Roman Centurians in the Bible

[Argh]

Some of my favorite entries in the Bible are those concerning a few Roman Centurians sympathetic to Christianity. I can recall 2, but are there more?

Forgive me I dont know the number of the passages:

1. A Roman Centurian comes to Jesus asking him to cure his servant (slave?) who has fallen ill. Jesus remarks how much faith this Roman officer has.
2. I cant remember clearly, but wasnt there a Roman Centurian at the crucifixion with Mary? I cant remember what he said, though…

I guess I have a second question too. How did these Romans gain such faith in Christ? I dont remember anything about Christ preaching to a garrison of Roman legionnaires…

Perhaps because they were already sympathitic to Judiasm when they met/heard of Christ?

 

[Barbara_Ann]

The Roman soldier at the Crucifixtion said “Clearly this was the Son of God” Mathew 28:54. It was a gentile who first recognized Christ as the messiah.