Acts 22:25 But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?"

◄ Acts 22:25 ►

New International Version
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?”

New Living Translation
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?”

English Standard Version
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?”

Berean Standard Bible
But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?”

Berean Literal Bible
But as he stretched him forward with the straps, Paul said to the centurion standing by, "Is it lawful to you to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?"

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
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?”

New American Standard Bible
But when they stretched him out with straps, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?”

NASB 1995
But when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?”

NASB 1977
And when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?”

Legacy Standard Bible
But when they stretched him out with leather straps, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?”

Amplified Bible
But when they had stretched him out with the leather straps [in preparation for the whip], Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it legal for you to whip a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned [without a trial]?”

Christian Standard Bible
As they stretched him out for the lash, Paul said to the centurion standing by, “Is it legal for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen and is uncondemned? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As they stretched him out for the lash, Paul said to the centurion standing by, “Is it legal for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen and is uncondemned?”

American Standard Version
And when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Contemporary English Version
While the soldiers were tying Paul up to be beaten, he asked the officer standing there, "Is it legal to beat a Roman citizen before he has been tried in court?"

English Revised Version
And when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when the soldiers had Paul stretch out [to tie him to the whipping post] with the straps, Paul asked the sergeant who was standing there, "Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn't had a trial?"

Good News Translation
But when they had tied him up to be whipped, Paul said to the officer standing there, "Is it lawful for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn't even been tried for any crime?"

International Standard Version
But when they had tied him up with the straps, Paul asked the centurion who was standing there, "Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn't been condemned?"

Majority Standard Bible
But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?”

NET Bible
When they had stretched him out for the lash, Paul said to the centurion standing nearby, "Is it legal for you to lash a man who is a Roman citizen without a proper trial?"

New Heart English Bible
When they had tied him up with thongs, Paul asked the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and not found guilty?"

Webster's Bible Translation
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 uncondemned?

Weymouth New Testament
But, when they had tied him up with the straps, Paul said to the Captain who stood by, "Does the Law permit you to flog a Roman citizen--and one too who is uncondemned?"

World English Bible
When they had tied him up with thongs, Paul asked the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and not found guilty?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And as he was stretching him with the straps, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful to you to scourge a man, a Roman, uncondemned?”

Berean Literal Bible
But as he stretched him forward with the straps, Paul said to the centurion standing by, "Is it lawful to you to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?"

Young's Literal Translation
And as he was stretching him with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion who was standing by, 'A man, a Roman, uncondemned -- is it lawful to you to scourge;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And as he held him before with thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing by, Is it lawful to scourge a man a Roman, and uncondemned?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when they had bound him with thongs, Paul saith to the centurion that stood by him: Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they had tied him with straps, Paul said to the centurion who was standing near him, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and has not been condemned?”

New American Bible
But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion on duty, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen and has not been tried?”

New Revised Standard Version
But when they had tied him up with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who is uncondemned?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And when they had bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood over him, Is it lawful for you to scourge a Roman citizen who is uncondemned?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when they stretched him with leather straps, Paulus said to the Centurion who was standing over him, “Are you allowed to scourge a Roman who has not been condemned?”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But Paul said to the centurion who stood by, as he caused him to be bent forward to the straps: Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Godbey New Testament
And when they were extending him to the scourges, Paul said to the centurion standing by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Haweis New Testament
So as they were tying him up for the thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing by him, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen, and uncondemned?

Mace New Testament
as they were tying him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion, does the law allow to scourge a Roman citizen, and without any trial?

Weymouth New Testament
But, when they had tied him up with the straps, Paul said to the Captain who stood by, "Does the Law permit you to flog a Roman citizen--and one too who is uncondemned?"

Worrell New Testament
And, as they stretched him out for the thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man, who is a Roman, and uncondemned?"

Worsley New Testament
And as they were binding him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, uncondemned?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Paul the Roman Citizen
…24the commander ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. He directed that Paul be flogged and interrogated to determine the reason for this outcry against him. 25But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “ Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?” 26On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 16:37
But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”

Acts 25:16
I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.

John 7:51
“Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”

Matthew 10:17
But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.

2 Corinthians 11:25
Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.

Romans 13:3-4
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. / For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

1 Peter 2:19-20
For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

Luke 23:16-22
Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” / Now Pilate was obliged to release to the people one prisoner at the feast. / But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” ...

Matthew 27:26
So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

Deuteronomy 25:1-3
If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned. / If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall have him lie down and be flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime warrants. / He may receive no more than forty lashes, lest your brother be beaten any more than that and be degraded in your sight.

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Jeremiah 37:15
The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison.

Jeremiah 20:2
he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

Psalm 105:14-15
He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: / “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!”

Treasury of Scripture

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

the centurion.

Acts 10:1
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

Acts 23:17
Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

Acts 27:1,3,43
And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band…

Is it.

Acts 22:27,28
Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea…

Acts 16:37
But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

Acts 25:16
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

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Bands Blows Bound Captain Centurion Citizen Flog Forward Found Guilty Hasn't Judged Lawful Legal Paul Permit Present Roman Round Scourge Standing Stood Straps Stretched Stretching Thongs Tied Uncondemned

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Acts 22

1. Paul declares how he was converted to the faith,
17. and called to his apostleship.
22. At the very mentioning of the Gentiles the people exclaim on him.
24. He would have been scourged;
25. but claiming the privilege of a Roman, he escapes.

