Acts 22:26

26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen. ”

Acts 22:26 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 22:26

When the centurion heard that
The question put by Paul, which strongly suggested that he was a Roman:

he went and told the chief captain; what Paul had said: saying, take
heed what thou dost;
or "art about to do"; lest some bad consequences should follow; lest he should affront the Roman people and senate, and lose his place, if not incur some corporeal punishment:

for this man is a Roman;
and it can never be answered to bind and beat a Roman.

Acts 22:26 In-Context

24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this.

25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned? ”

26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen. ”

27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen? ” And he said, “Yes. ”

28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum. ” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth. ”