Additional Resources

We have a free download of background material for this presentation that you can use with your group.

You may also download for free some discussion questions to use with your group after the presentation.

Steve will also lead your group in a discussion of the "armor of God" as described in Ephesians, chapter 6.  Steve enters dressed in his military tunic and then begins to put on the armor of a Roman soldier in the order of the biblical passage, discussing how each piece functioned in the Roman army and its metaphorical meaning in Paul's teaching.  More information about the "Armor of God" presentation is available on the contract, which you can view at Schedule an Event.

Quick Facts

  • Legio VI Ferrata was the legion stationed in Judea at time of the crucifixion
  • The so-called Gospel of Peter names Petronius as the centurion involved with the crucifixion
  • A tombstone found at Lambaesis in North Africa records the details of a centurion named Petronius Fortunatus, who served with Legio VI Ferrata

Useful Links

Publius Sempronius Tuditanus

"Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" asks the famous spiritual.  Now you can take a step closer to that worst of days now known as Good Friday.

Publius Sempronius Tuditanus takes the stage and at once leads you into the world of the 1st century A.D. Roman Empire.  Through the eyes of this fictional character, you will experience such things as Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His beating, and HIs crucifixion as never before.  You will also hear about the healing of the centurion's servant, told in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10.  You will see the prophecy of Isaiah 53, describing Jesus' humble appearance, come to life.  And from details of the so-called Gospel of Peter, you will share in the experience of a centurion named Petronius and the soldiers who stood with him at the tomb.

As a soldier with the real Legio VI Ferrata, which was stationed in Judea under Pontius Pilate, Tuditanus blends fact and historical fiction to give you a front-row seat to history.  Richard John Neuhaus wrote, "If what Christians say about Good Friday is true, then it is, quite simply, the truth about everything."  Invite this Roman soldier to your group and you will experience first hand why this is true.

Time:  30-45 minutes, with Q & A following

Audience:  Small or large group