Their example was, therefore, to be imitated by the early Christian community and, in fact, the Roman military were instrumental in the expansion of the church. The dissertation demonstrates that while Cornelius the centurion was the first Gentile to be baptised, men of the Roman military were already among those converted and their reaction to Jesus, was the correct response of a disciple. In contrast to Matthew, Mark and John, Luke’s soldiers and centurions are presented in a positive light, which subverted the ancient audience’s expectations and demonstrated Missio Dei for those regarded as the most marginal – the Roman military.
This thesis argues that the presentation of the Roman military in Luke’s Gospel is highly surprising and hugely significant.
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