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

ACTS 22:27KJV
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Acts 22:27 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:27 mean?

Acts 22:27 describes how the chief captain approached Paul and directly asked him if he was a Roman citizen, to which Paul replied that he was. This exchange shows the seriousness of Roman citizenship and the official’s need to confirm Paul’s status before proceeding.

The scene takes place after Paul has been arrested in Jerusalem and is about to be interrogated by Roman authorities. The chief captain (a high-ranking Roman officer) is speaking to Paul, wanting to verify whether Paul truly holds the privileged status of a Roman citizen. This question is important because Roman law protected citizens from certain punishments without a trial, and the captain’s inquiry signals a turning point in how Paul will be treated.

The Greek behind Acts 22:27

  • Ῥωμαῖος (Rhōmaios, “Roman”): This word refers specifically to someone who holds Roman citizenship, not just someone from Rome. In the Roman Empire, citizenship carried legal rights and protections that non-citizens did not have.
  • Ναι (Nai, “Yea”): Paul’s answer is a clear and formal affirmation, leaving no doubt about his claim.

Why Acts 22:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s Roman citizenship was not assumed but had to be confirmed by the authorities, showing the legal process at work.
  • The exchange sets up the dramatic shift in how Paul is treated by the Romans, emphasizing the power and privilege of citizenship in the ancient world.
  • Understanding this moment helps explain why the Roman officials suddenly become cautious and respectful toward Paul in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“Roman” Greek G4514 · used in 13 verses

  • John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
  • Acts 16:38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
  • Acts 23:27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

“captain” Greek G5506 · used in 22 verses

  • Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
  • Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
  • Acts 23:19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

“Yea” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“said” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
  • Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.