022:025 But, when they had tied him up with the straps, Paul said
to the Captain who stood by, "Does the Law permit you to flog
a Roman citizen—and one too who is uncondemned?"
022:026 On hearing this question, the Captain went to report the matter
to the Tribune. "What are you intending to do?" he said.
"This man is a Roman citizen."
022:027 So the Tribune came to Paul and asked him, "Tell me, are you
a Roman citizen?" "Yes," he said.
022:028 "I paid a large sum for my citizenship," said the Tribune.
"But I was born free," said Paul.
022:029 So the men who had been on the point of putting him under torture immediately left him. And the Tribune, too, was frightened when he learnt that Paul was a Roman citizen, for he had had him bound.
022:030 The next day, wishing to know exactly what charge was being brought against him by the Jews, the Tribune ordered his chains to be removed; and, having sent word to the High Priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble, he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.
023:001 Then Paul, fixing a steady gaze on the Sanhedrin, said, "Brethren, it is with a perfectly clear conscience that I have discharged my duties before God up to this day."
023:002 On hearing this the High Priest Ananias ordered those who were standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.
023:003 "Before long," exclaimed Paul, "God will strike you, you white-washed wall! Are you sitting there to judge me in accordance with the Law, and do you yourself actually break the Law by ordering me to be struck?"
023:004 "Do you rail at God's High Priest?" cried the men who stood by him.