Centurions in the Jesus Movement? Rethinking Luke 7:1–10 in Light of the Gaianus Inscription at Kefar ‘Othnay

Abstract

Abstract This article examines the centurion’s act of benefaction in Luke 7:1–10 by considering comparative data on military–civilian interactions in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire and applying tools borrowed from social network theory to analyze the types of ties typically formed between soldiers and civilians. I argue that Luke’s description of the centurion reveals an accurate understanding of the mechanisms through which military officers connected with local civilian elective cults, and I discuss the significance of this in terms of recruitment to Christ groups.