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Document Details : Title: The 'Such Faith' (τοσαύτην πίστιν) of the Centurion Subtitle: A Narrative Probe of Q 7,9 Author(s): FLEDDERMANN, Harry T. Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses Volume: 97 Issue: 4 Date: 2021 Pages: 547-589 DOI: 10.2143/ETL.97.4.3290076 Abstract : The Centurion’s Servant (Q 7,1-3.6-9) climaxes in Jesus’ praise of the centurion’s faith, 'Amen I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith (τοσαύτην πίστιν)' (Q 7,9). This essay probes how the author of Q compressed a profound understanding of Christian faith into two words, 'such faith', by placing the expression in the rich narrative context of Part I of Q (Q 3,7-7,35). Part I unfolds five thematic complexes: (1) the identity of Jesus and the disciples, (2) the contrast between privilege and humility, (3) the relationship between 'saying' and 'doing', (4) faith, and (5) miracles. In addition to the themes, a motif of 'coming' runs through Part I, shedding light on the two main symbols of Q, the Son of Man and the kingdom of God, as well as contributing to an understanding of miracles in Q. When set in this densely rich narrative context, seven dimensions of the 'such faith' of the centurion emerge. The centurion (1) lives a deep, radical humility, (2) recognizes who Jesus is, (3) understands what God is doing in Jesus, (4) accepts the gospel as Jesus’ way, (5) possesses seeking faith, an intense desire for salvation, (6) takes on the faith of Jesus, and (7) realizes that faith requires confession. The centurion emerges as the complete gentile Christian that the author of Q holds up as the ideal reader of Q and the model for all Christians because he responds totally to Jesus’ preaching, his life, and his faith in God. |
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