The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”
Parallel translations
- WEB The commanding officer answered, “I bought my citizenship for a great price.” Paul said, “But I was born a Roman.”
- KJV And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
- BSB “I paid a high price for my citizenship,” said the commander. “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.
- NASB The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship for a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.”
- NLT “I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!” Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The commander notes he bought his citizenship at great cost, and Paul replies that he was born a citizen. Paul's birthright surpasses the officer's purchased status.
Overview
Many gained citizenship by payment or service, but Paul possessed it by birth, a higher and unquestioned standing. The detail underscores Paul's genuine Roman privilege, which God providentially ordained for this very mission. What Paul received by birth in this world points to the far greater inheritance believers receive by new birth in Christ.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 22:28 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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