Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 8:5
Centurions were Roman military officers each of whom controlled 100 men, therefore the name "centurion." They were the military backbone of the Roman Empire. Interestingly every reference to a centurion in the New Testament is a positive one. These centurions were, according to the biblical record, fair-minded men whom the Jews respected. Capernaum was an important garrison town in Jesus’ day. Probably most of the soldiers under this centurion’s command were Phoenician and Syrian Gentiles.... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 8:1-34
A. Demonstrations of the King’s power 8:1-9:34Matthew described Jesus’ ministry as consisting of teaching, preaching, and healing in Matthew 4:23. Chapters 5-7 record what He taught His disciples: principles of the kingdom. We have the essence of His preaching ministry in Matthew 4:17. Now in Matthew 8:1 to Matthew 9:34 we see His healing ministry. He demonstrated authority over human beings, unseen spiritual powers, and the world of nature. Matthew showed that Jesus’ ability proves that He is... read more