A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion

A Week in the Life

by Gary M. Burge

Enter a world of warfare and treachery, of duty and honor, of love and loyalty, interwoven with the inner workings of a Roman centurion's household. And then trace it as the road curves toward little Capernaum.

Follow the story of Appius, a proud centurion, and Tullus, his scribe and slave. From a battle with the Parthians, through a tragic personal crisis, to the gladiator arena at Caesarea Maritima, their tale finally leads to the backwater village of Capernaum on the shores of Galilee. There, in a culture not their own and during a week they will never forget, they encounter a Jewish prophet from Nazareth.

A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion gives us a first-century view of the world of the Gospels. In entertaining historical fiction, splashed with informative sidebars and images, we capture a view of Jesus' world from the outer framework looking in.

Genres: History, Christian, School, Biblical Fiction, Biblical Studies, Theology, New Testament

189 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2015

About the author

Gary M. Burge (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is dean of the faculty and professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. He previously taught for twenty-five years at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Among his many published books are The New Testament in Seven Sentences, Theology Questions Everyone Asks (with coeditor David Lauber), A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion, Mapping Your Academic Career, The New Testament in Antiquity (coauthored with Gene Green), and the award-winning Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, has taken the gospel story [Matthew and Luke] of the healing of the centurion's "grievously tormented" servant. The author has given backstories to the unnamed centurion and his servant, here a young scribe, names, and made them come alive for us. The author has also given the centurion, Appius, a household. The author plausibly explains how and why Appius and his familia might have come to Capernaum and why he has had a synagogue built. Appius is the new garrison commander. After action setting this up, life in their home and interaction with the town, the climax to the gospel story and its miracle of healing follows.

The cover misled me. This picture was familiar so I assumed the novel would be about Holy Week. Perhaps a picture with the centurion and Jesus would have been more suitable. This was a sweet story, simply told, nothing nasty in it. I assume it was written for older teens' Sunday School, anyone wanting an introduction to this story, or even seminary students. The sidebars giving glimpses into Roman and Jewish culture of that time, along with the illustrations, were valuable.

Highly recommended.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion' is very much in the vein of 'Lost Letters of Pergamum' or 'Week in the life of Corinth,' in that socio-historical information is covered in an easy-to-swallow-sugar-coating of an historical novel. When reading these types of books, a great deal of grace should be given to the writer, as each of them are primarily scholars, and not creative novelists. What sets 'Roman Centurion' slightly apart from these other works, however, is that the fiction is suprisingly fun to read. Burge has done a nice job of creating interesting (though admittedly stereotypical) characters, and especially if someone starts this book knowing the Biblical account it is based on, he/she will be constantly wondering how Appius' story will eventually intersect with Jesus. Additionally, each excursus is well-placed, and significantly helps to flesh out the historical information contained in this little book. Overall, I recommend this to anyone interested in the social background of the New Testament, but know going into it that this isn't pulitzer-quality fiction!

[Luke Roscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might have read this in one day because I had to for class lol. But wow this was soooooo good! The story had me hooked and I don’t even think that’s what this book is meant for. So much learned about Roman culture and life.

[Quincy Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore this series, but I found this the weakest entry of the bunch. I didn't think Burge set-up Jesus' entrance into the narrative very well, nor did he try to reconcile the various narrative streams as efficiently as other authors in the series have. But, it still offers great historical background into the Biblical text.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want a quick, entertaining way to get an accurate feel for what it was like to be in Roman-occupied Palestine? That's what Gary Burge offers in this window into the world of the first century through the eyes of a tough-minded, pragmatic Centurion. The story of Appius is enriched as we get to know his household, his familia. Tullus is a captured slave with skill as a scribe who rises to a place of trust. Livia, his companion, knows the power of her allure. Gaius is the manager of Appius’s affairs, organized and completely loyal to his lord.

Burge opens to us the power of honor and shame in Roman culture, a force that permeates each step Appius takes and each conflict he encounters. He also helps us begin to understand the prominence and even honor that violence has in the Roman mind.

He and his familia make their way around the eastern Mediterranean region, introducing us to key towns, fortresses and a way of life that we think we know but which he reveals to us in rich detail. Eventually they come to Capernaum where they face the very different values and customs of a Jewish settlement. Here they also have a dramatic encounter with a Jewish prophet and healer who has been gathering followers in recent days.

