A Roman Centurion

Centurions did not have easy lives.  They were officers in the Roman army who might be compared to today's junior officers or mid-ranking officers.

Most junior grade officers in the army lead a platoon of men, fighting beside them in war.  Centurions commanded 80 to 100 men; hence, the name "Centurion" from the latin form of "century", denoting, of course, anything comprised of 100 parts.  Centurions also fought beside their men during wartime; it appears, however, that they probably served in administrative roles duing times of peace.

Centurions had to be literate, have connections (letters of recommendation), be at least 30 years of age, and had already served a few years in the military.  According to ancient historian, Vegetius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centurion

 "The centurion in the infantry is chosen for his size, strength and    dexterity in throwing his missile weapons and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises. He is to be vigilant, temperate, active and readier to execute the orders he receives than to talk; Strict in exercising and keeping up proper discipline among his soldiers, in obliging them to appear clean and well-dressed and to have their arms constantly rubbed and bright." (Vegetius. De Re Militari,^[7] II, 14 )  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centurion

So, these were educated men... who also served during occupations of conquered countries in administrative roles.  We know, for example, that one Centurion and his soldiers were the secondary players in one of the significant events in history...the execution of the Jew, Jesus, and the two thieves.

They would have been Pagans...not Christians.  Yet, history records that because of the physical events that occurred at the moment Jesus died that the Centurion exclaimed in awe,  "Surely, this WAS the son of God."

Matthew records those documented events that amazed the Centurion.  First, the sky had turned dark some three hours prior to the moment of Christ death; when Jesus said, "It is finished," and died, suddenly the Earth shook, the curtain in the Jewish temple was ripped apart, and the graves gave up many of their dead.  In addition, suddenly the sun shone so brightly that all there had to turn away.  Or so Matthew, one of Christ's disciples, tells us.

Can we believe him?  Who was Matthew anyway?  He was a publican (tax collector) for the Romans, even though he was a Jew.  Tax collectors made a good living.
According to the website referenced below, "they were generally despised by their fellow Jews and merely tolerated by their Roman employers. Tax collectors were creative in finding ways to tax the people. Luke 3:13 states, "They overcharged [and] brought false charges of smuggling in the hope of extorting hush-money". Other ways of making money included taxes on axles, wheels, animals, roads, highways and admission to markets. Some even charged pedestrians taxes.
Matthew had a very profitable career, backed by the power of Rome. He probably had acquired great wealth and was not lacking in worldly needs. He was able to have lavish feasts to entertain many guests.
Though he was despised by most of his fellow countrymen, he probably had other friends that were also quite wealthy and only concerned by worldly goods. He probably entertained officials from Rome who merely acknowledged his presence but benefited from the food and wine.
Matthew abruptly went from serving money to serving the Lord. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all recorded Matthew’s calling. Scripture implies Matthew willingly gave up everything as required by Christ.
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate [that is, to love less or place in lower priority] his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26-27). One day, Matthew was sitting at the tax office when his life changed from serving man to serving the Lord.
 Matthew 9:9 describes the change: "As Jesus passed…He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And he said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him".
Matthew responded with great enthusiasm at His calling by Jesus Christ. Matthew prepared a feast for Jesus and His other disciples. Matthew also invited his other friends who included other tax collectors, scribes, and Pharisees.
This feast provided a spiritual lesson. While wining and dining his guests, the Pharisees asked Jesus and His disciples "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?
Jesus answered them and said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Luke 5:29-32).
The scribes and Pharisees held a self-righteous attitude. They did not consider themselves sinners. They felt they had no reason to change.  Matthew followed Jesus’ call. He gave up the rich luxurious life to become one of Christ’s disciples. Matthew was blessed to witness the miracles that Christ performed.
 He went on to write the Gospel that has detailed so much of Christ’s time on earth. Matthew was once a publican; He answered the call to become one of Christ’s disciples.
He gave up material wealth to become one with God. Matthew witnessed and recorded the crucifixions, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Would you do the same?"
To read more about the life of Matthew, go to:  https://www.essortment.com/all/biblematthew_rbus.htm  Information quoted according to the terms set forth by the authors.