In this story, a Gentile Roman Centurion had approached Jesus asking Him to heal his servant.  This commanding officer not only knew who Jesus was,  but had witnessed and then understood the authority by which Jesus taught and healed the sick.  For it was by this powerful authority he saw in Jesus that he related.   It says that Jesus was astonished and commended him for his great faith and understanding of authority…and his servant was healed that day.