Berean Study Bible

But as they stretched him out to strap him down
This phrase sets the scene of a tense and dramatic moment. The act of stretching out Paul indicates preparation for a severe punishment, likely scourging, which was a common Roman practice for extracting confessions or punishing those deemed guilty. The Greek word used here for "stretched" (προτείνω, proteinō) implies a forceful extension, highlighting the severity of the situation. Historically, this method was brutal and often led to severe injury or death. The imagery of being "strapped down" underscores the helplessness and vulnerability of Paul in this moment, yet it also sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of God's providence and justice.

Paul said to the centurion standing there
Paul's response is directed towards a centurion, a Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. The centurion represents Roman authority and law, and Paul's address to him is both strategic and bold. The Greek term for "centurion" (κεντυρίων, kentyriōn) reflects a position of significant responsibility and influence within the Roman military hierarchy. Paul's choice to speak directly to the centurion indicates his awareness of Roman legal procedures and his confidence in asserting his rights. This interaction highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in dealing with authority, as well as the courage to speak truth in the face of injustice.

Is it lawful for you
Paul's question is a direct challenge to the legality of the actions being taken against him. The Greek word for "lawful" (ἔξεστιν, exestin) refers to what is permitted or authorized by law. By invoking the law, Paul appeals to the centurion's sense of duty and justice, reminding him of the legal protections afforded to Roman citizens. This question is not merely rhetorical; it serves as a powerful reminder of the rule of law and the rights that come with citizenship. In a broader spiritual context, it underscores the Christian principle of standing firm in truth and righteousness, even when faced with persecution.

to flog a Roman citizen
The mention of "a Roman citizen" is crucial, as Roman citizenship carried with it specific legal protections and privileges. The Greek term for "citizen" (πολίτης, politēs) denotes a person who is recognized as a member of a state, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. Roman citizens were exempt from certain forms of punishment, such as scourging, without a formal trial and condemnation. Paul's assertion of his citizenship is a pivotal moment, as it immediately alters the dynamics of the situation. This highlights the importance of knowing and asserting one's rights, both in a legal and spiritual sense, as believers are citizens of God's kingdom with inherent rights and responsibilities.

who has not been condemned?
The phrase "who has not been condemned" emphasizes the principle of due process, a cornerstone of Roman law and justice. The Greek word for "condemned" (κατακρίνω, katakrinō) means to judge against or to pronounce guilty. Paul points out the absence of a legal verdict against him, underscoring the injustice of the punishment being prepared. This appeal to justice resonates with the biblical theme of God's righteousness and the ultimate accountability of all human actions before His divine judgment. It serves as a reminder that, as Christians, we are called to uphold justice and truth, trusting in God's sovereign plan and protection.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(25) And as they bound him with thongs.--The words have sometimes been rendered, "they stretched him forward for the straps"--i.e., put him into the attitude which was required for the use of the scourge; and grammatically the words admit this sense. The Authorised version is, however, it is believed, right. The Greek word for "thong" is always used in the New Testament in connection with the idea of tying (Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; John 1:27). It appears here to be expressly distinguished from the "scourges" of Acts 22:24, and in Acts 22:29 we find that St. Paul had actually been bound. He was, i.e., according to Roman custom, stripped to the waist, and tied with leathern thongs, as our Lord had been, to the column or whipping-post which was used within the fortress for this mode of torture. In both instances, it will be noted, the order for the punishment came from a Roman officer.

Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman . . .?--Stress is laid on both points. It was unlawful to scourge a Roman citizen in any case; it was an aggravation so to torture him, as slaves were tortured, only as a means of inquiry. On the whole question of the rights of Roman citizens, and St. Paul's claim to those rights, see Note on Acts 16:37. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 25. - When they had tied him up with the thongs for as they bound him with thongs, A.V. When they had tied him up, etc. This does not seem to be a right rendering. Προτείνω can only mean "to stretch out before," or "expose to the action," of anything, when taken in a literal sense; ἱμάς, again, more naturally means the "thong" or lash of a whip or scourge than a thong to bind a man with; indeed, it is thought to be etymologically connected with μάστιξ, Meyer, therefore, rightly understands the passage to mean when they had stretched him on the stake ready to receive the scourging. Is it lawful, etc.? Paul now pleads his privileges as a Roman citizen, just in time to stop the outrage, remembering, no doubt, the terror inspired in the Philippian magistrates when they found they had beaten with rods an uncondemned Roman citizen (see Acts 16:38). Uncondemned (ἀκατακρίτους); Acts 16:37. Only found in these two passages in the New Testament, and nowhere else.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

as
Ὡς (Hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

they stretched him out
προέτειναν (proeteinan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4385: To stretch out, tie up (for scourging), extend before. From pro and teino; to protend, i.e. Tie prostrate.

to strap him down,
ἱμᾶσιν (himasin)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2438: Perhaps from the same as hama; a strap, i.e. the tie or the lash.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

centurion
ἑκατόνταρχον (hekatontarchon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1543: A centurion of the Roman army. Or hekatontarchos hek-at-on'-tar-khos; from hekaton and archo; the captain of one hundred men.

standing there,
ἑστῶτα (hestōta)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

“Is it lawful
ἔξεστιν (exestin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible.

for you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to flog
μαστίζειν (mastizein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3147: To flog, scourge, whip. From mastos; to whip.

a
ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

Roman citizen
Ῥωμαῖον (Rhōmaion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4514: Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman.

without a trial?”
ἀκατάκριτον (akatakriton)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 178: Uncondemned, not yet tried. Without trial.

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NT Apostles: Acts 22:25 When they had tied him up (Acts of the Apostles Ac)