The conversion of a Roman soldier is surprising in a number of ways. First, he is a god-fearing, devout, and good man, just the kind many people feel should not need conversion. Second, he is a soldier whose allegiance belonged to Rome and Caesar, not to someone named Jesus who claimed to be a king. Third, he was a Gentile, someone considered to be outside the range of God's saving grace, at least by some. How he was converted, and what God did to bring about his conversion is a surprising story in itself.