Book of Acts - Chapter 22 - Verse 29
Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
Meaning
After Paul declared his Roman citizenship, those who were about to interrogate him immediately backed off. The chief captain also became apprehensive because he had subjected a Roman citizen to be bound. In the Roman empire, it was illegal to punish or beat a Roman citizen without a fair trial. By revealing his citizenship, Paul was able to avoid further mistreatment and secure his rights as a Roman. This event demonstrates the importance of knowing and asserting one's legal rights, as well as the power that citizenship held in the ancient world. It also showcases Paul's strategic thinking and his ability to navigate difficult situations to ensure his own safety and well-being.