◄ Acts 22:26 ►
On 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."
Study Bible
On hearing this,

The centurion's response indicates the gravity of the situation. Roman citizenship was a privileged status that afforded certain legal protections. The centurion's immediate reaction underscores the importance of citizenship in the Roman Empire, where legal rights were strictly observed.

Luk 7:3-5 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent…
Act 23:16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot,…
Mrk 7:25-26 Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit…

the centurion went and reported it to the commander.

The centurion's decision to report to the commander reflects the military hierarchy and the seriousness of the claim. Roman law prohibited the binding or punishment of a Roman citizen without a trial. This action shows the centurion's awareness of the legal implications and his duty to inform his superior.

Act 23:17-18 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said,…
Act 25:14-15 Since they were staying several days, Festus laid out…
Luk 7:6-7 So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far…

“What are you going to do?” he said.

The commander's question reveals his concern and the potential consequences of violating Roman law. This reflects the Roman emphasis on legal procedure and the fear of repercussions from mistreating a citizen. It also highlights the commander's need to quickly assess and address the situation to avoid personal and professional repercussions.

Mat 27:22-23 “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”…
Luk 23:22 A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done?…
Jhn 19:10-11 So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me?…

“This man is a Roman citizen.”

Paul's Roman citizenship is a pivotal point in the narrative. It provided him with protection and certain rights, such as the right to a fair trial and exemption from degrading punishments like scourging. This status was rare and highly valued, often acquired by birth, purchase, or as a reward for service. Paul's citizenship plays a crucial role in his missionary journeys and legal defenses, as seen throughout Acts.

Act 16:37-39 But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly…
Act 25:11-12 If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death…
Act 28:18 They examined me and wanted to release me…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
- The apostle who is the central figure in this passage. He is being held by Roman authorities and reveals his Roman citizenship.

2. Centurion
- A Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. He is the one who hears Paul's claim of Roman citizenship and reports it to his superior.

3. Commander (Tribune)
- The Roman officer in charge of the cohort. He is responsible for the legal proceedings against Paul and must decide how to handle the situation.

4. Roman Citizenship
- A privileged status in the Roman Empire that afforded individuals certain legal protections and rights.

5. Jerusalem
- The city where this event takes place, a significant location for early Christian history and the site of much of Paul's ministry and trials.
Teaching Points
The Value of Citizenship
Paul's Roman citizenship provided him with legal protection and rights. As Christians, we should recognize the value of our earthly citizenship and the responsibilities it entails, while also valuing our heavenly citizenship.

Wisdom in Navigating Legal Systems
Paul wisely used his legal rights to further his mission. Christians should be informed about their rights and use them to advance the Gospel and protect themselves and others.

God's Sovereignty in Legal Matters
This passage demonstrates God's sovereignty in using Paul's Roman citizenship to protect him and further His purposes. Trust in God's providence in all circumstances, including legal and governmental challenges.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Paul’s boldness in asserting his rights serves as an example of courage. Christians are called to stand firm in their faith and convictions, even when facing opposition or persecution.

Respect for Authority
The centurion's response to Paul's claim shows respect for legal processes and authority. Christians are called to respect and pray for those in authority, recognizing their role in maintaining order.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's Roman citizenship impact the events in Acts 22, and what can we learn about the importance of understanding our own rights and responsibilities as citizens?

2. In what ways does Paul's use of his citizenship reflect his commitment to his mission and calling? How can we apply this principle in our own lives?

3. How does the concept of dual citizenship (earthly and heavenly) influence our daily decisions and interactions with governing authorities?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate respect for authority while remaining faithful to our Christian convictions?

5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty when facing legal or governmental challenges, and what biblical examples can we draw from to strengthen our faith in such situations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 16:37-39
Paul previously invoked his Roman citizenship in Philippi, leading to a similar situation where the authorities were alarmed and sought to release him quietly.

Philippians 3:20
Paul speaks of a higher citizenship in heaven, which provides a spiritual parallel to his earthly Roman citizenship.

