When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus marvels not because the centurion is a Gentile and therefore an outsider, but because his faith demonstrates a profound trust in Jesus' authority through his word alone, exceeding even that found among those with privileged access to his teachings. This highlights that true faith isn't measured by religious affiliation or proximity, but by the depth of our conviction in Christ's power.
When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just arrived in Capernaum and a Roman centurion, a Gentile, approaches him with a desperate plea to heal his severely ill servant. This centurion, highly respected by the local Jewish elders for his love of their people and his contributions to their community, demonstrates remarkable humility and profound trust in Jesus' power, believing a single word from Him is enough to bring about healing, even from a distance. This extraordinary faith, coming from an outsider, causes Jesus to marvel and declare that He has not found such faith anywhere among His own people, Israel.
Jesus marvels at a Roman soldier's profound trust. Why was this Gentile's faith so exceptional, especially when compared to many in Israel?
A Surprising Source of Faith
Jesus, the Son of God, is moved to wonder. This isn't a common occurrence. In fact, Mark's Gospel notes that Jesus marveled at their unbelief in another instance. Here, however, it's the sheer magnitude of faith that astounds him. He explicitly states, 'Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.'
This is a powerful statement because Israel was God's chosen people, the recipients of countless promises and revelations. They had the Law, the Prophets, and a long history of God's direct intervention. Yet, this Roman centurion, a Gentile outsider, surpasses them all in the quality of his trust in Jesus.
What Made It So Great?
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Jesus 'marveled.' What does this human reaction tell us about Jesus, and how does it deepen our understanding of His nature?
The Astonishment of the Son of God
It might seem strange that Jesus, being God, could be surprised or marvel. However, the Scriptures present Jesus as fully God and fully human. His marveling here is a testament to His true humanity.
Understanding Jesus' Human Experience:
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
The confident trust in God's promises and power, evidenced by reliance on His word despite the absence of immediate physical proof.
The centurion's faith is remarkable not only for its depth but also because he was a Gentile living under Roman occupation, highlighting Jesus' mission to all nations.
c. 6 BC - AD 30— this verse
Life of Jesus
The period of Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, during which the events of the Gospels took place.
c. 63 BC
Roman Control of Judea
The Roman Republic establishes control over Judea, installing client kings and maintaining military presence. This sets the stage for interactions between Roman officials, like centurions, and the Jewish population.
c. 27 BC - AD 14
Reign of Augustus
The first Roman Emperor, Augustus, consolidates power, bringing a period of relative peace (Pax Romana) and establishing Roman administration throughout the empire, including Judea.
c. AD 6
Quirinius' Census in Judea
A census ordered by the Roman governor Quirinius in Judea leads to unrest. While this specific census is debated in relation to Jesus' birth, it highlights Roman taxation and administrative efforts in the region.
This passage describes Jesus' reaction to the centurion's faith, noting that even among the people of Israel, who had a long history with God, he hadn't encountered such profound belief. It highlights the centurion's faith as exceptionally noteworthy.
Matthew 15:28Here, Jesus explicitly states, 'Woman, great is your faith!' in response to a Gentile woman's persistent plea. This parallels Matthew 8:10 by showing Jesus marveling at and commending the great faith of non-Israelites.
Romans 11:11Paul discusses the stumbling of Israel, leading to salvation for the Gentiles. This connects thematically by illustrating how God's plan included a significant turning towards those outside of Israel, exemplified by the centurion's faith.
John 4:48Jesus tells the official, 'Unless you see signs and wonders you will never believe.' This contrasts sharply with the centurion's faith, who believed without needing a physical sign, underscoring the exceptional nature of the centurion's trust in Jesus' word alone.
barnesMatthew 8:10: "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
When Jesus heard it, he marveled - He wondered at it, or he deemed it remarkable. I have not found so great faith - The word "faith," here, means "confidence" or belief that Christ had power to heal his servant. It does not of "necessity" imply that he had saving faith; though, from the connection and the spirit manifested, it seems probab…
ellicottMatthew 8:10: "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
(10) He marvelled. —The fact is stated in both records, and is not without significance in its bearing on the reality of our Lord’s human consciousness. Facts came to Him, in that true humanity, as to other men, unlooked-for, and as with a novelty that caused surprise. I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.—The nature of the f…
Jesus marvels not because the centurion is a Gentile and therefore an outsider, but because his faith demonstrates a profound trust in Jesus' authority through his word alone, exceeding even that found among those with privileged access to his teachings. This highlights that true faith isn't measured by religious affiliation or proximity, but by the depth of our conviction in Christ's power.
Jesus has just arrived in Capernaum and a Roman centurion, a Gentile, approaches him with a desperate plea to heal his severely ill servant. This centurion, highly respected by the local Jewish elders for his love of their people and his contributions to their community, demonstrates remarkable humility and profound trust in Jesus' power, believing a single word from Him is enough to bring about healing, even from a distance. This extraordinary faith, coming from an outsider, causes Jesus to marvel and declare that He has not found such faith anywhere among His own people, Israel.
Jesus has just arrived in Capernaum and a Roman centurion, a Gentile, approaches him with a desperate plea to heal his severely ill servant. This centurion, highly respected by the local Jewish elders for his love of their people and his contributions to their community, demonstrates remarkable humility and profound trust in Jesus' power, believing a single word from Him is enough to bring about healing, even from a distance. This extraordinary faith, coming from an outsider, causes Jesus to marvel and declare that He has not found such faith anywhere among His own people, Israel.
"When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith." — Jesus marvels not because the centurion is a Gentile and therefore an outsider, but because his faith demonstrates a profound trust in Jesus' authority through his word alone, exceeding even that fou…
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Last reviewed October 2026