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.
Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him—The men who were about to torture Paul immediately withdrew (ἀπέστησαν, apestēsan, 'stood away from'). Those who were μέλλοντες αὐτὸν ἀνετάζειν (mellontes auton anetazein, 'about to examine him by torture')—using ἀνετάζω, referring specifically to judicial torture to extract confessions—instantly stop. Roman law absolutely forbade torturing citizens. The verification of Paul's citizenship creates legal immunity.
And the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him—The tribune experienced ἐφοβήθη (ephobēthē, 'he feared') because even binding (δεδεκὼς, dedekōs) a Roman citizen without proper legal process violated law. His fear wasn't of Paul but of superior officers and potential loss of position or worse. The Lex Porcia prescribed severe penalties for officials who violated citizen rights. God uses Roman law to protect His apostle and ensure Paul's path to Rome.
Historical Context
Roman law distinguished between torture for slaves and non-citizens (legal) and torture for citizens (absolutely illegal). Judicial torture (quaestio) was common for extracting confessions from non-citizens, but applying it to citizens was a serious crime. Officers who violated citizenship rights faced court-martial, demotion, fines, or execution, depending on severity. The tribune's fear was justified—he had publicly ordered a citizen bound for torture, with witnesses. This legal protection would allow Paul to preach the gospel throughout his imprisonment with unusual freedom.
Questions for Reflection
How does God's providential protection through Roman law demonstrate His sovereignty over earthly systems for gospel purposes?
What does the tribune's fear teach about the proper role of law in restraining injustice and protecting the vulnerable?
In what ways might legal structures today provide similar protection for gospel witness, and how should Christians wisely utilize them?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him—The men who were about to torture Paul immediately withdrew (ἀπέστησαν, apestēsan, 'stood away from'). Those who were μέλλοντες αὐτὸν ἀνετάζειν (mellontes auton anetazein, 'about to examine him by torture')—using ἀνετάζω, referring specifically to judicial torture to extract confessions—instantly stop. Roman law absolutely forbade torturing citizens. The verification of Paul's citizenship creates legal immunity.
And the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him—The tribune experienced ἐφοβήθη (ephobēthē, 'he feared') because even binding (δεδεκὼς, dedekōs) a Roman citizen without proper legal process violated law. His fear wasn't of Paul but of superior officers and potential loss of position or worse. The Lex Porcia prescribed severe penalties for officials who violated citizen rights. God uses Roman law to protect His apostle and ensure Paul's path to Rome.