(1) Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. (2) And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. (3) And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. (4) And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: (5) For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. (6) 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; (7) Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed, (8) For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. (9) When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. (10) And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Capernaum was much frequented by Christ, indeed it is called his own city. Hence the condemnation, Matthew 11:23. The account here given of this centurion, differs in some points from the relation given by Matthew: but both are correct. Matthew doth not notice the elders of the Jews first coming to Christ in his behalf: but it should seem that the centurion sent them first, and then hearing that Jesus was coming to him, he hastened towards Christ, as is here described, to testify his unworthiness of the Lord's condescension. I have somewhat largely made observations on this gracious act of Christ, in Matthew 8:5, etc. to which I refer.