Being Romans] i.e. Roman citizens. In his speech against Verres Cicero says: 'to fetter a Roman citizen is a crime, to scourge him a scandal, to slay him parricide.' Roman citizenship could be acquired (1) by birth, if both parents were Romans; (2) by grant to certain cities or districts; (3) by grant to individuals for political or military services, e.g. long service in the army; (4) by purchase (Acts 22:28). As Tarsus did not come under (2), and Paul was born free, his father and mother must have been Roman citizens. The chief privileges of citizenship at this time were, (1) the right to appeal to the Emperor, (2) freedom from degrading punishments, such as bonds, scourging, and crucifixion.

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