Topical Encyclopedia The Roman Empire, a dominant political and cultural force during the time of the New Testament, plays a significant role in the backdrop of the biblical narrative. One of the notable aspects of Roman society was the concept of citizenship, which could be obtained by birth, purchase, or grant. This status conferred various rights and privileges, including legal protection, property rights, and the ability to appeal to the emperor.In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul’s Roman citizenship is a key element in several accounts, highlighting the privileges and protections it afforded him. Paul, born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, was a Roman citizen by birth. This is explicitly mentioned in Acts 22:28, where Paul states, "But I was born a citizen" . This citizenship by birth was a significant advantage, as it provided Paul with certain legal rights that were not available to non-citizens. The privileges of Roman citizenship are illustrated in Acts 16:37-39, where Paul and Silas, after being unjustly beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, assert their rights as Roman citizens. Paul demands accountability from the magistrates, saying, "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to release us quietly? No, let them come themselves and escort us out" . The magistrates, upon realizing their error, were alarmed and came to appease them, underscoring the respect and fear associated with Roman citizenship. Paul’s citizenship also plays a crucial role in Acts 22:25-29, when he is about to be flogged by Roman soldiers. He questions the legality of flogging a Roman citizen without a trial, prompting the centurion to report to the commander, who then confirms Paul’s citizenship. The commander remarks, "I paid a high price for my citizenship," to which Paul responds, "But I was born a citizen" . This exchange highlights the distinction between citizenship obtained by birth and that acquired through other means, with birthright citizenship being particularly esteemed. The concept of Roman citizenship by birth serves as a powerful metaphor in the New Testament for the believer’s spiritual status. Just as Roman citizenship provided Paul with protection and privileges, so too does the believer’s citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven offer spiritual rights and assurances. Philippians 3:20 states, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" . This heavenly citizenship, obtained through spiritual rebirth, parallels the earthly privileges of Roman citizenship, emphasizing the believer’s identity and inheritance in Christ. In summary, the allusions to Roman citizenship obtained by birth in the New Testament underscore the legal and social advantages it provided, while also serving as a metaphor for the believer’s spiritual standing. The Apostle Paul’s experiences as a Roman citizen illustrate the practical implications of this status and offer a deeper understanding of the privileges associated with being a citizen of God’s Kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 22:28And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. Against Jovinianus. Resources What is the origin of the Roman Catholic Church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Revived Roman Empire? | GotQuestions.org What was a Roman legion? | GotQuestions.org Roman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Irony: The Roman Soldiers to Jesus Roman Empire: Citizenship In by Birth Roman Empire: Citizenship In by Purchase Roman Empire: Ruled by Augustus Caesar Roman Empire: Ruled by Claudius Caesar Roman Empire: Ruled by Tiberius Caesar Roman Empire: The Right of Appeal Roman Empire: The Right of Trial Roman Empire: The Rights of Citizens The Roman Empire: Allusions to Citizenship of Exempted from the Degradation Scourging The Roman Empire: Allusions to Citizenship of Obtained by Birth The Roman Empire: Allusions to Citizenship of Obtained by Purchase The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Crowning of Conquerors The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Foot Races The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Gladiatorial Fights The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Rules Observed in Conducting The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Training of Combatants The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Wrestling The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Accused Person Protected from Popular Violence The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Accusers and Accused Confronted Together The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of all Appeals Made to the Emperor The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Garments of Those Executed Given to the Soldiers The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Person Accused, Examined by Scourging The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Power of Life and Death Vested in Its Authorities The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Prisoners Chained to Soldiers for Safety The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Crowning of Soldiers Who Distinguished Themselves The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Danger of Sentinels' Sleeping The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Different Military officers The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Hardship Endured by Soldiers The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Italian and Augustus' Band The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Strict Obedience to Superiors The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Triumphs of Victorious Generals The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Use of the Panoply or Defensive Armour The Roman Empire: Called the World from Its Extent The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Augustus The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Claudius The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Nero The Roman Empire: Emperors of, Mentioned: Tiberius The Roman Empire: Judea a Province of, Under a Procurator or a Governor The Roman Empire: Predictions Respecting: Its Division Into Ten Parts The Roman Empire: Predictions Respecting: Its Universal Dominion The Roman Empire: Predictions Respecting: Origin of Papal Power In The Roman Empire: Represented by The: Legs of Iron in Nebuchadnezzar's Vision The Roman Empire: Represented by The: Terrible Beast in Daniel's Vision The Roman Empire: Rome the Capitol of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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