Acts 22:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} straightway {G2112} they departed {G868} from {G575} him {G846} which {G3588} should {G3195} have examined {G426} him {G846}: and {G1161} the chief captain {G5506} also {G2532} was afraid {G5399}, after he knew {G1921} that {G3754} he was {G2076} a Roman {G4514}, and {G2532} because {G3754} he had {G2258} bound {G1210} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At once the men who had been about to interrogate him drew back from him; and the commander was afraid too, because he realized that he had put this man who was a Roman citizen in chains.

Berean Standard Bible

Then 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.

American Standard Version

They then that were about to examine him straightway departed from him: and the chief captain also was afraid when he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 22:29 vividly portrays the immediate and dramatic shift in the Roman authorities' demeanor upon discovering Paul's Roman citizenship. The chief captain, Claudius Lysias, and his subordinates, who were preparing to interrogate Paul under scourging, instantly ceased their proceedings. This verse highlights the profound legal and personal ramifications for the Roman officer who had already ordered Paul to be bound, realizing the severe violation of a Roman citizen's rights he had committed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment following a series of escalating events in Jerusalem. Paul, having been rescued from a mob by Roman soldiers, was granted permission to address the crowd from the steps of the barracks. His defense, particularly his mention of being sent to the Gentiles, incited further uproar from the Jewish populace ([Acts 22:22-23](/acts/22-22-23 "Acts 22:22-23 - The Crowd's Violent Reaction to Paul")). In response to the renewed clamor and to ascertain the reason for the commotion, the chief captain ordered Paul to be brought into the barracks and examined by scourging. Just as the soldiers were about to inflict this punishment, Paul calmly informed a centurion that it was unlawful to scourge a Roman citizen who had not been condemned ([Acts 22:25](/acts/22-25 "Acts 22:25 - Paul's Declaration of Roman Citizenship")). The centurion immediately relayed this critical information to the chief captain, leading directly to the events of Acts 22:29, where the intended examination was halted, and the chief captain's fear became evident.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman citizenship was a highly prized status throughout the Roman Empire, conferring significant legal protections and privileges. These included immunity from scourging (flogging) without a trial, the right to appeal to the Emperor (provocatio ad Caesarem), and protection from arbitrary arrest or execution. Violating these rights, especially by a Roman official, was a grave offense, potentially punishable by death or severe penalties. The chief captain, Claudius Lysias, had himself purchased his citizenship at a great price ([Acts 22:28](/acts/22-28 "Acts 22:28 - Claudius Lysias's Purchased Citizenship")), indicating its immense value and the legal knowledge required to navigate such matters. His immediate fear was not merely personal apprehension but a recognition of the severe legal jeopardy he faced for having already ordered the binding of an uncondemned Roman citizen. This incident underscores the Roman commitment, at least in principle, to its own intricate legal framework.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 22:29 powerfully highlights several key themes central to the book of Acts. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly uses Paul's natural-born Roman citizenship as a protective shield, preserving him from severe physical harm and facilitating his continued ministry. This aligns with God's broader plan for Paul to bear witness in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). Secondly, the passage emphasizes the **Power of Roman Law**, illustrating how a secular legal system, even one that was often brutal, could be instrumental in protecting God's servants and advancing the gospel. The chief captain's fear underscores the serious implications of violating established legal protocols, even for high-ranking officials. Finally, it subtly touches upon the theme of **Justice and Injustice**, as Paul, despite being innocent of any crime, faced an unjust mob and the threat of unlawful punishment, only to be vindicated by the assertion of his legal rights.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb signifies immediate action, without delay. Its use here underscores the urgency and swiftness with which the Roman soldiers and the chief captain reacted to the revelation of Paul's Roman citizenship. The intended examination by scourging was halted abruptly, demonstrating the profound and instant impact of Paul's declaration on the Roman authorities.
* **chief captain (Greek, _chilíarchos'_):** This term refers to a military commander of a thousand soldiers, equivalent to a tribune. In this context, it identifies Claudius Lysias, the Roman officer in charge of the cohort stationed in Jerusalem. His specific title highlights his significant authority and, consequently, the severity of the legal repercussions he faced for violating a Roman citizen's rights.
* **afraid (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb describes a state of being frightened or alarmed. The chief captain's fear was not merely emotional but rooted in the very real legal peril he faced. Having already ordered Paul to be bound and prepared for scourging, he had committed acts that were unlawful against a Roman citizen, potentially leading to severe penalties for himself. This fear compelled his immediate change of action.
* **bound (Greek, _déō'_):** This verb means "to bind" or "to tie." The chief captain's fear stemmed specifically from the fact that he "had bound him" (Paul). Binding a Roman citizen without a proper trial was a violation of their rights, even if scourging had not yet occurred. This past action, now recognized as a legal misstep, was the immediate cause of the chief captain's alarm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him":** This clause describes the immediate cessation of the intended interrogation by scourging. The "they" refers to the soldiers who were preparing to examine Paul, and "him which should have examined him" refers to the chief captain's order for the examination. The use of "straightway" emphasizes the abrupt and urgent halt to the proceedings, indicating the gravity of the newly revealed information.
* **"and the chief captain also was afraid,"** This part highlights the emotional and professional reaction of Claudius Lysias. His fear was not a casual emotion but a deep apprehension stemming from the realization of his legal blunder. As a high-ranking Roman official, he understood the severe consequences of violating a Roman citizen's rights.
* **"after he knew that he was a Roman,"** This phrase provides the direct cause for the chief captain's fear and the halt of the examination. The knowledge of Paul's Roman citizenship fundamentally altered the legal landscape of the situation, transforming Paul from a mere Jewish agitator into a protected individual under Roman law.
* **"and because he had bound him."** This final clause specifies the particular illegal act that caused the chief captain's fear. While scourging was the more severe violation, simply binding a Roman citizen without a formal trial or conviction was also a serious offense. This past action put the chief captain in legal jeopardy, prompting his immediate and fearful reaction.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Acts 22:29 employs several effective literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the chief captain, in his attempt to extract information by force, unwittingly places himself in a legally precarious position. He, an official who purchased his citizenship, is now in danger of violating the rights of someone who was born with that same esteemed status. There is also an element of **Suspense** that is quickly resolved; the tension built around Paul's impending scourging is abruptly defused by his calm declaration, leading to the chief captain's sudden fear and the immediate change in plans. The narrative also uses **Contrast** to highlight the stark difference between the chief captain's initial authoritative and punitive stance and his subsequent fearful and cautious demeanor once Paul's citizenship is revealed. This shift underscores the immense power and protection afforded by Roman law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 22:29 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, using even secular legal systems and human institutions to protect His servants and advance His divine purposes. Paul's Roman citizenship, a seemingly mundane detail of his birth, becomes a crucial instrument of divine protection, preventing unlawful torture and ensuring his preservation for future ministry, including his prophesied journey to Rome. This event reminds believers that God is not limited to "spiritual" means but can strategically employ any facet of human existence, including legal rights and political structures, to accomplish His will. It underscores the principle that God's people can, and sometimes should, utilize the protections and opportunities afforded by the laws of the land, not for selfish gain, but for the glory of God and the unhindered proclamation of the Gospel.

