol Israel’s land during Christ’s earthly ministry and Acts. Those centurions or Roman military leaders serve as a constant reminder to Israel of their nation’s political fall. By maintaining submission, order, and peace, the centurions ensure the Israelites serve the emperors’ best interests.

There was a Roman military post in Capernaum (northern shore of the Sea of Galilee); thus, a centurion appears there in today’s Scripture. Rome’s political/administrative capital in the land of Israel was Caesarea (on the Mediterranean Sea)—Cornelius’ residence in Acts chapter 10. As many as 1,000 Roman soldiers lived in a fort at Jerusalem, equating to 10 centurions. Some of these troops escorted Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea in Acts chapter 23. One such centurion conveyed Paul and other prisoners by sea from Caesarea to Rome in the closing chapters of Acts.

We can offer another notable reason for centurions in the Holy Scriptures….

The Centurions #3

Sunday, February 18, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

Skipping the seven separate centurions (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:2-6, Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47, Mark 15:44-45, Acts 10:1,22, Acts 22:25-26, Acts 23:17, and Acts 24:23), and overlooking the groups of centurions in Acts 21:32 and Acts 23:23, we come to the eighth and final individual centurion of Scripture.

Julius is featured throughout Acts chapter 27: “[1] And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band…. [6]And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein…. [11] Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul…. [31] Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved…. [43] But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:….” He also appears in Acts 28:16: “And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.”

A centurion was a high-ranking Roman military official. If you look closely at the word itself, perhaps you notice its resemblance to “century.” Could there be a relationship? Yes, as the two originate from the Latin “centurio,” as in “one hundred.” As a century is defined as 100 years, so “centurion” is connected to the number 100. “And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;…” (Acts 23:23). Corresponding to two centurions were 200 soldiers. A centurion was a commander of 100 Roman soldiers. In fact, in the ancient Roman Empire, that group of 100 soldiers were a “century;” thus, their supervisor bore the title “centurion.”

Having defined what they are, let us contemplate the significance of centurions in the Bible….

The Centurions #2

Saturday, February 17, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

After surveying the Four Gospel Records and finding three isolated centurions (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:2-6; Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47; Mark 15:44,45), we find the rest of them in the Book of Acts. Consider some of the Acts references now.

The fourth singular centurion in Holy Scripture is in Acts chapter 10, even being identified. “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,…. And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee” (Acts 10:1,22).

A group of centurions is featured in Acts 21:32: “Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.” We find the fifth sole centurion in Acts 22:25,26: “And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.”

There is a sixth lone centurion included in Acts 23:17: “Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.” Two centurions are in Acts 23:23: “And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;….” The seventh solo centurion appears in Acts 24:23: “And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.”

Let us find and read the remaining Acts “centurion” references….

The Centurions #1

Friday, February 16, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

The King James Bible refers to “centurions” some 27 times—always in the New Testament (never the Old Testament), and usually as individuals (occasionally in the plural). Before we study the word itself, we need to quickly survey all the references.

Today’s Scripture and its context allude to the first solitary centurion, whose ill servant Christ cured. “And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed…. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour” (Matthew 8:5,8,13). The parallel account is Luke 7:2,6: “And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die…. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:….”

At Christ’s cross, we find the second individual centurion. “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). “And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39). “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47).

When Christ’s body required burial, there is a third distinct centurion. “And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph” (Mark 15:44,45).

There are more “centurion” verses for us to read….

Something in Which to Glory!

Thursday, February 15, 2024

“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:12-14 KJV).

In what shall we glory? About what shall we boast? In what shall we find value?

Religion produces people who enjoy bragging all about their “dedication to God.” “Look what I did—the ceremonies in which I have participated, the many prayers I faithfully recited daily, how much I put in the collection plate, see how many pleasures I gave up to please God! Come, see how much I love Him!” Dear friends, the Apostle Paul found great value in something—but that something was not what he did. All that human flesh can accomplish pales in comparison to the work in today’s Scripture.

