Ἰούλιος (Ioulios)
Ioulios
Julius
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Ioulios corresponds to Julius, a Roman centurion mentioned in Acts 27:1 and 3. He was an officer of the Augustan cohort, a prestigious military unit named after Emperor Augustus. The sources indicate his role was to escort the prisoner Paul from Caesarea to Rome for trial before Caesar.
Etymologically, the name is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman gens Julia. One lexicon notes that it may mean "soft-haired," though this etymology is often debated by modern scholars. In the biblical text, Julius serves as a key figure in the journey narrative, providing Paul with kindness and allowing him freedom to visit friends in Sidon.
Although the name appears only twice in Scripture, its presence highlights the intersection of early Christian history with the Roman military apparatus. Julius’s treatment of Paul is described as humane, offering a glimpse of individual integrity within the imperial structure that would later become the vehicle for spreading the Gospel across the known world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Julius appears in Scripture as a Roman centurion entrusted with escorting the Apostle Paul to Rome. Though he held power over prisoners, he chose kindness instead of cruelty. This small act of humanity shows that God’s grace can work through unexpected people, even those within systems that oppose the faith.
His story reminds us that integrity is not limited by our role or background. Whether in positions of authority or service, we are called to treat others with dignity. Julius’s gentle handling of Paul offers a quiet witness to the character of Christ, demonstrating that compassion can bridge cultural and spiritual divides.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Julius2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰούλιος1×
- Ἰουλίῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:1
When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.
This verse introduces Julius as the officer responsible for Paul’s journey, establishing his authority and the official nature of the transport.
-
Acts 27:3
The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.
Here Julius actively chooses kindness by allowing Paul to visit friends, showing personal respect that goes beyond military duty.