if we let him go on at this rate, all will believe on him; and the Romans will come, and destroy both our temple and nation.

as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise.

but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us.

the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans.

I told them, it was not the custom of the Romans to deliver up any man, till he was accus'd and confronted by his accusers, and had an opportunity of pleading to the charge.

three days after, Paul sent for the chief of the Jews: and when they were assembled, he said to them, "my brethren, tho' I have done nothing against the Jews, or against the customs of our fathers, I was made a prisoner at Jerusalem, and put into the hands of the Romans:

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.

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