‘For even I’ : the centurion’s statement of faith as a declaration of truth and faithfulness

Abstract

The Gentile centurion’s act of faith in Jesus illustrates that even Gentiles are capable of a statement of faith, indeed a statement of truth about Jesus. Furthermore, the same statement of faith, linked to his own military experience within a chain of authority and obedience implies faithfulness of subjects towards superior authority: his soldiers’ and servants’ obedience towards him reflect and parallel his own faithful obedience in the chain of authority that goes up to the king or the Emperor himself. When applied respectively to himself, to his servant and to Jesus, it reflects faithful obedience to God himself. The theme of this article, thus, fits to a tee Revelation 19:11, from where H.G. Mgr Charles J. Scicluna’s motto is taken, that is applied to Jesus, the Risen, Faithful and True authoritative Rider on the white steed of victory in heaven who stands in judgement and makes war in uprightness.