Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Roman Empire, citizenship was a highly coveted status that conferred numerous privileges and legal protections. Roman citizenship could be acquired through various means, including birth, military service, manumission (the act of a slave owner freeing their slaves), and, notably, purchase. The acquisition of citizenship by purchase is a significant aspect of Roman society that is briefly mentioned in the New Testament, providing insight into the socio-political landscape of the time.The Apostle Paul's interaction with Roman authorities provides a biblical reference to the concept of purchasing citizenship. In Acts 22:28, during Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, the Roman commander, who is surprised to learn that Paul is a Roman citizen, states, "I paid a high price for my citizenship." Paul responds, "But I was born a citizen" . This exchange highlights the fact that Roman citizenship could indeed be bought, albeit at a considerable cost, and that it was a status of great value and distinction. The ability to purchase citizenship was typically available to those who had accumulated wealth and influence, often through commerce or military service. This practice allowed individuals who were not born into Roman citizenship to gain access to its benefits, which included the right to vote, the right to legal protection under Roman law, and exemption from certain taxes and punishments. The purchase of citizenship was a legal transaction, often involving a substantial fee paid to the Roman treasury or through a bribe to influential officials. The sale of citizenship was not without controversy. It was sometimes viewed as a means of corruption, as it allowed wealth to circumvent the traditional pathways to citizenship, such as military service or birthright. Despite this, the practice was a pragmatic solution for the Roman Empire, which sought to integrate diverse peoples and cultures into its vast dominion. By extending citizenship through purchase, Rome could foster loyalty and stability among its subjects. In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of Roman citizenship serves as a backdrop to the spread of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul's status as a Roman citizen afforded him certain protections and privileges that facilitated his missionary journeys. His ability to appeal to Caesar, as recorded in Acts 25:11, was a direct result of his citizenship, allowing him to continue his ministry and ultimately bring the message of Christ to the heart of the Roman Empire. The mention of citizenship by purchase in the New Testament underscores the complex interplay between social status, legal rights, and the spread of Christianity in the first century. It reflects the diverse and multifaceted nature of the early Christian movement, which transcended cultural and social boundaries, reaching both the elite and the marginalized within the Roman world. Nave's Topical Index Acts 22:28And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. Nave's Topical Index Library Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... The Iranian Conquest part ii Resources How was Paul a Roman citizen? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was a Roman centurion? | GotQuestions.org What is a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church? | 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 |
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