Acts 22:28

Translations

Modern

“I paid a high price for my citizenship,” said the commander. “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

Traditional

And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

Literal

And the commander answered, “I bought this citizenship with a great sum.” But Paul was saying, “But I have even been born so.”

Latin

Et respondit tribunus: Ego multa summa civilitatem hanc consecutus sum. Et Paulus ait: Ego autem et natus sum.

Original

Greek

English

“I paid a high price for my citizenship,” said the commander. “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

Notes

Acts 22:28

I paid a high price: During the early rule of Roman emperor Claudius (AD 41–54), people could buy Roman citizenship, but it was expensive.

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