Brief sidebars are sprinkled throughout the book giving more historical and cultural background that can either be disregarded or enjoyed for the fuller picture they give of this important era. All in all, a fresh, worthwhile and enjoyable book that allows us to experience a fuller picture of the New Testament world.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm generally not a fan of fiction and I think I have only read one or two other historical fiction books. However not only was this a good read but the historical inserts into the book which are not in any way fiction greatly added to the book.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little introduction to life during the NT period

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Burge’s A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion has been on my bookshelf for several years and for some reason kept getting passed over. I’m so glad that I finally got to it. Burge’s book was a surprise to me on a number of levels. Burge’s book is an historic non-fiction account of the centurion in Matthew 8 and Luke 7 and yet only the final chapter of Burge’s novel records the centurion’s encounter with Jesus. Burge builds a backstory of the centurion, who he names Appius. This backstory allows the reader to get a glimpse of the broader Roman empire and a taste of what the life of a Roman soldier and his familia would have been in the first century.

Burge builds the story and the characters well. There is good movement, three-dimensional characters, and nice tension in his telling. Every few pages Burge gives the reader a inset with an explanation of Roman life in the first century. There are plenty of drawings and pictures to accompany Burge’s explanation of everything from how the Roman army was organized, to Roman worship of their gods, to what a Roman villa would have looked like, to photos of the sites. It adds a great dimension to the book. There is no question that this is historic fiction. Burge’s tale is grounded in what the life of a Roman soldier really would have felt like in the first century. Burge, a New Testament scholar, truly delivers the historic goods.

The story itself is engaging. Told through the eyes of Appius’s slave and scribe, Tullus, it delivers some powerful moments. That said, if there is a weakness, it is in the fiction writing itself. There are moments the dialogue is thin or the pace lags. But overall, it is still quite good.
If you have any interest in having the New Testament come to life, I highly commend Burge’s A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion to you. It’s a book that will make the pages of the gospels come to life and give you a sense of what it meant for the power of the gospel to penetrate the Roman world.

For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.

[Jason Bollinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an unexpected favorite. I thought it would be good, but it was also so well written. It weaves the fiction story of a Roman Centurion and his everyday life into historic and biblical accounts. It showed how the stories on the Scriptures could have impacted people in that time. It also takes you deep into 1st century culture with archaeology finds, diagrams, maps, pictures, etc. I was drawn in quick and not only was it educational, it was a great experience. If you’re looking for something outside of the norm, try this one. It doesn’t take long to get through.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burge's look at the life of a Roman Centurion brings to life some of the background of the New Testament. While the story was interesting (if not a bit simple) the sidebar information is what really stuck out to me. Helpful pictures, historical backgrounds, the explanation of Roman and Jewish terms, all not only helped the story make sense, but will serve me when I read through the New Testament again. Definitely worth you while to read, not only if you like historical fiction, but also if you value the New Testament.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful but short read. I appreciated the thorough research of Burge through this story with little informational boxes throughout the book explaining cultural and historical details. The story itself is interesting and drew me in. It actually could have been much more well developed into a full novel instead of this shorter story. I actually was quite surprised [spoiler alert] that Jesus entered the story in the last chapter. It made for a wonderfully exciting and fulfilling ending.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical novel that I read to learn about how Centurions operated in the Roman Empire, but one with a surprise twist. The author, new to fiction, wisely uses the Centurion's servant Tullus, as the reader's perspective. The twists and turns of the novel made me think how this would make a good movie. Side-bars fill in historical details, which is the author's main intent, to teach the context, culture, and customs of the time. Excellent book.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A required reading book for seminary that was actually enjoyable to read! It’s a historical narrative that I actually didn’t want to stop reading. It includes information boxes throughout the book with helpful facts and photos and how this book lines up to the biblical narrative. If you’re looking for a fiction book that would help with understanding the culture of biblical times, I’d highly recommend this one.

[Benjamin Bartels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written fictional narrative of a Slave and a Centurion that lived during the time of Jesus. I was astonished with how comprehendible this book was, yet also very informative as to the customs, and lifestyle of the ancient Roman Empire. I can’t reveal the heart of the book without any major spoilers, but I found it to be deeply moving, thought provoking, and leading me to a greater desire for Christ. This was a fantastic, easy-to-read book, that I would suggest to anyone!