Romans 13:1-7
Discusses the role of governing authorities and the Christian's relationship to them, relevant to understanding Paul's interaction with Roman officials.
Sermons
Damager and DeliveranceE. Johnson Acts 22:22-29
Rescue of the Prisoner and Reference of His Cause to the Jewish SanhedrimR.A. Redford Acts 22:22-30
The Earthly and the Heavenly CitizenshipW. Clarkson Acts 22:23-30
Asserting RightsH. O. Mackey.Acts 22:24-29
Birthright Goodness and Goodness Which We Pay ForJ. Freeman Clarke.Acts 22:24-29
The Christian's BirthrightChristian AgeActs 22:24-29
The Jews, the Boman, and the ChristianJ. W. Burn.Acts 22:24-29
The Moral Cowardice of WarriorsD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 22:24-29
The Prevailing PleaChristian AgeActs 22:24-29
The Privileges of BirthJ. H. Tasson.Acts 22:24-29
People
Ananias, Gamaliel, Paul, Saul, Stephen
Places
Cilicia, Damascus, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Tarsus
Topics
Account, Captain, Centurion, Chief, Chiliarch, Citizen, Commander, Commanding, Doest, Hearing, Heed, Intending, Matter, Officer, Question, Report, Reported, Roman, Saying, Tribune, Watch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 22:22-29

     5219   authority, human institutions

Acts 22:25-26

     5250   centurion

Acts 22:25-29

     5255   citizenship

Acts 22:26-29

     5219   authority, human institutions

Acts 22:26-30

     5261   commander

Library
Rome Protects Paul
'And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the Temple, I was in a trance; 18. And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me. 19. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: 20. And when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Paul on his Own Conversion
'And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why perseoutest thou Me? 8. And I answered, Who art Thou, Lord? And He said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me. 10. And I said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Being Easily Entreated
Not long since I saw in the report of a meeting a statement something like this: "The brethren were easily entreated, and so all personal difficulties were easily settled." One of the greatest problems that ministers meet and one that requires the most patience and wisdom is the problem of settling personal difficulties. These difficulties are often found existing between those professing to be Christians. And sometimes they are very hard to get settled. There is just one reason for this: those involved …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks

Some Scriptures for Daily Practise.
If we seek God earnestly in the prayer of faith to help us in our daily practise of the following Scriptural texts and then put forth our best efforts, we shall find life daily growing more holy and beautiful. The beauty and enjoyment of a holy life is that it can always be improved upon. We can live in all the light that shines upon us from these texts today, but tomorrow we find them shining a little brighter and fuller light, so that we shall have to live a little more holy than we are living …
C. E. Orr—How to Live a Holy Life

What is God's Will?
"The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will."--ACTS xxii. 14. WE resume to-day a subject, the thread of which has been broken by the interval of a few Sabbaths--the subject of the Will of God. Already we have tried to learn two lessons:-- (1) That the end of our life is to do the will of God. (2) That this was the end of Christ's life. It will help to recall what has gone before if we compare this with another definition of the end of life with which we are all familiar. …
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

