Paul: Citizenship

One of the most esteemed and exclusive rights one could hold in the first century was Roman citizenship. With Roman citizenship came several exclusive rights, privileges not afforded to all of the Roman Empire, but only to a select number. Some of these rights included the right not to be tortured, the right to a defense in a court, and also the right to plead your case directly to Caesar. Paul was a Roman citizen, as evidenced in Acts 22:25, which explains the events that follow in the next chapters of Acts, where Paul makes his public defense and ultimately appeals to Caesar.

Paul held exclusive rights and exercised them. This might remind us of our country, where we have rights that many parts of the world do not afford its citizens. We have rights that cannot be infringed upon, and we have the right to demand their exercise.

One of many noble things about Paul is that, though being a man with such privileged rights, he did not confuse his citizenship. Paul boldly affirmed, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20). This proclamation not only shaped his hope but also his behavior. Because of his citizenship ultimately being in heaven, Paul acted in accordance with the Law of heaven. He was holy as God esteemed holiness. He was self-controlled and subservient. Where God expected sacrifice, he sacrificed. Where God expected service, he served.

Paul never allowed his earthly identity to overshadow his spiritual identity. Interestingly, he used his earthly identity to catapult his spiritual identity. We know him as this spiritual giant who shared the gospel with the highest ranks of the world because he used his earthly rights to serve his home (heaven).

As Americans, a great opportunity has been afforded us - the right of free speech, especially, are we using our opportunity prudently? Paul used his citizenship to serve to a greater degree than some others were afforded - are we doing likewise?