And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, " Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned? "

1. The soldiers bound him, preparing to beat him.

2. Paul now appeals to his legal rights as a Roman citizen.

3. Romans could take a Jew and beat him - without a trial or hearing. In fact there was not even the necessity for a charge to be made.

4. However, Roman citizens had the right to be charged, accused, tried and only beaten if they were found guilty of the charges.

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Old Testament