Beyond the Brightness of the Sun
T. P. Acts xxii. 11 I was journeying in the noontide, When His light shone o'er my road; And I saw Him in that glory-- Saw Him--Jesus, Son of God. All around, in noonday splendour, Earthly scenes lay fair and bright; But my eyes no more behold them For the glory of that light. Others in the summer sunshine Wearily may journey on, I have seen a light from heaven, Past the brightness of the sun-- Light that knows no cloud, no waning, Light wherein I see His Face, All His love's uncounted treasures, …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
STUDY I EARLY LIFE THE PLACE OF PAUL +The Man, Paul,+ judged by the influence he has exerted in the world, is one of the greatest characters in all history. He is pre-eminent not only as a missionary, but as a marvelous thinker and writer. "He was a personality of vast power, force, and individuality." There are some men who seem to be born and prepared to do a large work for the world; Paul makes the impression upon those who carefully read the record of his life that he stands first in this class …
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Jerusalem to Rome
Acts 21:17-28:31 THIS JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 21:17-28:31 1. The speech before the Jewish mob in the temple (Acts 22:1-29) in which Paul tells the Jews how he was changed from a persecutor to a believer in Christ. He relates also the story of his conversion. 2. The speech before the Jewish council (Acts 22:30; 23:1-10) in which he creates confusion by raising the question of the resurrection. But the provocation was great for the high-priest had commanded that Paul be smitten …
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Jesus the Guest of Martha and Mary.
(Bethany, Near Jerusalem.) ^C Luke X. 38-42. ^c 38 Now as they went on their way [he was journeying through Judæa, attended by the twelve], he entered into a certain village [It was the village of Bethany (John xi. 1), which was on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, less than two miles from Jerusalem]: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word. [Sitting at the feet was the ancient …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
Acts 13-28 and all the rest of the New Testament except the epistles of John and Revelation. The Changed Situation. We have now come to a turning point in the whole situation. The center of work has shifted from Jerusalem to Antioch, the capital of the Greek province of Syria, the residence of the Roman governor of the province. We change from the study of the struggles of Christianity in the Jewish world to those it made among heathen people. We no longer study many and various persons and their …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Divine Calls.
"And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel; Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth."--1 Samuel iii. 10. In the narrative of which these words form part, we have a remarkable instance of a Divine call, and the manner in which it is our duty to meet it. Samuel was from a child brought to the house of the Lord; and in due time he was called to a sacred office, and made a prophet. He was called, and he forthwith answered the call. God said, "Samuel, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Baptism, a Divinely Appointed Means of Grace.
When we inquire into the benefits and blessings which the Word of God connects with baptism, we must be careful to obtain the true sense and necessary meaning of its declarations. It is not enough to pick out an isolated passage or two, give them a sense of our own, and forthwith build on them a theory or doctrine. In this way the Holy Scriptures have been made to teach and support the gravest errors and most dangerous heresies. In this way, many persons "wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction." …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Prodigal Son.
"And he said, A certain man had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Of the Prerogatives which the Elect Shall Enjoy in Heaven.
By reason of this communion with God, the elect in heaven shall have four superexcellent prerogatives:-- 1. They shall have the kingdom of heaven for their inheritance (Matt. xxv.; 1 Pet. i. 4), and they shall be free denizens of the heavenly Jerusalem (Eph. ii. 19; Heb. xii. 22.) St. Paul, by being a free citizen of Rome (Acts xxi. 26), escaped whipping; but they who are once free citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, shall ever be freed from the whips of eternal torments. For this freedom was bought …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Nature of Justification
Justification in the active sense (iustificatio, {GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER KAPPA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMEGA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is defined by the Tridentine Council as "a translation from that state wherein man is born a child of the first Adam, to the state of grace and of the adoption of the sons of God through the second Adam, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
(Near Bethlehem, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 8-20. ^c 8 And there were shepherds in the same country [they were in the same fields from which David had been called to tend God's Israel, or flock] abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. [When the flock is too far from the village to lead it to the fold at night, these shepherds still so abide with it in the field, even in the dead of winter.] 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them [He stood upon the earth at their side, and did …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Lord of Glory.
1 Cor. ii:8. OUR ever blessed Lord, who died for us, to whom we belong, with whom we shall be forever, is the Lord of Glory. Thus He is called in 1 Cor. ii:8, "for had they known they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory." Eternally He is this because He is "the express image of God, the brightness of His Glory" (Heb. i:3). He possessed Glory with the Father before the world was (John xvii:5). This Glory was beheld by the prophets, for we read that Isaiah "saw His Glory and spake of Him" …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Of Baptism.
1. Baptism defined. Its primary object. This consists of three things. 1. To attest the forgiveness of sins. 2. Passages of Scripture proving the forgiveness of sins. 3. Forgiveness not only of past but also of future sins. This no encouragement to license in sin. 4 Refutation of those who share forgiveness between Baptism and Repentance. 5 Second thing in Baptism--viz. to teach that we are ingrafted into Christ for mortification and newness of life. 6. Third thing in Baptism--viz. to teach us that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras, Falls to Plundering.
1. And thus were the disturbances of Galilee quieted, when, upon their ceasing to prosecute their civil dissensions, they betook themselves to make preparations for the war with the Romans. Now in Jerusalem the high priest Artanus, and do as many of the men of power as were not in the interest of the Romans, both repaired the walls, and made a great many warlike instruments, insomuch that in all parts of the city darts and all sorts of armor were upon the anvil. Although the multitude of the young …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

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