Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 8:8

"And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed." — Matthew 8:8 (ASV)

Lord, I am not worthy — In Luke’s account, the friends deliver the message beginning with the words, “Trouble not thyself.” This was a colloquial term that, originally meaning to flay or mangle, came to mean “worrying” or “vexing.” This sense of unworthiness implied both a consciousness of his own sins and a recognition of the surpassing holiness and majesty of the Teacher he addressed.

Speak the word only — This was the special proof of the speaker’s faith. He had risen above the idea of a magical influence, operating by touch or charm, to an understanding of a delegated power that depended only on the will of Him who possessed it.