Acts 22 25

Acts 22:25 kjv

And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Acts 22:25 nkjv

And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?"

Acts 22:25 niv

As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?"

Acts 22:25 esv

But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?"

Acts 22:25 nlt

When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there, "Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn't even been tried?"

Acts 22 verses

Acts 22 25 Meaning

Acts 22:25 describes Paul's critical moment of intervention as Roman soldiers were preparing to severely flog him. He asks the supervising centurion whether it is lawful to scourge a man who possesses Roman citizenship and has not yet been tried or condemned. This declaration was a strategic and legally significant assertion of his rights under Roman law, aimed at preventing an illegal and brutal punishment.

Acts 22 25 Context

After causing an uproar in the Jerusalem temple, Paul was rescued from a murderous Jewish mob by the Roman commander Claudius Lysias (Acts 21:27-36). To understand the cause of the commotion and extract information from Paul, the commander ordered him to be bound and questioned by scourging (Acts 22:24). This was a common Roman interrogation technique, though illegal for citizens. Paul had just recounted his conversion and commission to the Jewish crowd (Acts 22:1-21), but his mention of being sent "to the Gentiles" enraged them further (Acts 22:22), intensifying the Roman commander's resolve to find the source of the uproar. Verse 25 captures the precise moment Paul prevents the execution of this unlawful order by revealing his protected status.

Acts 22 25 Word analysis

• And (δὲ, de): A conjunctive particle, signaling a transition or a slight shift in focus, often translated as "but" or "and." Here, it marks the immediate sequence of events after the command to scourge.
• as they bound him (ὡς προέτειναν αὐτὸν, hōs proeteinan auton): This phrase is crucial. προέτειναν means "they stretched him forward" or "they bound him stretched out." It indicates more than simple binding; it implies fastening him to a post or pillar in an exposed, often spreadeagled, position, specifically preparatory to a severe flogging. The act itself was a prelude to torture, maximizing vulnerability.
• with thongs (τοῖς ἱμᾶσιν, tois himasin): Refers to leather straps or ropes. These were used to bind the prisoner securely, ensuring they could not move during the scourging. They might also refer to parts of the flagellum (the Roman whip) itself, but the primary sense here is binding for scourging.
• Paul (Παῦλος, Paulos): The Apostle Paul, asserting his civil identity.
• said (ἔφη, ephē): An immediate and direct statement, signaling a legal challenge.
• to the centurion (τῷ ἑκατοντάρχῃ, tō hekatontarchē): The Roman military officer responsible for about one hundred soldiers. He held a position of authority and responsibility and was overseeing the preparation for scourging. Paul addressed the direct person in charge of the illegal act.
• that stood by (ἑστῶτα, hestōta): Emphasizes the centurion's close presence and direct involvement, making him legally accountable.
• Is it lawful (Ἔξεστιν, Exestin): A fundamental legal question. Paul directly appeals to Roman jurisprudence, challenging the legality of the centurion's intended action. This word denotes permissibility under law or custom.
• for you (ὑμῖν, hymin): Plural "you," addressing the Roman authorities present, not just the centurion, indicating collective culpability for violating Roman law.
• to scourge (μαστίζειν, mastizein): To flog, to whip severely. Roman scourging (verberatio) was a brutal punishment, often inflicting deep wounds, and could even lead to death. It was strictly forbidden for Roman citizens without a trial.
• a man who is a Roman (ἄνθρωπον Ῥωμαῖον, anthrōpon Rhōmaion): This is the core declaration. Paul identifies himself as a Roman citizen (civis Romanus), immediately invoking his protected status. This title conferred significant rights and protections, especially against arbitrary violence and capital punishment without due process.
• and uncondemned (ἀκατάκριτον, akatakriton): This means "not having been tried or condemned." Another vital legal protection for Roman citizens. They were entitled to a formal trial (iudicium publicum) and could not be subjected to summary punishment, particularly scourging, before conviction.

Acts 22 25 Bonus section

The Roman law that protected citizens from scourging before trial primarily stemmed from the Lex Porcia (195 BC) and Lex Sempronia (123 BC). These laws made it illegal to scourge a Roman citizen, with severe penalties for officials who violated them. The Roman commander's subsequent fear and swift actions (Acts 22:26-29) underscore the serious implications of Paul's declaration. It also illustrates Paul's discretion; he often endured suffering without invoking his citizenship but chose to use it here to prevent a severe miscarriage of justice and prolong his ability to minister, recognizing when divine protection could operate through civil laws.

Acts 22 25 Commentary

Acts 22:25 is a powerful moment demonstrating Paul's strategic use of his Roman citizenship to avert an unjust and potentially fatal punishment. As the Roman soldiers were physically preparing to scourge him—a brutal interrogation tactic for non-citizens—Paul, speaking fluent Greek, questions the legality of their action directly to the supervising centurion. His succinct question, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?" highlights two fundamental protections guaranteed to Roman citizens: exemption from scourging and the right to a proper trial before any conviction.

This declaration was not merely a claim to privilege but a defense against an unlawful act. For a Roman official to scourge a Roman citizen without trial was a grave offense, punishable by death. Paul's calm but firm assertion immediately changed the situation, compelling the centurion to report to the commander and bringing a temporary halt to the persecution. It exemplifies how God's providence often works through human systems and personal circumstances—Paul's dual heritage as a Jew and a Roman citizen equipped him for unique opportunities and protections in his ministry. This act secured his survival and facilitated his later appeal to Caesar, furthering the gospel's spread.