Acts 22:28 kjv
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
Acts 22:28 nkjv
The commander answered, "With a large sum I obtained this citizenship." And Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."
Acts 22:28 niv
Then the commander said, "I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship." "But I was born a citizen," Paul replied.
Acts 22:28 esv
The tribune answered, "I bought this citizenship for a large sum." Paul said, "But I am a citizen by birth."
Acts 22:28 nlt
"I am, too," the commander muttered, "and it cost me plenty!" Paul answered, "But I am a citizen by birth!"
Acts 22 28 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 16:37 | "But Paul said to them, 'They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, Romans...'" | Roman Citizenship protected |
| Acts 21:32-33 | "And immediately the commander took him and gave orders to bind him with two bronze chains, and tried to find out who he was and what he had done." | Military action based on initial assessment |
| Acts 21:34-36 | "And as he was being brought to the castle, Paul said to the commander, 'Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and unjudged?'" | Appeal to Roman law |
| Acts 22:25 | "And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion that stood by, 'Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and unjudged?'" | Direct application of rights |
| Acts 22:29 | "Then the chief captain shuddered, and also said, 'If thou be a Roman, of what birth art thou? Or if thou were a bondman, yet thou boughtest thy freedom.'" | Acknowledgment of rights |
| Philippians 1:7 | "Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; in as much as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace." | Solidarity of believers |
| Galatians 3:28 | "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, ye shall be one in Christ Jesus." | Unity in Christ transcends status |
| 1 Corinthians 7:22 | "For he that is called in the Lord being a servant is the Lord’s freeman: likewise he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant." | Spiritual freedom |
| 1 Timothy 6:1-2 | "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they which have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are trusted, with all diligence, and are such as feed upon the truth." | Respect across social divides |
| Philemon 1:15-16 | "For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?" | Transforming relationships |
| Colossians 4:1 | "Masters, give to your own servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." | Justice and equality |
| Romans 13:1-7 | "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God... Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." | Respect for governing authorities |
| 1 Peter 2:17 | "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." | Universal honor |
| Proverbs 24:21 | "My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:" | Reverence for authority |
| Exodus 22:28 | "Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people." | Respect for rulers |
| Sirach 8:8 | "Judge not according to thine own first showing, and be not hasty in thy communication." | Prudence in judgment |
| Luke 18:2 | "And there was a certain widow in that city which cried unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary." | Persistence in seeking justice |
| Acts 19:35-41 | The town clerk calming the mob. | Authority preventing disorder |
| Matthew 10:16 | "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." | Prudence and innocence |
| Romans 2:11 | "For there is no respect of persons with God." | Impartiality of God |
| Ephesians 6:9 | "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." | Impartiality of masters |
Acts 22 verses
Acts 22 28 Meaning
This verse explains how the centurion, who had previously apprehended Paul, was freed from his legal obligation and recognized his humanity after learning of Paul's Roman citizenship. It signifies a shift in perception and a reversal of intended actions due to a revelation of identity. The centurion's action demonstrated his authority as a Roman officer, while also revealing a potential misjudgment based on incomplete information.
Acts 22 28 Context
This verse occurs within Acts chapter 22, where Paul recounts his conversion experience to the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. The preceding verses describe Paul's dramatic arrest and his subsequent plea to be heard, leading to him addressing the assembly in Hebrew. After recounting his call to ministry to the Gentiles, the crowd becomes incensed, and the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, intervenes to protect Paul from being beaten. Claudius initially intends to interrogate Paul through scourging (v. 24), but Paul reveals his Roman citizenship, which triggers this pivotal moment. The centurion’s reaction in verse 28 directly stems from Paul's declaration of his Roman status.
Acts 22 28 Word Analysis
- And: (καὶ - kai) A common conjunction connecting clauses, indicating addition or continuation.
- when: ( δὲ - de) A particle often used for contrast or transition. Here, it marks the centurion's response after learning of Paul's citizenship.
- he: (αὐτὸς - autos) Refers back to the centurion.
- knew: (ἔγνω - egnō) Aorist indicative active of γιγνώσκω (gignōskō), meaning to know, understand, or perceive. It implies a realization or gaining of knowledge.
- that: (ὅτι - hoti) Introduces a subordinate clause, stating what was known.
- he: (αὐτός - autos) Refers to Paul.
- was a Roman: (Ῥωμαῖος ἦν - Rhōmaios ēn) Identifies Paul's citizenship status. Ῥωμαῖος (Rhōmaios) means Roman.
- Immediately: (εὐθύς - euthys) Adverb meaning straightway, immediately, at once. It signifies a swift and direct reaction.
- then: (τότε - tote) An adverb indicating time or consequence.
- loosed: (ἔλυσεν - elysen) Aorist indicative active of λύω (lyō), meaning to loose, unbind, release. It describes the physical act of removing restraints.
- him: (αὐτόν - auton) Refers to Paul.
- from the by: (ἀπὸ τῶν δεσμῶν - apo tōn desmōn) "from the bonds/chains." This phrase specifies what Paul was loosed from, implying the ropes or restraints used to bind him.
Acts 22 28 Bonus Section
The incident powerfully illustrates the legal framework of the Roman Empire and how it applied to its citizens. The concept of "Romanitas" or Roman citizenship conveyed significant privileges and protections, including the right to be judged according to Roman law, freedom from corporal punishment and crucifixion, and the right to appeal to the emperor. The centurion's reaction, shuddering at the potential violation of Roman law, reflects the seriousness with which these rights were regarded. This is further emphasized by Claudius Lysias’s concern in the following verses, as he immediately seeks to understand how Paul obtained this status, recognizing the legal implications of his actions. This legal protection provided a crucial pathway for the Gospel to spread, enabling Paul to travel and minister even in the face of severe opposition.
Acts 22 28 Commentary
This verse highlights the immense power and legal protections afforded to Roman citizens in the Roman Empire. The centurion’s immediate cessation of his punitive action upon discovering Paul’s citizenship demonstrates the deference given to this status, even by military authorities. It underscores Paul’s strategic use of his rights to protect himself from unjust treatment and persecution, aligning with principles of Roman law that protected citizens from arbitrary punishment without due process. This moment serves as a divine intervention, enabling Paul to continue his mission by protecting him from immediate physical harm and ensuring his eventual journey to Rome.