Luke 7:2

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death.

Centurion ... Even counting the two centurions of these miracles (the one here, and the other in Matthew) as but one man, there are no less than eight centurions mentioned in the New Testament; and it is significant that all of them appear in a favorable light. As Ryle expressed it, "It is worthy of remark that in no case is there the slightest hint that the profession of a soldier is unlawful in the sight of God."[6] The list of centurions listed in the New Testament is:

1. The one whose servant was healed (in this passage).

2. The one who confessed Christ at the cross (Matthew 27:54).

3. The ones who rescued Paul from the mob (Acts 21:32).

4. The one who bore Paul's message to the chiliarch (Acts 22:25).

5. Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10:1)

6. Julius, who saved Paul's life on the voyage to Rome (Acts 27:3,43)

7. The centurion who brought Paul's nephew to the chiliarch (Acts 23:17,18).

8. The centurions who escorted Paul to Caesarea (Acts 23:23).

Servant ... The word here is "bondservant" or slave; and it is evident that Luke recorded this for the purpose of showing the centurion's love for such a person. "He did not despise slaves as other Gentiles commonly did."[7] The character of this noble soldier was evident, not merely in the love lavished upon a slave, but in his love for Israel, (Luke 7:5), and in his support of the worship of God (Luke 7:5). Some sought the aid of Jesus for a son, or daughter, or for themselves; but this man came to Jesus on behalf of a slave.

[6] J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Luke (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House), p. 205.

[7] Ibid., p. 200.