Because he himself was a Gentile, he thought that the Jewish leaders would have more influence with Jesus. 4, 5 The centurion was extremely well-disposed towards the Jews and had even built a synagogue for them in Capernaum at his own expense, so the Jewish leaders acceded to his request. 6–8 When the centurion heard or himself saw that Jesus had agreed to come and was already approaching his house he sent word by some friends of his that the Lord should not take the trouble of proceeding any farther