9. Roman and Political Figures

🔹 Story 1: The Roman Centurion’s Great Faith

Main Characters: Roman centurion, Jesus
Story Summary: A Roman officer asked Jesus to heal his servant. He believed that Jesus could simply speak the word, and it would be done. Jesus marvelled at his faith, saying He hadn’t found such faith even in Israel.
Key Verses: Matthew 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–10
Theme Connection: Even outsiders to Israel’s covenant can demonstrate profound faith that pleases God.

🔹 Story 2: Pilate Tried Jesus Under Political Pressure

Main Characters: Pontius Pilate, Jesus, Jewish leaders
Story Summary: Pilate, the Roman governor, found no guilt in Jesus but gave in to the crowd’s demands and sentenced Him to crucifixion. He washed his hands, trying to remove personal responsibility.
Key Verses: Matthew 27:11–26; John 18:28–40; 19:1–16
Theme Connection: Roman officials were often torn between justice and politics—neutrality in the face of truth is still a decision.

🔹 Story 3: Cornelius – First Gentile Convert

Main Characters: Cornelius, Peter, family and servants
Story Summary: Cornelius, a Roman centurion known for his generosity and devotion to God, received a vision from an angel. God sent Peter to him, and his entire household believed and received the Holy Spirit.
Key Verses: Acts 10
Theme Connection: God welcomes all people into His kingdom—Cornelius marked a turning point in the Gospel reaching Gentiles.

🔹 Story 4: The Roman Centurion at the Cross Confessed Jesus

Main Characters: Roman centurion, Jesus, soldiers
Story Summary: After Jesus’ death, the centurion overseeing the crucifixion exclaimed, “Surely this was the Son of God!” His recognition stood in contrast to the mockery of others.
Key Verses: Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39
Theme Connection: Even among Jesus’ executioners, faith was born when confronted with the truth of who He was.

🔹 Story 5: Felix Heard Paul but Delayed Justice

Main Characters: Governor Felix, Paul, Drusilla
Story Summary: Paul was put on trial before Felix, who listened to him speak about righteousness and judgment. Felix became afraid but postponed action, hoping for a bribe.
Key Verses: Acts 24:1–27
Theme Connection: Roman rulers often heard the Gospel clearly, yet delayed response due to fear, greed, or pride.

🔹 Story 6: Festus Consulted King Agrippa About Paul

Main Characters: Festus, Paul, King Agrippa
Story Summary: Festus, unsure of what to charge Paul with, sought help from King Agrippa. Paul boldly shared his testimony and preached the Gospel to both leaders.
Key Verses: Acts 25–26
Theme Connection: The Gospel reached the highest levels of Roman authority—God’s word cannot be confined.

🔹 Story 7: Claudius Lysias Protected Paul

Main Characters: Claudius Lysias, Paul, Roman soldiers
Story Summary: After a mob tried to kill Paul, the Roman commander Claudius Lysias rescued him, arranged hearings, and ensured his safe passage to the governor.
Key Verses: Acts 21:31–40; 23:23–35
Theme Connection: Roman officials often played key roles in God’s protection of His messengers—even unknowingly.

🔹 Story 8: Julius the Centurion Showed Kindness to Paul

Main Characters: Julius, Paul, Roman soldiers
Story Summary: While transporting Paul to Rome, Julius, a Roman centurion, treated him with kindness, allowing him special privileges during the journey.
Key Verses: Acts 27:1–3, 42–44
Theme Connection: Even in chains, God provided favour and compassion through Roman officials.

🔹 Story 9: The Philippian Magistrates Released Paul Secretly

Main Characters: Paul, Silas, Roman magistrates, jailer
Story Summary: After Paul and Silas were imprisoned and miraculously freed, the magistrates wanted to release them quietly. But Paul insisted on a public acknowledgment of their wrongful treatment as Roman citizens.
Key Verses: Acts 16:16–40
Theme Connection: God’s justice often exposes injustice—Paul used his Roman rights to uphold truth and integrity.

🔹 Story 10: Sergius Paulus Believed the Gospel

Main Characters: Sergius Paulus, Paul, Barnabas, Elymas
Story Summary: On the island of Cyprus, the proconsul Sergius Paulus listened to Paul and believed the Gospel after witnessing Elymas the sorcerer struck with blindness.
Key Verses: Acts 13:6–12
Theme Connection: Roman officials were not immune to the Gospel—miracles and truth opened their hearts to believe.

🔹 Key Bible Passages for the Theme

• Matthew 8:5–13
• Acts 10:1–48
• Acts 13:6–12
• Acts 16:16–40
• Acts 24–26
• Acts 27
• Matthew 27:11–26
• John 18–19
• Mark 15:39
• Acts 21–23