Most of us probably take it for granted that we are citizens from our country. However, if you ever step out of the comforts of all you know into a new world, then you begin to really grasp it. Living abroad is a wonderful experience, but the culture shock is very real. Then you find that you are treated differently according to where you are from: good or bad. With vacations you never really see the full picture.
As a Christian, we have a national citizenship and an eternal citizenship. Paul understood this all too well. His fellow religious people wanted him to be killed because he followed "the Way". The Roman commander had him flogged in attempts to save his life. He planned on going to his accusers to understand they hated this one man so much.
After Paul was strung up to be flogged, they discovered that he was a Roman citizen. Since he had not had a trial, they had violated his rights. This shook them because they did not want to look bad or loss control of the people. His short conversation with the commander alarmed everyone listening and they withdrew. The next day the commander released Paul and assembled the Sanhedrin priest. He brought Paul to stand before them to get his answers.
We are all citizens somewhere. However, if we don't understand the rights that gives us, then we hold no power. You are responsible to understand what your rights are in your own country and what carries over to wherever you go. Knowledge with understanding is one of the most powerful things that anyone can obtain.
Acts 22: 22-30
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