[Sleepy CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read... I'm not familiar with historical novels, so this is a different read for me. Overall, I found the scholarly inserts within the chapters helpful in understanding the characters, their motivations, and development of the plot. I recommend it for any New Testament student who wants an imaginative help in their reading of the Gospels.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book turned out to be better than I thought it would be. The book is basically a light and fluffy story about a centurian's familia, but peppered in between are some historical facts and context. I learned some things, that is always good.

[Eric Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word: phenomenal. A very short read that takes what we know of the Roman empire, particularly in Judea, combines with a well-crafted narrative and historical sidebars to create a story that really helps to enlighten the time period. Very, very highly recommended.

[Catherine Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not the story I was expecting. I liked the historical notes scattered throughout this simple, straightforward story based on a biblical account. Although the book is historical fiction, the details give shape to a story that is consistent with the Bible and the period.

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read with Burge riffing on the story of the centurion who came to Jesus to ask Him to heal his servant. I appreciated the tension between the centurion and his house with the local Jews that we might overlook while reading the gospels.

[Ashley Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

great quick read

Clear and concise with a fictional narrative intertwined with the biblical account. This book gives great context to Jewish and Roman life during Christ’s ministry.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

[Steve Barber Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read it. It wasn't a bad story. It just wasn't my type of story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series.

[Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the story was better than the Week in Corinth, with interesting insights into Roman Centurion culture and the New Testament world.

[George Kogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book. A fictitious account of the centurion from the gospel accounts that provides a glimpse into the culture and life in the first century Judea under the Roman occupation.

[William Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. Much was learned about Roman culture. More than that, the story was compelling and I couldn’t put it down. The ending was moving.

[Aryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible way to gain a deeper understanding of, and paint a picture of, the life of a Roman Centurion during the time of Jesus.

[Audra Spiven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second volume from the "week in a life" imaginative biblical fiction series. My seminary professors apparently really love these books. I am not sure which book came first, this one or Week in the Life of Corinth, which I read just last semester (spring 2020), but I enjoyed this one more than that one. I don't know if it's that Burge is a better writer than Witherington or if Burge had easier/better material to work with or if Witherington sufficiently introduced me to the tone I should expect from these books and so I was less impacted by the silly hokeyness of certain parts, or what. Whatever the reason, I enjoyed this one more.

Part of it could also be the difference between assignments attached to each book. With Corinth I was tasked with writing a review. With this book I was asked to examine a couple different scenes from the Gospel of Mark *in light of* the sociopolitical and cultural spotlight this novel gives to life in ancient Rome. Knowing that was the assignment helped me approach this novel with an entirely different mindset as far as what I needed to get out of it, and I did find it immensely helpful in offering me a couple of new perspectives and/or deeper insights into a biblical book I have read a number of times in my life.

I don't know if I would recommend anyone read this series just for fun and with no other purpose in mind, but I do think they are instructive for offering imaginative alternative perspectives on the world in which the New Testament takes place.

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a textbook on Roman/Jewish culture at the time of Christ disguised as a novella. It follows the story of Tullus, a newly captured slave purchased at market by a powerful Roman centurion. Tullus adjusts to life in the centurion's household and works his way into a trusted position of influence. Due to an injury, the centurion (and thus his entire household) is put out to pasture and relegated to a peacekeeping and managerial role in a Galilee backwater. I won't give the story away, but what initially appears to be a totally fictional tale intended as a vehicle for educating the reader on many aspects of Roman life--military readiness and gladiator exhibitionism, the sexual mores of the day, religious and political tensions between Rome and the occupied Jews, etc--ultimately ties into a genuine biblical account from the Gospels in a powerful and emotionally rewarding way.

This is a brief but very worthwhile read for anyone remotely interested in getting one's history smuggled in via a compelling narrative.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I noticed mixed reviews of this book, but I enjoyed it. It gave me the flavor of life in a High-ranked centurion and the delicate tensions between Jews and Roman occupiers in the first century. And of course, seeing Jesus through the Centurion's eyes is an edifying experience.

My only complaint would be one of formatting-- the historical sidebars (in the Ebook edition) seem to be inserted at the worst times-- right in the middle of the narrative. They provide great insight and are worth reading, but their location takes the reader out of the story. I think switching between a chapter of narrative and a chapter of historical notes would have been a better format. That said, I enjoyed the book and will look forward to other "A week in the life" series.