FocusAuthority and compassion
Connection to the wholeHealing at a distance and the raising of the widow's son display Jesus' authority and compassion in different forms of need.
interpretation Luke 7:8
KJVFor 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.
Read it in context
The centurion and the widow
Start reading at Luke 7:1 (Luke 7:1 to Luke 7:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Healing at a distance and the raising of the widow's son display Jesus' authority and compassion in different forms of need.
- 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
- 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
- 7:3 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.
- 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
- 7:5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
- 7:6 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:
- 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
- 7:8 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.
- 7:9 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.
- 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
- 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
- 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
- 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
- 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
- 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
- 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
- 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 7:1–7:50): Jesus responds to a centurion's request through messengers, encounters a widow at Nain, answers John's messengers, and speaks with Simon the Pharisee and the woman who anoints Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The centurion and the widow. Read Luke 7:1 through Luke 7:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Healing at a distance and the raising of the widow's son display Jesus' authority and compassion in different forms of need. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The centurion and the widow (Luke 7:1 to Luke 7:17). Start reading at Luke 7:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 7:1, Luke 7:17, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- under Acts 22:25-26 Acts 23:17,23,26 Acts 24:23 Acts 25:26
- and he goeth Acts 10:7-8 Col 3:22 1 Tim 6:1-2
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 7
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
John's question and the generation
Luke 7:18–35FocusRecognizing God's work
Connection to the wholeJesus answers John's messengers through His works, then contrasts receptive hearers with those who reject both John and Him.
interpretation Forgiveness at Simon's table
Luke 7:36–50FocusLove and received mercy
Connection to the wholeThe woman's actions and Jesus' parable confront Simon's judgment and connect her love with the forgiveness she has received.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.