Page 125 - Biblical Backgrounds student textbook

Different citizens had different rights. A Roman citizen could expect to be treated differently and could
appeal any local court decision to Caesar. Other citizens’ rights were often tried in local courts. In Jesus
time the Jewish court could convict Jesus, but they needed the Roman authority’s approval to put Him
to death. Paul is beaten, imprisoned, and released in Acts 16. He uses his Roman citizenship to get the
magistrates to escort them out as an official apology (Acts 16:38-39). Greek influence had created many
cities with local government systems and customs. The Romans often used them to rule locally and
exercised supreme authority over those local counterparts.

A good example of this dual government is found in Acts 18:12-17 which says:
“While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and
brought him to the place of judgment.“This man,” they charged,

“is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the

law.”Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you
Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or
serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But
since it involves questions about words and names and your own
law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such

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