As Lent begins, the time when religionists temporarily (a mere 40 days) relinquish some pleasant food or activity, let us remember that our performance is often non-performance. Once we place ourselves on that treadmill of “do, do, do,” we are guaranteed to fail at some point. Human flesh is simply too weak to maintain 100 percent—that is sin! Even concerning one rule, we cannot keep it perfectly. We mess up eventually.

If ever we believe that our puny works are worth bragging about, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in today’s Scripture. While some boast in their religiosity (in the passage, the Judaizers applauding their rite of physical circumcision), and such denominationalists today urge us to obey their church’s instructions so they too may boast in our ability, let us eschew such foolishness. Being imperfect, all their works do not measure up to Christ’s finished crosswork. At Calvary, we find the only sacrifice that will ever please the God of the Bible. If we must boast, let us brag that He did what we could never, ever do!

See our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”

God is Love

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

“…God is love… God is love… We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:8b,16b,19 KJV).

The word “love” is used very flippantly in today’s world. Of the many who speak about “love,” few know what it is. On this Valentine’s Day, we offer sound doctrine from God’s Word to correct the misunderstandings of what love really is. What is love, according to God’s Word?

Today’s Scripture says that “God is love”—God does not simply love, but His very nature is love. What does that mean? In 1 John 3:16, we read: “Hereby we perceive the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:” Our Apostle Paul put it this way: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God’s nature is love—selfless, self-sacrificing!

God’s Word defines love and charity in 2 Corinthians 12:15: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” Love is seeking the best interest of others, even if it costs you something (time, energy, resources, et cetera). Charity is love in deed (demonstrated, manifested in action). God loved us, so He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. It cost God the Father His Son, and it cost God the Son His life. What a selfless act!

Our nature in Adam is selfish, but our nature in Christ is not. Paul declares, “the love of Christ constraineth us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). We who have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, our Christian lives are driven and motivated by Christ’s love for us, not our love for Him. It is this unselfish love of Christ working in us that causes us to look on the things of others, to seek their edification and their benefit, not ours (Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:1-11). This will result in charity, our selfless actions reflecting that love of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:15).

As the lost world observes our Christian service, they will see, “God is love.”

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

You can see our archived Bible Q&A study: “Should Christians celebrate Valentine’s Day?”

God’s Grace on Parade

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

“…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20 KJV).

Today, especially here in southern Louisiana, the Catholic festival of Mardi Gras takes advantage of God’s grace. God’s grace abounds even when drunkenness, lasciviousness, and gluttony are committed overtly on our streets for religion. Because we live in the Dispensation of the Grace of God, they can flaunt their sin without being consumed by fire from heaven!

“Mardi Gras,” French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a day when religious people—professing “Christians”—lose self-control (excess alcohol, food, and partying). The following day, Ash Wednesday, they promise to live “holy” for the next 40 days (Lent). A priest will then place ashes on their foreheads proving that God forgave them for that riotous living. Blasphemy!

Regardless of all its biblical allusions (illusions!), Mardi Gras is still evil and anti-God. It was never Christian, originating from pagan Roman festivals, Saturnalia and Lupercalia (interestingly known for riots, drunkenness, gluttony, and fornication, and subsequent repentance).

The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostles Peter and Paul, was clearly against Mardi Gras reveling and drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3). So why do professing Christians engage in the very activities that God the Holy Spirit condemned?! As Christians, we should “deny” the activities of Mardi Gras (Romans 6:11-15; Titus 2:11-15).

If I appear offended, I am. Mardi Gras, despite its godly façade, is offensive to the great God and my Saviour Jesus Christ! God’s grace continues to tolerate such foolishness from mankind. Man parades his sin, and God parades His grace, holding back wrath.

Are you a Mardi Gras reveler? I declare unto you the wonderful Gospel of the Grace of God. God did for you at Calvary what you could never do: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood and died to put away all of your sins, Mardi Gras revelry included.

If you rest in Christ Jesus alone as your Saviour, God will save you forever, make a trophy of His grace, and then YOUR life will be God’s grace on parade!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see our archived Bible study Q&A, “Should Christians celebrate Mardi Gras?”

As Ye All Are This Day

Monday, February 12, 2024

“I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women” (Acts 22:3,4 KJV).

