Verse 37
The Roman government guaranteed its citizens a public trial and freedom from degrading punishment such as beatings. [Note: A. H. M. Jones, Studies in Roman Government and Law, p. 54. Cicero, Pro Rabirio 12.] Paul was now able to use his citizenship to advantage. He may have tried unsuccessfully to communicate his citizenship earlier during his arrest, or he may have waited for the right moment to do so. Apparently the magistrates did not challenge Paul’s claim (cf. Acts 22:27).
"How would one be able to demonstrate that he or she was a Roman citizen? Though Acts does not mention it, it is possible that Paul carried a testatio, a certified private copy of evidence of his birth and citizenship inscribed on the waxed surface of a wooden diptych, in a stereotypical five-part form . . ." [Note: Witherington, p. 501.]
People who made a false claim to having Roman citizenship suffered death. [Note: Robertson, 3:264.] Paul’s claim here resulted not only in his own protection from mistreatment but in the authorities looking on his fellow believers with favor rather than abusing them. Paul undoubtedly demanded what he did for the progress of the gospel, not for personal glory or revenge (cf. Philippians 1:18).
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