Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. New Living Translation “I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!” Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!” English Standard Version The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” Berean Standard Bible “I paid a high price for my citizenship,” said the commander. “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. Berean Literal Bible Then the commander answered, "I bought this citizenship with a great sum." But Paul was saying, "But I even was born so." King James Bible And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. New King James Version The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” New American Standard Bible The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship for a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” NASB 1995 The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” NASB 1977 And the commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” Legacy Standard Bible And the commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I have been born a citizen.” Amplified Bible The commander replied, “I purchased this citizenship [of mine] for a large sum of money [so how did you acquire yours?].” Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” Christian Standard Bible The commander replied, “I bought this citizenship for a large amount of money.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul said. Holman Christian Standard Bible The commander replied, “I bought this citizenship for a large amount of money."” But I was born a citizen,” Paul said. American Standard Version And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this citizenship. And Paul said, But I am a Roman born. Contemporary English Version The commander then said, "I paid a lot of money to become a Roman citizen." But Paul replied, "I was born a Roman citizen." English Revised Version And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this citizenship. And Paul said, But I am a Roman born. GOD'S WORD® Translation The officer replied, "I paid a lot of money to become a Roman citizen." Paul replied, "But I was born a Roman citizen." Good News Translation The commander said, "I became one by paying a large amount of money." "But I am one by birth," Paul answered. International Standard Version Then the tribune replied, "I paid a lot of money for this citizenship of mine." Paul said, "But I was born a citizen." Majority Standard Bible ?I paid a high price for my citizenship,? said the commander. ?But I was born a citizen,? Paul replied. NET Bible The commanding officer answered, "I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money." "But I was even born a citizen," Paul replied. New Heart English Bible The commanding officer answered, "I bought my citizenship for a great price." Paul said, "But I was born a Roman." Webster's Bible Translation And the chief captain answered, With a great sum I obtained this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. Weymouth New Testament "I paid a large sum for my citizenship," said the Tribune. "But I was born free," said Paul. World English Bible The commanding officer answered, “I bought my citizenship for a great price.” Paul said, “But I was born a Roman.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the chief captain answered, “I, with a great sum, obtained this citizenship”; but Paul said, “But I have even been born [so].” Berean Literal Bible Then the commander answered, "I bought this citizenship with a great sum." But Paul was saying, "But I even was born so." Young's Literal Translation and the chief captain answered, 'I, with a great sum, did obtain this citizenship;' but Paul said, 'But I have been even born so.' Smith's Literal Translation And the captain of a thousand answered, I obtained this citizenship for much capital. And Paul said, And I have been born. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the tribune answered: I obtained the being free of this city with a great sum. And Paul said: But I was born so. Catholic Public Domain Version And the tribune responded, “I obtained this citizenship at great cost.” And Paul said, “But I was born to it.” New American Bible The commander replied, “I acquired this citizenship for a large sum of money.” Paul said, “But I was born one.” New Revised Standard Version The tribune answered, “It cost me a large sum of money to get my citizenship.” Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the captain answered and said, I obtained Roman citizenship with a great sum of money. Paul answered, But I was free born to it. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And the Chiliarch answered and said, “I bought Roman citizenship with much money.” Paulus said to him, “But I was born with it.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd the officer answered: With a great sum did I purchase this citizenship. And Paul replied: But I was born a citizen. Godbey New Testament And the chiliarch responded, With a great sum obtained I this citizenship. And Paul said, But I was indeed born (a Roman citizen). Haweis New Testament And the tribune replied, With a large sum of money I purchased this citizenship. And Paul said, But I enjoy it as my birthright. Mace New Testament he answer'd, yes, the officer rejoin'd, my freedom cost me a considerable sum, but I had it, said Paul, by right of birth. Weymouth New Testament "I paid a large sum for my citizenship," said the Tribune. "But I was born free," said Paul. Worrell New Testament And the chief captain answered, "I, for a great sum, acquired this citizenship." And Paul said, "But I have been born a citizen." Worsley New Testament And the tribune replied, I obtained this freedom with a large sum of money. And Paul said, But I was free-born. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul the Roman Citizen…27The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered. 28“I paid a high price for my citizenship,” said the commander. “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. 29Then those who were about to interrogate Paul stepped back, and the commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put a Roman citizen in chains.… Cross References Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 2:19 Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, Galatians 4:5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” John 1:12-13 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. 