Acts 22 Footnotes

22:18-21 Paul’s vision in the temple was related only here, though it is still consistent with his treatment in Jerusalem (9:26-29). Mention of ministry to Gentiles revived the crowd’s ire.

22:28 In this episode, in which Paul relied on his Roman citizenship so that he was not punished without due process, we gain insight into how citizenship was secured. In the first century, a number of different ways for gaining citizenship opened, including the payment of huge bribes to appropriate officials, the emancipation of slaves, and the granting of citizenship to entire cities. Other means included people performing honorable or meritorious service for the empire. Whereas the centurion had purchased his citizenship, Paul had inherited his. One of Paul’s ancestors may have performed an important service, perhaps having served in the army or having provided supplies (like handmade tents) for the army.

22:30 This verse indicates that Paul was either released from his chains or released from Roman imprisonment while the Sanhedrin convened in order to try Paul on charges regarding Jewish law. In either case, he remained under the protection of the Romans.