Acts 22:25 Meaning and Explanation
“And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As they stretch him out with the thongs, Paul asks the centurion whether it is lawful to scourge a Roman citizen who stands uncondemned.
What Does Acts 22:25 Mean?
Bound and moments from the first stroke, Paul speaks with startling calm. Roman law shielded citizens from scourging, above all without trial, and his question is precise on both points: a Roman, and uncondemned. The proceeding halts at once (compare Acts 16:37).
Faith does not require surrendering lawful protection. Paul had borne beatings in abundance for Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23-25), but he does not court needless harm; he is wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove (Matthew 10:16). God can use a citizen's rights, like every other providence, to keep his servant on the road he has appointed.
Acts 22:25 in the Original Language
akatakritos (ἀκατάκριτος), 'uncondemned' -- without trial or verdict given.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 22:25
What does Acts 22:25 mean?
As they stretch him out with the thongs, Paul asks the centurion whether it is lawful to scourge a Roman citizen who stands uncondemned.