1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Romans 9:4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. Galatians 3:26-29 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. / For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. / There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ... Hebrews 12:22-23 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels / in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, Revelation 5:9-10 And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. / You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” Exodus 12:48-49 If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. / The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” Leviticus 19:33-34 When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. / You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. / So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. Isaiah 56:3-8 Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.” / For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— / I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. ... Ezekiel 47:22-23 You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners who dwell among you and who have children. You are to treat them as native-born Israelites; along with you, they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. / In whatever tribe a foreigner dwells, you are to assign his inheritance there,” declares the Lord GOD. Treasury of Scripture And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. But. Jump to Previous Acquired Actually Big Birth Born Bought Captain Chief Chiliarch Citizen Citizen Citizenship Commander Commanding Free Freedom Great Large Money Obtain Obtained Officer Paid Paul Pay Price Rights Roman Sum TribuneJump to Next Acquired Actually Big Birth Born Bought Captain Chief Chiliarch Citizen Citizen Citizenship Commander Commanding Free Freedom Great Large Money Obtain Obtained Officer Paid Paul Pay Price Rights Roman Sum TribuneActs 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. "I paid a high price for my citizenship," said the commander. The Roman commander, likely a tribune, reveals that he obtained his Roman citizenship through a significant financial transaction. During the first century, Roman citizenship was a coveted status that provided numerous legal protections and privileges. It could be acquired by birth, manumission, or purchase. The mention of a "high price" suggests the commander may have bought his citizenship during the reign of Emperor Claudius, when such transactions were common. This reflects the socio-political environment of the Roman Empire, where citizenship was both a symbol of prestige and a practical necessity for certain legal rights. The commander’s statement highlights the value and exclusivity of Roman citizenship, which was not easily accessible to non-Romans. "But I was born a citizen," Paul replied. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulA key figure in the early Christian church, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus. He was a Roman citizen by birth, which afforded him certain legal protections and privileges. 2. The Roman Commander (Tribune) An unnamed Roman official responsible for maintaining order. He had purchased his Roman citizenship, which was a common practice for those who were not born into it. 3. Jerusalem The city where this event takes place. It was a central location for Jewish worship and a significant site in early Christian history. 4. Roman Citizenship A highly valued status in the Roman Empire, granting individuals legal rights and protections. It could be acquired by birth, purchase, or as a reward for service. 5. The Arrest of Paul This event occurs during Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, where he is being questioned by Roman authorities after a disturbance in the temple. Teaching Points Value of CitizenshipEarthly citizenship can provide certain rights and protections, but our ultimate allegiance is to our heavenly citizenship. Wisdom in Navigating Authority Paul’s use of his Roman citizenship demonstrates the importance of wisdom and discernment in dealing with earthly authorities. God’s Sovereignty in Our Circumstances Paul’s birth as a Roman citizen was part of God’s plan, showing how God can use our circumstances for His purposes. Integrity and Truthfulness Paul’s straightforward declaration of his citizenship status reflects the importance of honesty and integrity in our interactions. Courage in Adversity Paul’s calm and confident response in a potentially dangerous situation is an example of courage rooted in faith.(28) With a great sum obtained I this freedom.--Better, this citizenship, the word expressing, not the transition from bondage to freedom, but from the position of an alien to that of a citizen. Probably the translators used the word in the sense in which we still speak of the "freedom "of a city. The chiliarch was himself, apparently, an alien by birth, and, as was customary at the time, had obtained the citizenship by the payment of a large bribe. As the admission of citizens now rested with the Emperor, as holding the office of Censor, the money had probably been paid to Narcissus, or some other of Claudius' favourite freed-men who carried on a traffic of this kind. I was free born.--The Greek is somewhat more emphatic: I am one even from birth. This implies that St. Paul's father or grandfather had received the citizenship; how, we cannot tell. Many of the Jews who were taken to Rome by Pompeius as slaves first obtained their freedom and became libertini, and afterwards were admitted on the register as citizens. (See Note on Acts 6:9; Acts 16:37.) The mention of kinsmen or friends at Rome (Romans 16:7; Romans 16:11), makes it probable, as has been said, that the Apostle's father may have been among them. Verse 28. - Citizenship for freedom, A.V; am a Roman for was free, A.V. A great sum (πολλοῦ κεφαλαίου). The word is only found here in the New Testament in the sense of a "sum of money," but is so used in classical writers. Citizenship; πολιτεία, for "freedom of the city," in Xenophon, AElian, Polybius, Dion Cassius, etc., and 3Macc. 3:21. Dion Cassius (9 17) relates that Messaliua, the wife of the Emperor Claudius, used to sell the freedom of the city, and that at first she sold it (μεγάλων ξρημάτων) for a very high price, but that afterwards it became very cheap. In all probability Lysias had so purchased it, and in consequence took the name of Claudius (Renan, ' St. Paul,' p. 524). I am a Roman born. It is not known how St. Paul's family acquired the Roman citizenship.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek “IἘγὼ (Egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. paid ἐκτησάμην (ektēsamēn) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2932: (a) I acquire, win, get, purchase, buy, (b) I possess, win mastery over. A primary verb; to get, i.e. Acquire. a high πολλοῦ (pollou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 4183: Much, many; often. price κεφαλαίου (kephalaiou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 2774: Neuter of a derivative of kephale; a principal thing, i.e. Main point; specially, an amount. [for my] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. citizenship,” πολιτείαν (politeian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4174: From polites; citizenship; concretely, a community. said Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative 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. commander. χιλίαρχος (chiliarchos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5506: A commander of a thousand men, a military tribune. From chilioi and archo; the commander of a thousand soldiers “But δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. I Ἐγὼ (Egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. was born a citizen,” γεγέννημαι (gegennēmai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1080: From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. 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. replied. ἔφη (ephē) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say. Links Acts 22:28 NIVActs 22:28 NLT Acts 22:28 ESV Acts 22:28 NASB Acts 22:28 KJV Acts 22:28 BibleApps.com Acts 22:28 Biblia Paralela Acts 22:28 Chinese Bible Acts 22:28 French Bible Acts 22:28 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 22:28 The commanding officer answered I bought my (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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