Originally Posted by
Treefarmer
It's always baffled me how on planet Merrill Acts 22:27-28 can have the exact opposite meaning of what it clearly states, namely that Paul did NOT have to buy Roman citizenship like the chief captain, whose place of origin is nowhere mentioned in the Bible AFAIK, because Paul was "free born".
Either Paul was free born or he had to buy "freedom", i.e. Roman citizenship, it cannot be both, and the scriptures do say that he was "free born".
This does not appear to be a translation error either, because other English versions as well as the German Martin Luther translation that I have checked all agree that Paul was born a Roman citizen. No Bible I've ever read stated that Paul bought Roman citizenship at any time or place in his life.
Acts 22:28 in other translations reads:
NKJV---The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”
NLT---“I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!” Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!”
NIV---Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.
NASB---The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.”
RSV---The tribune answered, "I bought this citizenship for a large sum." Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."
ASV---And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this citizenship. And Paul said, But I am a Roman born.
YLT---and the chief captain answered, 'I, with a great sum, did obtain this citizenship;' but Paul said, 'But I have been even born so.'
HNV---The commanding officer answered, "I bought my citizenship for a great price." Sha'ul said, "But I was born a Roman."