When the centurion heard [that], he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
When {G1161} the centurion {G1543} heard {G191} that, he went {G4334} and told {G518} the chief captain {G5506}, saying {G3004}, Take heed {G3708} what {G5101} thou doest {G3195}{G4160}: for {G1063} this {G3778} man {G444} is {G2076} a Roman {G4514}.
When the captain heard that, he went and reported it to the commander, “Do you realize what you’re doing? This man is a Roman citizen!”
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.”
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.
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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. -
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 22:26 presents a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, highlighting the significance of Roman citizenship in the ancient world and God's protective hand over His servant.
Context
This verse immediately follows Paul's declaration in Acts 22:25 that he is a Roman citizen. Paul had been arrested by the chief captain, Claudius Lysias, who sought to ascertain why the Jewish crowd was so agitated against him. To extract information, Lysias ordered Paul to be scourged – a brutal form of interrogation. Just as the soldiers were preparing to bind Paul for this punishment, he informed the centurion of his Roman status. The centurion, realizing the grave legal implications of scourging a Roman citizen without a trial, immediately reports this critical information to his superior, the chief captain.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "Roman" is Rhōmaios (Ῥωμαῖος), which denotes a citizen of Rome, carrying with it specific legal privileges and protections. The phrase "Take heed what thou doest" translates the Greek hora ti melleis prassein (ὅρα τί μέλλεις πράσσειν), which is a strong warning, essentially meaning "Be careful what you are about to do" or "Consider the consequences of your actions." It conveys the centurion's immediate understanding of the perilous legal position the chief captain would be in if they proceeded with the scourging.
Practical Application
This verse reminds us of the importance of justice and due process. Even in challenging circumstances, individuals have rights that should be respected. For believers, it illustrates how God can use various circumstances, including our legal or social standing, to protect us and advance His purposes. Paul's assertion of his rights was not an act of pride but a strategic move that preserved his life and ministry, allowing him to continue bearing witness to Christ.