preaching to the multitude, He proceeded to Capernaum, and soon a deputation of Jewish elders arrived to present a special request. The fact that the elders (presbuterous) were willing to swallow their pride, and ask a favor of One whom they were already criticizing, indicates the greatness of their esteem for this unknown Gentile. A slave boy was critically ill in the centurion’s home, and there were fears that unless the Healer could do something quickly, the lad’s life might be lost. Luke uses