citizenship but explained how he became one: “I was free born” (Acts 22:28). This implies that his father had been a Roman citizen. Roman citizenship could be obtained in various ways. The tribune in the narrative states that he “bought” his citizenship “for a large sum” (Acts 22:28, RSV). More often, however, citizenship was a reward for some service of unusual distinction to the Roman Empire, or was granted when an individual was freed from slavery. Roman citizenship was precious, for it carried