Paul's address to the crowd did not exactly calm things down, they were just all the more vehement in their hatred of him. The commander was only interested in keeping order. So he wanted to find out why Paul was creating such an uproar, he was also about to have Paul flogged, presumably to appease the crowd. Remember that Jesus was treated in a similar manner. Paul then told the centurion that he was a Roman citizen.
Now Roman citizenship was a prized possession and gave various privileges to its holders. The commander immediately changed his tune and knew the situation had to be treated differently. He inquired of Paul how he had gained his citizenship. Citizenship could be obtained either by birth, by buying it, or by receiving it as a reward for something. Paul had his by birth, meaning his parents must have been citizens.
So Paul was released and a meeting with the Sanhedrin was called.
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