Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 7:8

"For I also am a man set under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it." — Luke 7:8 (ASV)

It seems strange that at this point, having invited Jesus to come, the centurion now sends a second group of “friends” to express his sense of unworthiness and to stop Jesus short of entering. Indeed, one wonders why at this point the centurion did not simply come out and speak for himself (cf. Matthew 8:5–6). Luke, however, apparently wishes to stress the humility of the man and possibly also his concern, on second thought, that Jesus might be criticized for entering a Gentile’s house.

The focal point of the section is the centurion’s concept of Jesus’ authority (v.8). He compares Jesus’ relationship to God with his own to his superiors. The position of responsibility implies “authority” to command others. Therefore he has faith that Jesus’ authoritative “word” will accomplish the healing.