Citizen-ship. The use of this term, in Scripture, has exclusive reference to the usages of the Roman empire. The privilege of Roman citizenship was originally acquired in various ways, as by purchase, Act_22:28, by military services, by favor or by manumission. The right once obtained descended to a man's children. Act_22:28.
Among the privileges attached to citizenship, we may note that a man could not be bound or imprisoned, without a formal trial, Act_22:29, still less be scourged. Act_16:37. Cicero, in Verr. v. 63, 66. Another privilege attaching to citizenship was the appeal from a provincial tribunal to the emperor at Rome. Act_25:11.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863