ACC ~ Luke 7 v6 - 9

AN EXAMPLE OF A FAITHFUL SOLDIER

AUGUSTINE: Do not imagine that someone cannot please God while he is engaged in military service. Take as an example holy David to whom the Lord gave such high testimony. Many just men of that time were soldiers. The centurion was the soldier who said to the Lord, “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.” LETTER 189. [1]

[1] FC 30:268*.

THE FIRST GENTILE TO HAVE FAITH

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: “I am not worthy that you should enter my house. I am not capable of receiving the Sun of Righteousness in its entirety; a little radiance from it is sufficient for me to remove sickness, as it does for the darkness.” When our Lord heard this, he marveled at him. God marveled at a human being. He said to those who were near him, “Truly, I say to you, not even in anyone among the house of Israel have I found this kind of faith.” … The centurion had brought them, and he came so that they would be advocates on his behalf. He rebuked them because they did not possess his faith. To show that the centurion’s faith was the first of the faith of the Gentiles, he said, “Do not imagine that this faith can be limited to the centurion.” For he saw and believed. [1] “Many will believe who have not seen.” [2] “Many will come from the east and from the west and will sit at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, etc.” [3] COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 6.22B. [4]

[1] Jn 20:8.

[2] Jn 20:29.

[3] Mt 8:11.

[4] ECTD 125-26*.

A SOLDIER OF PEACE FOR THE SAVIOR

MAXIMUS OF TURIN: See how the devout centurion becomes worthier to receive health as he confesses that he is unworthy. In considering his dwelling unacceptable, he has made it the more honorable and acceptable. … The Lord does not go to his house, but the Lord’s healing goes. The Savior does not visit the sick man, but the Savior’s health visits him. SERMON 87. [1]

[1] ACW 50:256-57**.