Acts 22:24-28

24The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious.

25When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?”

26When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, “What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!”

27So the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied.

28“I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!” Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!”