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725. The Roman Cohort

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible

By: James M. Freeman

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Matthew 27:27²⁷Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. (Matthew 27:27). Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

See also Mark 15:16¹⁶And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. (Mark 15:16).

This “band” (σπεῖρα) was the Roman cohort, which was the tenth part of a legion, and consisted of three maniples, each having two centuries. Ordinarily the cohort comprised six hundred men, but the number varied from three hundred to a thousand or more. Cornelius commanded a century in the Italian cohort. Acts 10:1¹There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, (Acts 10:1). The cohort is also referred to in Acts 21:31; 27:1³¹And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. (Acts 21:31)
¹And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. (Acts 27:1).

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Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 720. Peter in the Palace

• 721. The Porch

• 722. Position of the Accused

• 723. The Prisoner Released

• 724. Scourging

• 725. The Roman Cohort

• 726. The Robe

• 727. Executions Outside the Walls

• 728. Place of Capital Punishment

• 729. Stupefying Potion

• 730. Crucifixion

• 731. The Guard

• 732. The Tablet on the Cross

• 733. The Veil of the Temple

• 734. The "Door" of the Sepulcher

• 735. Sealing the Sepulcher

• 736. The Roof Broken Up

• 737. Boat Cushion

• 738. Tombs for Dwellings

• 739. Diligent Hand Washing

• 740. Corban

• 741. Standing During Prayer

• 742. Mite Farthing

• 743. Night Watches

• 744. An Exceptional Custom Pitcher

• 745. The "Upper Room"

• 746. Mode of Eating

• 747. Counselor

• 748. Wives of Priests

• 749. Naming the Child