Acts Chapter 22 · Verse 28
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 19
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χιλίαρχος
the chief captain
G5506
χιλίαρχος
the chief captain
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
4 of 19
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
πολλοῦ
With a great
G4183
πολλοῦ
With a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
κεφαλαίου
sum
G2774
κεφαλαίου
sum
Strong's:
G2774
Word #:
7 of 19
a principal thing, i.e., main point; specially, an amount (of money)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
10 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
14 of 19
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
Historical Context
Under Claudius (AD 41-54), Roman citizenship expanded through dubious means. The emperor's corrupt freedmen sold citizenship for profit, debasing its value. The tribune Claudius Lysias likely bought his citizenship and took 'Claudius' as part of his name (Roman practice when granted citizenship). In contrast, hereditary citizenship was rare and prestigious in the provinces. Tarsus was a 'free city' where select families held both local and Roman citizenship. Paul's family may have earned it through loyal service or manufacturing military tents for Roman legions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's superior citizenship status illustrate spiritual truth—believers are 'free born' children of God, not purchased slaves?
- What does this passage teach about using social status, when available, for kingdom purposes without deriving identity from it?
- In what ways might God providentially arrange circumstances of birth, education, or social position to advance His gospel purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom—The tribune reveals he purchased citizenship (πολλοῦ κεφαλαίου, pollou kephalaiou, 'with much capital') during the reign of Claudius, when citizenship was notoriously for sale through bribes. He likely bought it through freedman Marcus Antonius Felix's corrupt connections. The tribune's use of τὴν πολιτείαν ταύτην (tēn politeian tautēn, 'this citizenship') shows both pride in the acquisition and surprise at Paul's claim.
And Paul said, But I was free born—Paul's ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ γεγέννημαι (egō de kai gegennēmai, 'But I also have been born [a citizen]') asserts higher status. Citizenship by birth (Latin: ingenuus) was more prestigious than purchased citizenship. Paul's Tarsian family had held citizenship for generations, possibly granted for service to Rome. This revelation elevates Paul's social standing in the tribune's eyes—he's not just any prisoner but a citizen of superior rank.