Acts 22:27

Translations

Modern

The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered.

Traditional

Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.

Literal

And having come near, the commander said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he was saying, “Yes.”

Latin

Accedens autem tribunus, dixit illi: Dic mihi si tu Romanus es? At ille dixit: Etiam.

Original

Greek

English

The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered.

Notes

Acts 22:25–29

Paul asserted his Roman citizenship at a crucial moment when he encountered torture to make him confess a supposed crime. Roman citizenship was valuable. Claiming it falsely was a capital offense. Its main benefits included protection from whipping and the right to appeal to the emperor (25:11). The commander was afraid because he had almost violated Roman law (compare 16:35–39).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Rome Giving up Rights Persecution