King James Version

What Does Acts 22:25 Mean?

Acts 22:25 in the King James Version says “And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man tha... — study this verse from Acts chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

Acts 22:25 · KJV


Context

23

And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

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.

25

And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

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.

27

Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as they bound him with thongs—Paul is being stretched for flogging (μαστιγώσωσιν, mastigōsōsin, v. 24) with leather straps (ἱμᾶσιν, himasin, 'thongs, lashes'). Roman scourging was brutal—leather whips embedded with bone or metal designed to flay flesh. Men died from this punishment. The preparatory binding stretched the victim's arms forward, exposing the back fully.

Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?—Paul's timing is strategic; he waits until binding begins, making his point vivid. The question εἰ ἄνθρωπον Ῥωμαῖον (ei anthrōpon Rōmaion, 'if a Roman man') and ἀκατάκριτον (akatakriton, 'uncondemned, without trial') invokes the Lex Valeria and Lex Porcia—Roman laws forbidding the flogging or execution of citizens without trial. Paul uses his citizenship strategically to protect himself and establish legal precedent for the church.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman citizenship was precious and rare in the provinces. It provided protection from degrading punishment, right to trial, and appeal to Caesar. The Lex Porcia (248 BC) and related laws made it illegal to bind, flog, or execute a Roman citizen without trial. Violation could bring severe punishment to the offending official. Paul's Tarsian citizenship was unusual—possibly inherited from his father or earned through service. This dramatic moment in Jerusalem (c. AD 57) echoes Acts 16:37 in Philippi, showing Paul's consistent use of legal rights to advance the gospel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's strategic use of Roman citizenship demonstrate the principle of being 'wise as serpents' while advancing gospel purposes?
  2. What's the difference between Paul claiming his rights and Jesus remaining silent before His accusers—when is each appropriate?
  3. How can Christians today wisely use legal protections and civic rights to advance gospel ministry without compromising suffering for Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὡς1 of 21

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 21

And

G1161

but, and, etc

προέτεινεν3 of 21

they bound

G4385

to protend, i.e., tie prostrate (for scourging)

αὐτὸν4 of 21

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῖς5 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱμᾶσιν6 of 21

with thongs

G2438

a strap, i.e., (specially) the tie (of a sandal) or the lash (of a scourge)

εἶπεν7 of 21

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς8 of 21

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν9 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑστῶτα10 of 21

that stood by

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἑκατόνταρχον11 of 21

the centurion

G1543

the captain of one hundred men

12 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος13 of 21

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

Εἰ14 of 21

Is it lawful

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἄνθρωπον15 of 21

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

Ῥωμαῖον16 of 21

that is a Roman

G4514

romaean, i.e., roman (as noun)

καὶ17 of 21

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀκατάκριτον18 of 21

uncondemned

G178

without (legal) trial

ἔξεστιν19 of 21
G1832

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

ὑμῖν20 of 21

for you

G5213

to (with or by) you

μαστίζειν21 of 21

to scourge

G3147

to whip (literally)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 22:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 22:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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