Recreating the House of the Centurion in Capernaum
RevelationMedia is continuing to design settings and characters for our new 3D-animated installment of iBIBLE called Life of Christ. This series brings the story of Jesus of Nazareth to life with Biblical accuracy, providing an immersive experience of Scripture for families worldwide. Watch the latest episodes today for no cost at www.i.BIBLE!
This week, visit the small fishing village of Capernaum along the northern shore of Galilee. Here Christ healed the sick, cast out demons, and taught in the synagogue that faith in Him is the source of eternal life. The name “Capernaum” is derived from the Hebrew Kfar Nahum, meaning “Village of Comfort.” Despite its small size, the village was under Roman control. Below, you will get a glimpse of the animation RevelationMedia is using to reimagine the house of a Roman centurion whose faith Christ marveled at for the upcoming episodes of iBIBLE.
The shores of Capernaum are still a popular destination for Jewish fishermen. Jesus used Capernaum as a base for a significant portion of His Galilean ministry and performed many miracles among its people. Yet, despite witnessing these wonders firsthand, many of its residents refused to recognize Him as the promised Messiah. Luke 10:15 records Christ’s stern warning to this unrepentant city: “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades” (ESV).
Still, faith was not entirely absent in the village. Scripture records an unlikely believer in Matthew 8:5–13: a Roman centurion whose understanding of authority and humility led him to approach Jesus through Jewish elders and friends. This centurion was confident that Christ could heal his servant even from a distance. As an officer in the imperial army, a centurion commanded roughly a hundred soldiers, making his recognition of Christ’s authority all the more remarkable. Despite being a Gentile who likely held power over the Jewish inhabitants, he humbly trusted that Christ’s command was sufficient to heal.
The animators studied Roman architecture, archeological findings, and historical accounts of the centurions’ residences during Christ’s time. Their goal was to recreate this important building with maximum accuracy and visual impact.
The centurion’s house would have towered over the surrounding Jewish homes, with space for about a hundred soldiers. The centurion did not own it but was stationed there until military duties called him elsewhere. Roman centurions acquired property only after demobilization. The plaster on the building would have been carefully maintained, reflecting Roman power and wealth.
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