* [Acts 16:37-39](/acts/16-37-39 "Acts 16:37-39 - Paul and Silas Assert Roman Citizenship in Philippi")
* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul to Testify in Rome")
* [Acts 23:27](/acts/23-27 "Acts 23:27 - Claudius Lysias's Letter to Felix Regarding Paul's Citizenship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 22:29 serves as a profound reminder that God's providential care extends to every detail of our lives, even when we find ourselves in perilous or unjust circumstances. Paul's calm assertion of his rights, rather than a desperate plea, demonstrates a wisdom in navigating earthly systems while trusting in a higher authority. For believers today, this passage encourages us to understand the legal and societal frameworks in which we live and, where appropriate and ethical, to utilize the rights and protections afforded to us. This is not for personal comfort or worldly advantage, but as a means by which God might preserve us, open doors for the gospel, or allow us to stand for truth and justice. It challenges us to discern when to suffer silently for Christ's sake and when to employ legitimate means to protect ourselves or our ministry. Ultimately, it calls us to a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that His plans will prevail, often through unexpected avenues, even amidst opposition and adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God use seemingly ordinary or "secular" aspects of our lives, like citizenship or profession, to advance His kingdom purposes?**
* **When is it appropriate for a Christian to assert their legal rights, and what should be the guiding motivation for doing so?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign protection, even when facing situations that seem unjust or out of our control?**

### FAQ
**What was the chief captain's primary concern after learning Paul was a Roman citizen?**

Answer: The chief captain's primary concern was the severe legal repercussions he faced for having violated Paul's rights. He had already ordered Paul to be bound and was preparing to scourge him, both of which were illegal acts against an uncondemned Roman citizen. Such violations could lead to severe penalties, including fines, demotion, or even death for a Roman official. His fear was a direct result of realizing his professional and personal jeopardy under Roman law, as highlighted in [Acts 22:25](/acts/22-25 "Acts 22:25 - Paul's Declaration of Citizenship").

**Did Paul always assert his Roman citizenship?**

Answer: No, Paul did not always assert his Roman citizenship. While he strategically used it in Jerusalem (Acts 22) and Philippi ([Acts 16:37-39](/acts/16-37-39 "Acts 16:37-39 - Paul and Silas Assert Roman Citizenship in Philippi")), there were many instances where he endured suffering, beatings, and imprisonment without invoking his rights. For example, he was beaten with rods three times by the Romans and five times by the Jews (which would have been illegal for a Roman citizen) as recounted in [2 Corinthians 11:24-25](/2_corinthians/11-24-25 "2 Corinthians 11:24-25 - Paul's Sufferings"). This suggests Paul's use of his citizenship was not for personal comfort but a strategic decision based on divine guidance and the advancement of the gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 22:29, while detailing Paul's use of his Roman citizenship to escape unlawful punishment, points us to the ultimate citizenship and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Paul, as a servant of the gospel, strategically employs his earthly rights to preserve his life and ministry, ultimately aiming to bear witness to Christ in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). In contrast, Jesus Christ, though possessing ultimate divine authority and the right to call down legions of angels ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Legions of Angels")), willingly surrendered His rights and submitted to unjust suffering and an unlawful trial. He did not assert His divine prerogative to avoid the cross but became obedient to death, even death on a cross, for the redemption of humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Paul's temporary reprieve through earthly citizenship foreshadows the eternal security and ultimate vindication that believers receive through their citizenship in heaven, secured by Christ's sacrifice and resurrection ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Thus, Paul's experience, while highlighting God's providential care in the present, ultimately directs our gaze to the Lamb of God who, though innocent, was bound and scourged so that we might be set free.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 21:33

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded [him] to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

Acts 22:24

The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

Acts 22:26

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

Hebrews 11:35

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

Acts 16:38

And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

Acts 16:39

And they came and besought them, and brought [them] out, and desired [them] to depart out of the city.