Luke 23:47
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
Luke 23:47
The centurion witnessing Jesus’ death proclaims, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” A Gentile, likely a soldier in charge of executions, recognizes Jesus’ character as righteous. This moment highlights how the crucifixion reveals truth about Jesus beyond the immediate circle of his followers. It also points toward Luke’s broader theme: salvation through Jesus extends beyond Israel to the Gentiles, even at the moment of Jesus’ death.
This confession triggers a broader revelation: the crucified Christ is not merely a Jewish Messiah but the righteous one whose death accounts for the sin of humanity. The centurion’s recognition echoes the mission to all nations, prefiguring the spread of the Gospel to Gentiles and the inclusion of diverse peoples into God’s family.
This passage invites humility before outsiders who recognize truth in surprising places. It encourages us to guard against pride by acknowledging God’s work through unexpected people or circumstances. In evangelism, it invites us to celebrate affirmations of faith from unlikely sources and to respond with grateful worship rather than defensiveness.
Cross-References: Acts 10:34-36; Matthew 27:54; Romans 3:28