Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.
Comment: Gentile was a nasty word to the proud Jewish bigots. Not all Jews are bigots and the Old Testament at many points gives instructions to treat aliens well. At any rate one mention of God sending Paul to share the gospel caused the riot to flare up again. The Tribune thought that he would get the Jews on his side by mal-treating Paul, flogging him! The order was given to the centurion who was near Paul and would supervise the beating – so Paul whispers in his ear ‘But I’m a Roman – back off, Mate! You can read what followed above, but I’m sure this isn’t the end of matters.
Prayer: So many people are maltreated throughout the world. Please comfort Your people O my God.
As I read it! 