If I’m guilty of anything worthy of death, I’m prepared to die. But no one has the right to hand me over to these Jews to face false charges. I appeal to Caesar!”
Paul answered, “I’m now standing in Caesar’s court. That’s where I should be put on trial, because I haven’t done anything wrong to the Jews. You know that yourself very well.
Another officer was standing there as they stretched Paul out to be whipped. Paul said to him, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”
Paul was about to defend himself, but just then Gallio responded, “You Jews aren’t claiming that Paul is doing anything immoral or illegal. If you were, it would make sense for me to listen to you.
But Paul replied to the officers, “The judges had us beaten in public. They didn’t give us a trial, even though we are Roman citizens! Then they threw us into prison. And now they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come and lead us out personally.”