A dear brother in Christ and coworker in grace ministry—just a few years into right division—recently told me how astonished he was to realize the great opposition to sound Bible doctrine! Not only has he read our Bible studies on this subject of antagonism, he now faces it firsthand when sharing dispensational Bible truth with his friends. Instead of receiving the spiritual light he offered them, they favored their denominational doctrine (especially an obsession with Matthew through John).

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul delivers a speech to lost Israel gathered in Jerusalem, opening with his testimony. Some weighty words are, “[I] was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.” There was Paul, trained in Judaism, the Law of Moses and all the “supplementary” rabbinical traditions. As Saul of Tarsus—lost in works-religion and headed for an eternal Devil’s Hell—he had wreaked havoc on the Little Flock (Israel’s believing remnant) during the early Acts period. However, in Acts chapter 9, he met and trusted as his personal Saviour the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ.

Now 30 years into ministry, Paul is pleading with Christ-rejecting, works-religionist Jews in today’s Scripture. Essentially, he exclaimed, “I used to be where you are in your fanatical unbelief, so you should give me a fair hearing to see why I am no longer where you still are and see where you should be!” People can never argue with our testimony—what spiritual darkness the Lord saved us from, what spiritual error they can be delivered from (if only they would allow us to share Bible verses with them). Let us not be disappointed when they decline our Bible verses… for unsaved Israelites also refused to hear and believe Paul (read Acts 22:1-22).

Something Not Worth Losing

Sunday, February 11, 2024

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 KJV).

Super Bowl Sunday comes annually in the United States. Teams fuel the intense passions in the athletic world by vying for a corruptible trophy. Howbeit, the competition in today’s Scripture is spiritual, is worldwide, never has a halftime, and involves the eternal souls of men!

The human soul is most zealous about religion, politics, and sports. These areas are most personal, so they generate many heated debates and conflicts. However, believe it or not, there are worse outcomes than losing a church member, losing an election, and losing a game. Losing your eternal soul is the greatest of all losses!

In the context of today’s Scripture, Jesus Christ told His Jewish disciples to “take up [their] cross, and follow [him]” (verse 24). “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (verse 25). They should not fear losing their earthly lives for His sake. What is most important is that they not lose their souls!

Jesus Christ declared there is more to life than this physical world and its temporal possessions. There is a spiritual world—an afterlife—to consider. In today’s Scripture, He asks them, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Does it make sense to emphasize this temporary world and its corruptible goods, to the point of ignoring your eternal soul, and wind up losing it in hellfire forever and ever?

Dear reader, there is more to you than just your physical body. Your inner man—your soul, your spiritual body—is everlasting. To ignore Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for your sins, is to remain dead in those sins, resulting in you spending eternity suffering God’s wrath in the lake of fire literally as a nameless, hopeless, disfigured creature.

Your soul is not worth losing! Trust Christ as your personal Saviour today!

A Family Enterprise #7

Saturday, February 10, 2024

“The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger” (Jeremiah 7:18 KJV).

What is their family enterprise? (It is devil worship!)

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This verse is non-negotiable, not open for debate or discussion. It says exactly what it means, and it means exactly what it says. Furthermore, we already know it is primarily the father’s responsibility to teach his children the Holy Scriptures. Alas, parents have a tendency to pass their duties onto others. Teachers, coaches, preachers, Sunday School teachers, psychologists, professors, and babysitters are expected to take care of the spiritual needs of these precious children—and even most of these leaders are far too ill-equipped or totally unequipped in sound Bible doctrine themselves (how can they guide others when they themselves must first be taught the basics?).

Our family enterprise as Bible believers is storing sound Bible doctrine in the younger generations. As English-speaking people, this is being educated in the King James Bible rightly divided. No matter what “CULTure” dictates or encourages, there are absolutes—a stark difference between right and wrong. Therefore, we need to endeavor to know, understand, trust, and teach the Holy Bible dispensationally, especially the Books of Romans to Philemon. The Lord Jesus Christ’s life in us is the key to overcoming all this world’s challenges. If we are to have even the slightest hope or prayer of making a difference for God’s glory, we must know about life the way He designed it, and not devise our own schemes (for our sin shall find us out, whether this generation or the tenth!).

 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6).