As we discussed on Tuesday the author of Luke put a lot of effort into constructing a narrative that promoted Christianity among the gentiles. Jesus is even rejected because he plans to preach to and bless the gentiles. The author of Luke illustrates this in a few stories, one of them being Luke 7: 1-10. Another is in Acts 10 1-48.
In both of these stories the men in need are centurion. I that this might be done because the position of centurion was a position that people in the greco-roman community were familiar with. It was also one that they could respect. They both have a reputation for being honest and good men. When the Jewish elders of the first centurion vouch for their masters worthiness, saying that they have built the Jewish people synagogues or that they are well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation I think it is a way for the author to underscore that these men don’t have to be Jewish to be righteous or to receive blessings. Luke-Acts tells us throughout that no matter who you are you just have to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul strength and mind. In 17: 11-19 he tells the story of the lepers. Here it is the Samaritan that is the better, more worthy man over the other nine Jews because he returned to Jesus to thank him. As we get further into Acts the apostles to more to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
These stories also work to break down barriers between the two factions. By blessing the centurion in Luke, witnessing the Holy Spirit in Acts and spreading the gospel to the Samaritans the author of Luke illustrates the worthiness of the gentiles and propagates the notion for a universal savior.