Acts 22:26
New International Version
When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

New Living Translation
When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, “What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!”

English Standard Version
When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the centurion having heard it, having gone to the commander, reported it saying, "What are you going to do? For this man is a Roman."

King James Bible
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.

New King James Version
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”

New American Standard Bible
When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.”

NASB 1995
When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.”

NASB 1977
And when the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And when the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported to him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.”

Amplified Bible
When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and said to him, “What are you about to do? This man is a Roman!”

Christian Standard Bible
When the centurion heard this, he went and reported to the commander, saying, “What are you going to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the centurion heard this, he went and reported to the commander, saying, “What are you going to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”

American Standard Version
And when the centurion heard it, he went to the chief captain and told him, saying, What art thou about to do? for this man is a Roman.

Contemporary English Version
When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and said, "What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!"

English Revised Version
And when the centurion heard it, he went to the chief captain, and told him, saying, What art thou about to do? for this man is a Roman.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the sergeant heard this, he reported it to his commanding officer. The sergeant asked him, "What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen."

Good News Translation
When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked him, "What are you doing? That man is a Roman citizen!"

International Standard Version
When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and told him, "What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!"

Majority Standard Bible
On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. ?Consider what you are about to do,? he said. ?This man is a Roman citizen.?

NET Bible
When the centurion heard this, he went to the commanding officer and reported it, saying, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen."

New Heart English Bible
When the centurion heard it, he went to the commanding officer and told him, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman."

Webster's Bible Translation
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest; for this man is a Roman.

Weymouth New Testament
On hearing this question, the Captain went to report the matter to the Tribune. "What are you intending to do?" he said. "This man is a Roman citizen."

World English Bible
When the centurion heard it, he went to the commanding officer and told him, “Watch what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the centurion having heard, having gone near to the chief captain, told, saying, “Take heed what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman”;

Berean Literal Bible
And the centurion having heard it, having gone to the commander, reported it saying, "What are you going to do? For this man is a Roman."

Young's Literal Translation
and the centurion having heard, having gone near to the chief captain, told, saying, 'Take heed what thou art about to do, for this man is a Roman;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the centurion having heard, having come near announced to the captain of a thousand, See what thou art about to do: for this man is a Roman.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Which the centurion hearing, went to the tribune, and told him, saying: What art thou about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Upon hearing this, the centurion went to the tribune and reported it to him, saying: “What do you intend to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”

New American Bible
When the centurion heard this, he went to the cohort commander and reported it, saying, “What are you going to do? This man is a Roman citizen.”

New Revised Standard Version
When the centurion heard that, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? This man is a Roman citizen.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When the centurion heard that, he went to the chief captain and said, Be careful what you do: for this man is a Roman citizen.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when the Centurion heard this, he called to the Chiliarch and he said to him, “What have you done? This man is a Roman!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when the centurion heard that, he went out and told it to the officer, saying: "What are you about to do? for this man is a Roman.

Godbey New Testament
And the centurion hearing, having come to the chiliarch, announced to him, saying, What are you about to do? for this man is a Roman.

Haweis New Testament
And when the centurion heard this, he came and told the military tribune, saying, Consider what you are going to do: for this man is a Roman citizen.

Mace New Testament
upon hearing that, the centurion went to acquaint the head officer, take care, said he, what you do; for this man is a Roman.

Weymouth New Testament
On hearing this question, the Captain went to report the matter to the Tribune. "What are you intending to do?" he said. "This man is a Roman citizen."

Worrell New Testament
And the centurion, hearing it, going to the chief captain, reported it, saying, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman!"

Worsley New Testament
And the centurion hearing this, went and told the tribune, saying, Consider what thou art about to do; for this man is a Roman.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul the Roman Citizen
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.” 27The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered.…

Cross References
Acts 16:37-39
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!” / So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. / They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city.

Acts 25:10-12
Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” / Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Acts 23:27
This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,

Acts 21:39
But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”

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.

Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 28:19
But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation.

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.

John 18:28-31
Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. / So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” / “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” ...

