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.

ACTS 22:29KJV
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Acts 22:29 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:29 mean?

Acts 22:29 describes how the Roman officials immediately withdrew from Paul when they realized he was a Roman citizen, and the chief captain became afraid because he had already bound Paul without a trial. This verse highlights the seriousness with which Roman citizenship was treated and the legal protections it provided.

Paul had just revealed his Roman citizenship to the authorities who were about to interrogate him by scourging. In the Roman Empire, it was illegal to bind or punish a Roman citizen without due process. The chief captain (a Roman military officer) realized he had violated this law, which could have serious consequences for him personally. This moment shows the tension and respect for Roman law in the story of Paul's arrest.

The Greek behind Acts 22:29

  • Ῥωμαῖος (Rhōmaios, "Roman"): This word is key because it refers to Paul's legal status as a Roman citizen, which carried significant rights and protections in the empire. The officials' reaction shows how seriously this status was taken.
  • ἔδησεν (edēsen, "had bound"): The Greek word here refers to physically tying or restraining someone. The fact that Paul was bound before being tried was a direct violation of Roman law for citizens, explaining the chief captain's fear.
  • ἐφοβήθη (ephobēthē, "was afraid"): This word shows the chief captain's emotional response. His fear was not just personal but stemmed from the real risk of punishment for mistreating a Roman citizen.

Why Acts 22:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Roman citizenship was a powerful protection, and even high-ranking officials could face consequences for violating its rights.
  • Acts 22:29 connects to the wider narrative by showing how Paul's legal status repeatedly affected his treatment and the course of his ministry.
  • The verse helps clear up any misunderstanding that Paul was simply at the mercy of the authorities; instead, he used his rights strategically within the system.

Where else these words appear

“examined” Greek G426 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 22:24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

“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.

“departed” Greek G868 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
  • Acts 5:37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

“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?