Acts 22:28
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 Version
and 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 Testament
And 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.

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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 Tribune
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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 Tribune
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.














I paid a high price for my citizenship
The phrase highlights the Roman commander's acknowledgment of the value and privilege associated with Roman citizenship. In the Roman Empire, citizenship was a coveted status that conferred numerous legal protections and rights. The Greek word for "citizenship" here is "πολίτης" (polites), which denotes a member of a city or state, emphasizing the legal and social standing it provided. Historically, Roman citizenship could be acquired through various means, including birth, military service, or purchase, as indicated by the commander's statement. The "high price" suggests the significant financial or political cost involved, reflecting the exclusivity and desirability of such a status in the ancient world.

said the commander
The "commander" refers to a Roman tribune or military officer, responsible for maintaining order and overseeing the Roman cohort in Jerusalem. His role underscores the Roman presence and authority in Judea during this period. The commander's interaction with Paul reveals the complexities of Roman governance and the importance of citizenship in legal matters. His statement also sets the stage for the contrast between his acquired citizenship and Paul's inherent status.

But I was born a citizen
Paul's response, "I was born a citizen," introduces a significant contrast to the commander's purchased status. The Greek term "γεννηθείς" (gennetheis) implies being naturally born into a status or condition. This birthright citizenship suggests that Paul's family had Roman citizenship, possibly due to services rendered to the Roman state or other historical circumstances. This claim not only establishes Paul's legal rights but also highlights the providential nature of his life and ministry. In a broader theological context, it serves as a metaphor for the believer's spiritual birthright in Christ, emphasizing the unearned grace and privileges bestowed upon those who are "born again" into the Kingdom of God.

Paul replied
Paul's reply is both a legal assertion and a personal testimony. His calm and confident declaration of his citizenship reflects his understanding of Roman law and his strategic use of his rights to further his mission. This moment in Acts underscores the Apostle's wisdom and the divine orchestration of his life circumstances, enabling him to navigate complex legal and cultural landscapes. It also serves as an inspiration for believers to be aware of and utilize their God-given rights and opportunities to advance the Gospel.

(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
“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.

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
(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.


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NT Apostles: Acts 22:28 The commanding officer answered I bought my (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 22:27
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