The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.”
And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” Acts 22:28

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While preparing to have Paul scourged, the centurion was alerted to the fact that Paul was Roman. Hearing this, the centurion told his commander. From there, the commander went to Paul and asked if he was Roman. Paul responded affirmatively. Now, it says, “The commander answered, ‘With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.’”

The words bear emphasis – “I, great sum, this citizenship bought.” The commander’s response shows without any doubt that citizenship could be purchased and that he had done so at great expense, something he was quite proud of. Some believe that such a purchase was made through bribery of corrupt officials. Vincent’s Word Studies says –

“The purchase of Roman citizenship was an investment. Under the first Roman emperors it was obtained only at large cost and with great difficulty; later, it was sold for a trifle.”

If that doesn’t sound like the US today! It used to be an honor to earn citizenship. Now, it means nothing. It is handed out to those who don’t deserve it, and it is denied to those who have demonstrated the wits, intelligence, and business acumen to merit it in the way the law clearly states.

The word translated as sum is kephalaion. It is used only twice in the New Testament, here and in Hebrews 8:1, where it is translated as “the main point.” It comes from kephale, meaning the head, a cornerstone, or even the primary head of something, like a ruler.

Also, the word translated as citizenship is politeia. It indicates “citizenship; concretely, a community — commonwealth, freedom” (Strong’s). Its only other use is in Ephesians 2:12 speaking of the commonwealth of Israel –

“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth [politeia] of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:11-13

Now, and understanding the commander’s words, it next says, “And Paul said, ‘But I was born a citizen.’” Again, the Greek is more emphatic. It reads, “I, and even, was born.” This means that he was born into a family who were already citizens. Many theories have arisen as to how he obtained it, but Ellicott may be correct –

“Many of the Jews who were taken to Rome by Pompeius as slaves first obtained their freedom and became libertini, and afterwards were admitted on the register as citizens. The mention of kinsmen or friends at Rome (Romans 16:7; Romans 16:11), makes it probable, as has been said, that the Apostle’s father may have been among them.”

Life application: Think about what this conversation means in relation to the world today. Something that was once highly cherished, even precious and/or life-saving, eventually meant nothing at all. The leaders of the great and vast Roman empire squandered what had been built. The mid-level officials had become corrupt and uncaring about safeguarding what had been entrusted to them.

Eventually, Roman citizenship had no value at all. Today, the exact same attitude is on display in most of the great and powerful governments of the world. Obtaining US citizenship, for example, is a laughable process that is so misused by government employees that, for a quick bribe when no one is looking, even pedophiles can easily obtain it.

The only citizenship that truly matters in this world is the one that will never be diminished in how it is obtained –

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

There is only one way heavenly citizenship is realized, and it is through faith in what God has done in and through the giving of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. While the rest of the world is hurriedly seeking things that have no lasting value, Jesus Christ’s offer stands as an eternal hope for those who come to Him.

This offer comes at the highest price of all, and yet, that price has been paid already through Jesus’ cross. All that is needed to appropriate it is to believe to the saving of the soul.

Lord God, how thankful we are that there is a hope beyond this fallen world. We strive for things that have no value and things that can be taken away or lost in a moment. But what You offer is eternal citizenship in a heavenly kingdom. May we be willing to share this good news with those who so desperately need it. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.