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

Luke 23:4
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

John 19:12
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

Jeremiah 26:16
Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”

Daniel 6:14-16
As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him. / Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.” / So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

Esther 7:3-6
Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. / For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” / Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” ...


Treasury of Scripture

When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what you do: for this man is a Roman.

Take.

Acts 22:29
Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Acts 23:27
This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

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Account Captain Centurion Chief Chiliarch Citizen Citizen Commander Commanding Heard Hearing Heed Intending Matter Officer Question Report Reported Roman Tribune Watch
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Account Captain Centurion Chief Chiliarch Citizen Citizen Commander Commanding Heard Hearing Heed Intending Matter Officer Question Report Reported Roman Tribune Watch
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.














On hearing this
The phrase "On hearing this" indicates a moment of realization and urgency. The centurion, upon hearing Paul's claim of Roman citizenship, recognizes the gravity of the situation. In the Roman world, citizenship carried significant legal protections and privileges. The Greek word for "hearing" (ἀκούσας, akousas) implies not just the act of hearing but understanding and processing the information. This moment underscores the importance of listening and responding appropriately to new information, especially when it pertains to justice and legal rights.

the centurion
The "centurion" was a Roman officer in charge of approximately one hundred soldiers. Centurions were known for their leadership, discipline, and loyalty to Rome. The role of the centurion in this narrative highlights the structured military hierarchy of the Roman Empire. Historically, centurions were often depicted as men of authority and respect, and their actions carried significant weight. This centurion's decision to report to his superior reflects his understanding of the legal implications of Paul's citizenship.

went and reported it to the commander
The action "went and reported it to the commander" demonstrates the chain of command within the Roman military. The Greek word for "reported" (ἀπήγγειλεν, apēngeilen) suggests a formal announcement or declaration. This reflects the seriousness with which the centurion approached the situation. The "commander" (χιλίαρχος, chiliarchos) was a higher-ranking officer, responsible for a larger cohort of soldiers. This hierarchical structure ensured that important decisions, especially those involving legal matters, were handled by the appropriate authority.

saying, 'What are you going to do?'
The question "What are you going to do?" reveals the centurion's concern and perhaps anxiety about the situation. It suggests a moment of decision-making and the need for careful consideration of the next steps. The Greek phrasing indicates a sense of urgency and the potential consequences of mishandling the situation. This question also reflects the centurion's awareness of the legal protections afforded to Roman citizens and the potential repercussions for violating those rights.

This man is a Roman citizen
The declaration "This man is a Roman citizen" is pivotal in the narrative. Roman citizenship was a prized status that conferred numerous legal rights, including protection from certain forms of punishment without a trial. The Greek term for "citizen" (πολίτης, politēs) emphasizes belonging and legal standing within the Roman state. Historically, Roman citizenship could be acquired by birth, purchase, or as a reward for service, and it was a mark of prestige and privilege. This statement underscores the theme of justice and the rule of law, reminding readers of the importance of respecting legal rights and the dignity of individuals.

(26) Take heed what thou doest.--The better MSS. give the words simply as a question: "What art thou about to do?"

Verse 26. - And when for when, A.V.; it for that, A.V.; to for and told, A.V.; and told him, saying for saying, A.V.; What art thou about to do? for Take heed what thou doest, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[On]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

hearing [this],
Ἀκούσας (Akousas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

the
(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.

centurion
ἑκατοντάρχης (hekatontarchēs)
Noun - Nominative 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.

went
προσελθὼν (proselthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.

[and] reported [it]
ἀπήγγειλεν (apēngeilen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 518: To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative 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.
χιλιάρχῳ (chiliarchō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5506: A commander of a thousand men, a military tribune. From chilioi and archo; the commander of a thousand soldiers

“What
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

are you going
μέλλεις (melleis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3195: A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.

to do?”
ποιεῖν (poiein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

he said.
λέγων (legōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“This
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

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

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a Roman citizen.”
Ῥωμαῖός (Rhōmaios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4514: Roman; subst: a Roman citizen. From Rhome; Romaean, i.e. Roman.


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NT Apostles: Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard it he went (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 22:25
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