At that time, Cesar Augustus published an edict, to make a register of the Roman empire.

as they were tying him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion, does the law allow to scourge a Roman citizen, and without any trial?

upon hearing that, the centurion went to acquaint the head officer, take care, said he, what you do; for this man is a Roman.

then the head officer came to him, and said, tell me, are you a Roman?

having been informed he was a Roman, I had him brought before their Sanhedrim, to hear what crime they laid to his charge.