King James Version

What Does Acts 22:27 Mean?

Acts 22:27 in the King James Version says “Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 22:27 · KJV

Context

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.

28

And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

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. examined him: or, tortured him

Read Acts 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman?—The tribune comes personally (προσελθὼν, proselthōn, 'having come to') to verify the claim. His question Λέγε μοι, σὺ Ῥωμαῖος εἶ (Lege moi, sy Rōmaios ei, 'Tell me, you—are you a Roman?') is direct, using the emphatic σύ (sy, 'you'). He must confirm before proceeding, as flogging a citizen would ruin his career. He said, Yea—Paul's simple ναί (nai, 'yes') is a legal declaration, subject to penalty if false.

This brief exchange holds enormous legal weight. Paul doesn't claim citizenship lightly—it's verifiable through official registers in Tarsus and Rome. The tribune's willingness to halt proceedings based on Paul's word shows both the honor system underlying Roman citizenship and the severity of punishments for violation. This moment shifts the entire trajectory of Paul's imprisonment, eventually leading to his appeal to Caesar and journey to Rome.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman citizenship could be verified through various means: birth certificates (sometimes carried), citizenship tablets, or inquiry to one's home city's records. The tribune would know that Paul's claim was easily checked and that lying was capital offense. The Jerusalem garrison commander was responsible for maintaining order in a volatile city during festival times—any mishandling of a Roman citizen could end his career. The tribune's caution reflects both Roman legal precision and the privileges citizenship conferred, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's forthrightness with his citizenship ('Yea') model transparency and integrity in using legal rights?
  2. What does this exchange teach about the importance of identity—Paul's primary identity was in Christ, yet he properly used his Roman identity when providentially useful?
  3. In what situations should Christians clearly assert their legal rights, and when might it be better to suffer wrongfully?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
προσελθὼν1 of 16

“came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

δὲ2 of 16

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 16
G3588

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

χιλίαρχος4 of 16

“the chief captain”

G5506

the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel

εἶπεν5 of 16

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ6 of 16

“unto 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

Λέγε7 of 16

“Tell”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

μοι8 of 16

“me”

G3427

to me

εἶ9 of 16
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

σὺ10 of 16

“thou”

G4771

thou

Ῥωμαῖος11 of 16

“a Roman”

G4514

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

εἰ12 of 16

“art”

G1488

thou art

ὁ13 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ14 of 16

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔφη15 of 16

“He said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Ναί16 of 16

“Yea”

G3483

yes

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 22:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 22 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes