Note 1 at Lk. 7:3: Luke 7:3 states that the centurion sent elders of the Jews to take a message to Jesus while Matthew states that the centurion, himself, came beseeching Him. Among most nations, both in Jesus' time and our own time, it is not uncommon to attribute an act to a person even if it was not done specifically by him but by his designated authority. Jesus spoke in John 5:19,30 of this same principle being used in His ministry. He was "sent" by His Father and acted according to His Father's will (Jn. 5:30).

Note 2 at Lk. 7:3: This term designated three different groups in the New Testament. (1) Older individuals, comparatively speaking (Lk. 15:25; Rom. 9:12; 1 Tim. 5:2). (2) A loosely defined term that designated the religious and political leaders of Israel (Mk. 8:31; Lk. 7:3; Acts 4:5-6). Members of the Sanhedrin consisted of elders, priests, and scribes (Mt. 16:21). (3) The early leaders of the apostolic church (Ti. 1:5-9; 1 Tim. 3:1-7).