“These Jewish elders
Came to Jesus.
They appealed to him
Earnestly.
They said.
‘He is worthy
Of having you
Do this for him,’”
οἱ δὲ παραγενόμενοι πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν σπουδαίως, λέγοντες ὅτι ἄξιός ἐστιν ᾧ παρέξῃ τοῦτο·
Luke uniquely said that these Jewish elders came to Jesus (οἱ δὲ παραγενόμενοι πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν). They appealed or begged Jesus earnestly (παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν σπουδαίως). They said (λέγοντες) that this centurion was worthy of having Jesus grant this for him (λέγοντες ὅτι ἄξιός ἐστιν ᾧ παρέξῃ τοῦτο). Luke was the only one who had these elders recommend this Roman non-Jewish centurion for his consideration. Have you ever recommended someone as being worthy of a position?
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 