Acts 22:28 – “Then the commander said, ‘I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.’ ‘But I was born a citizen,’ Paul replied.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse is part of a conversation between Paul and the Roman commander who had ordered him to be flogged. When Paul revealed that he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:27), the commander was shocked. In response, he stated that he had to purchase his own Roman citizenship at a great price. But Paul’s reply, “I was born a citizen,” immediately set him apart.

In the Roman Empire, citizenship was a prized status that granted special rights and protections. Some people gained it by being born into a Roman family, while others had to buy it, often for a high price. The commander had earned his citizenship through money, but Paul had inherited his from birth.

This exchange highlights an important truth—Paul’s citizenship was no accident. It was part of God’s plan for his life. At this moment, it became a crucial tool in protecting Paul from unjust treatment and advancing the gospel.

Historical Context

In ancient Rome, citizenship was a privilege, not a right. Most people living in the empire were not citizens. Being a citizen gave a person the right to a fair trial, exemption from certain punishments (like flogging), and even the ability to appeal directly to the emperor in legal matters.

There were three main ways to become a Roman citizen:

1. By birth – If a child was born to a Roman citizen, they automatically inherited that status.
2. By military service or political favor – Some people were granted citizenship as a reward for service to Rome.
3. By purchasing it – Wealthy individuals could buy citizenship, often through a bribe to officials.

The fact that the commander had to pay for his citizenship suggests he was not born into a noble Roman family but had acquired his status later in life. Paul, on the other hand, was born into a family that already had Roman citizenship, likely because of his father’s service to Rome or a special grant.

This citizenship played a key role in Paul’s ministry. It allowed him to travel freely, avoid unfair punishments, and eventually appeal his case to Caesar himself (Acts 25:10-12).

Theological Implications

1. God’s Plan is in the Details – Paul’s citizenship wasn’t a coincidence; it was part of God’s design to spread the gospel to the highest levels of society.
2. Not All Status is Equal – The commander had to buy his citizenship, but Paul received his freely. This reminds us that earthly privileges do not define true worth—what matters most is our spiritual identity in Christ.
3. Heavenly Citizenship is a Gift – Just as Paul was born a Roman citizen, Christians are born again into God’s family, receiving heavenly citizenship as a free gift through Jesus (Philippians 3:20).

Literary Analysis

This verse contrasts two different paths to citizenship—one acquired through money and the other through birthright. The commander emphasizes the cost of his status, but Paul’s response shows that his was inherited. This contrast highlights the idea that some privileges cannot be bought; they are given.

Paul’s statement, “I was born a citizen,” is short but powerful. It shifts the conversation and immediately raises his status above the commander’s. In the Roman world, birthright citizenship was more prestigious than purchased citizenship, which meant Paul had even greater legal protection than the commander himself.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 16:37 – Paul previously used his Roman citizenship to demand justice after being beaten unlawfully.
• Acts 25:10-12 – Paul later appeals to Caesar, using his citizenship to take his case to Rome.
• Philippians 3:20 – Paul reminds believers that their true citizenship is in heaven.
• Ephesians 2:19 – “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds Christians that God is in control of every aspect of our lives, including the circumstances of our birth. Paul’s citizenship gave him opportunities to spread the gospel, and in the same way, God has placed each of us in specific families, communities, and nations for His purpose.

It also serves as a picture of salvation. Just as Paul was born a citizen rather than having to earn it, Christians are born into God’s family through faith in Christ. Our heavenly citizenship is not something we can buy or earn—it is a gift of grace.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His detailed care for Paul’s life. Even before Paul was born, God had arranged for him to have Roman citizenship, knowing it would be crucial for his mission. This reminds us that God’s love is not just general—it is personal. He is involved in every detail of our lives.

It also shows that God’s love is not based on human achievement. The commander had to pay for his citizenship, but Paul received his freely. In the same way, we do not earn God’s love—we receive it as a free gift through Jesus Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Paid the Ultimate Price for Our Citizenship – Unlike Paul, who was born a citizen, believers are brought into God’s kingdom through Jesus’ sacrifice (Ephesians 2:13).
2. Jesus Gives Us a New Identity – Earthly citizenship is temporary, but Jesus gives believers an eternal identity as children of God (John 1:12-13).
3. Jesus is Lord Over All Nations – Paul’s Roman citizenship helped spread the gospel across the empire, fulfilling Jesus’ command to take the good news to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Paul’s example encourage you to see God’s purpose in your own background and circumstances?
2. What does it mean to have “citizenship in heaven” (Philippians 3:20)?
3. How can Christians use their earthly privileges and opportunities to advance the gospel?
4. What are some ways we can trust that God has planned the details of our lives for His purpose?
5. How does this passage help us understand that salvation is a free gift rather than something we must earn?