Charles Ellicott Commentary Luke 7:3

"And when he heard concerning Jesus, he sent unto him elders of the Jews, asking him that he would come and save his servant." — Luke 7:3 (ASV)

He sent unto him the elders of the Jews.—The noun has no article. Better, He sent unto Him elders; not as the English suggests, the whole body of elders belonging to the synagogue or town. This is peculiar to St. Luke, and is obviously important as bearing on the position and character of the centurion. He was, like Cornelius, at least half a proselyte.