Acts 22:29
What does Acts 22:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 22:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 22:29 means
Upon learning Paul is a Roman citizen, those preparing to examine him withdraw at once, and the chief captain grows afraid because he had bound him. Even the act of binding an uncondemned Roman carries risk. This fear ensures Paul will now be handled with caution. God uses the empire’s own laws to shelter His witness. Paul’s path will still include trials and confinement, but not unlawful torture here. The sudden reversal—from victim to protected citizen—highlights how truth and lawful process can restrain injustice and open the way for the gospel to be heard in proper forums.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They then that were about to examine him straightway departed from him: and the chief captain also was afraid when he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They then that were about to examine him straightway departed from him: and the chief captain also was afraid when he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then those who were about to put him to the test went away: and the chief captain was in fear, seeing that he was a Roman, and that he had put chains on him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Immediately, therefore, they departed from him who are about to examine him, and the chief captain also was afraid, having learned that he is a Roman, and because he had bound him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Immediately therefore they departed from him that were about to torture him. The tribune also was afraid after he understood that he was a Roman citizen and because he had bound him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Immediately therefore those who were going to examine him left him, and the chiliarch also was afraid when he ascertained that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
Context
This verse resolves the immediate crisis introduced in verse 24 and turned by verses 25–28. With the illegal examination halted, attention shifts to clarifying the charges through appropriate channels. The next step, in verse 30, is to bring Paul before the Jewish council so the Roman commander can learn the real issue. This sets up the formal confrontation that will continue into the following chapter.
v.28And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this citizenship. And Paul said, But I am a Roman born.
v.29This passage
v.30But on the morrow, desiring to know the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:35
Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
- Acts 21:33
Then the chief captain came near, and laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and inquired who he was, and what he had done.
- Acts 16:38
And the serjeants reported these words unto the magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romans;
- Acts 22:24
the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, bidding that he should be examined by scourging, that he might know for what cause they so shouted against him.
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