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The Centurion
A compelling story of the Roman Empire of the first century A.D., its warfare during Jesus' life, and the warfare in the heart of Longinus, the centurion who had been commanded to crucify Himthe only One who seemed to offer any hope. Once you begin reading, you won't be able to stop.
189 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2009
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 18, 2012
Most books that I read are Biblical narratives and this is no exception. The book takes a different spin on how a Roman centurion might have lived and just how the crucifixion of Jesus might have impacted him.
At the beginning of the story, Longinus decides to go against what his father wants him to be. For him, continuing in his father’s leather business just didn’t seem appealing. He wanted recognition; he wanted to feel worth something and that is exactly what put him on the path toward an encounter with Jesus.
Through all his hard training in the army, his colors show through strong and true. His commanders notice that he’s got natural leader-born traits; his comrades trust and follow his lead; his best friend is always willing to stand by his side. Longinus makes something of himself and everything seems to be going smoothly and perfectly as he’s finally found his soul-mate…until that one fateful day.
As his whole world comes undone, Longinus immerses himself even more into his career. Little does he realize that his heart will finally be mended, but only after the experience of the Passover weekend.
The book so wonderfully portrays the characters that it seems almost as if you’re there with them. I know many times throughout the book I could feel the heart break of Longinus’ wife when she loses the most precious she ever held dear. I could feel the tears streaming down my face as I’m witnessing the scene at the crucifixion sight with Longinus. This story has a way of touching your heart and giving you a different outlook especially when you learn how a hard, tough centurion can break down and realize just how precious of a Gift we’ve been given. It’s a book that does go through the motions, but in the end makes you stop and think just how special that weekend truly was.
Many of the books that I have read in the past deal with biblical characters and this is no exception. However, I know that many people aren't really interested in these type of books so if you agree with that sentiment, then this probably wouldn't be the book for you. I still recommend it if you are curious about some historical facts about the Roman era during the time of Pontius Pilate.
At the beginning of the story, Longinus decides to go against what his father wants him to be. For him, continuing in his father’s leather business just didn’t seem appealing. He wanted recognition; he wanted to feel worth something and that is exactly what put him on the path toward an encounter with Jesus.
Through all his hard training in the army, his colors show through strong and true. His commanders notice that he’s got natural leader-born traits; his comrades trust and follow his lead; his best friend is always willing to stand by his side. Longinus makes something of himself and everything seems to be going smoothly and perfectly as he’s finally found his soul-mate…until that one fateful day.
As his whole world comes undone, Longinus immerses himself even more into his career. Little does he realize that his heart will finally be mended, but only after the experience of the Passover weekend.
The book so wonderfully portrays the characters that it seems almost as if you’re there with them. I know many times throughout the book I could feel the heart break of Longinus’ wife when she loses the most precious she ever held dear. I could feel the tears streaming down my face as I’m witnessing the scene at the crucifixion sight with Longinus. This story has a way of touching your heart and giving you a different outlook especially when you learn how a hard, tough centurion can break down and realize just how precious of a Gift we’ve been given. It’s a book that does go through the motions, but in the end makes you stop and think just how special that weekend truly was.
Many of the books that I have read in the past deal with biblical characters and this is no exception. However, I know that many people aren't really interested in these type of books so if you agree with that sentiment, then this probably wouldn't be the book for you. I still recommend it if you are curious about some historical facts about the Roman era during the time of Pontius Pilate.
December 8, 2016
A fascinating read!
The Centurion starts with the 18-year-old Longinus, a Roman soldier, who longs for recognition in his first hand-to-hand combat. After earning higher ranks through dedication, he loses his beloved son, and goes on to become the centurion in charge of Jesus’ brutal crucifixion and his tomb.
The well-written chapters focus on Longinus’ deepest thoughts and dialogs with people as a solider and friend, and show the author’s understanding of people. Dr. Dick Stenbakken is a retied U.S. Army Colonel and Chaplain who has an education doctorate.
Historical facts woven into the story, the different Roman words explained, and the illustrations of items important in the first-century C.E. show extensive research. The objects could be even more effective if photographed. Dr. Stenbakken brings out how the beliefs, especially the spiritual ones, of the Romans impacted their daily lives from romance to death.
I kept reading to see what Longinus thought of Jesus, and the surprise ending answers that question with confidence. Each chapter’s discussion questions are Christian and reflexive.
I recommend it for people who want more information about the interaction of Pilate, Jesus, and those who lived in Jerusalem.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I work with the author of this book, but I only recommend books that I have personally read and believe are interesting to others. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Centurion starts with the 18-year-old Longinus, a Roman soldier, who longs for recognition in his first hand-to-hand combat. After earning higher ranks through dedication, he loses his beloved son, and goes on to become the centurion in charge of Jesus’ brutal crucifixion and his tomb.
The well-written chapters focus on Longinus’ deepest thoughts and dialogs with people as a solider and friend, and show the author’s understanding of people. Dr. Dick Stenbakken is a retied U.S. Army Colonel and Chaplain who has an education doctorate.
Historical facts woven into the story, the different Roman words explained, and the illustrations of items important in the first-century C.E. show extensive research. The objects could be even more effective if photographed. Dr. Stenbakken brings out how the beliefs, especially the spiritual ones, of the Romans impacted their daily lives from romance to death.
I kept reading to see what Longinus thought of Jesus, and the surprise ending answers that question with confidence. Each chapter’s discussion questions are Christian and reflexive.
I recommend it for people who want more information about the interaction of Pilate, Jesus, and those who lived in Jerusalem.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I work with the author of this book, but I only recommend books that I have personally read and believe are interesting to others. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 15, 2013
The story of the centurion at the cross is one that deeply resounds with me whenever I read it in the Bible. It is truly a small yet beautiful example of how much Jesus changed whoever he came into contact with - either for bad or good.
As for this version of the story, I really liked it. There were a few amazing parts, but I couldn't get past the writing style, as the author did more telling than showing. I did appreciated all the detail he went into concerning the Roman customs and the descriptiveness of different tools and weapons and such, but I would have liked it much better if he'd shown and not told most of it.
The research was very extensive, I'll definitely give him that. I have a DVD consisting of several of Mr. Stenbakken's first-person sermonettes, called "Faces Around the Cross", which is excellent. He's very good with first-person.
That was another thing. Mr. Stenbakken is more suited for first-person telling than third-person, the latter of which he used to write The Centurion. It was okay, but I think it would have been better had he written it in first-person.
All that being said, I really enjoyed this book, and I think I'll keep it.
As for this version of the story, I really liked it. There were a few amazing parts, but I couldn't get past the writing style, as the author did more telling than showing. I did appreciated all the detail he went into concerning the Roman customs and the descriptiveness of different tools and weapons and such, but I would have liked it much better if he'd shown and not told most of it.
The research was very extensive, I'll definitely give him that. I have a DVD consisting of several of Mr. Stenbakken's first-person sermonettes, called "Faces Around the Cross", which is excellent. He's very good with first-person.
That was another thing. Mr. Stenbakken is more suited for first-person telling than third-person, the latter of which he used to write The Centurion. It was okay, but I think it would have been better had he written it in first-person.
All that being said, I really enjoyed this book, and I think I'll keep it.
February 3, 2017
Honestly, in my opinion only, there are a lot of better books that cover this topic/era, especially with the recent films such as "Risen" or the TV series (both versions) of "A.D." The idea is good, and there is some research involved, but the questions at the end of each chapter broke up any semblance of it being a novel...
August 14, 2012
It was very interesting to "see" the story from a different perspective.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews