Acts 21:37-22:24

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say

something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian,

then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins

out into the wilderness?” 39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of

no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given

him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people.

And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

22:1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”

2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they be-

came even more quiet. And he said:

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet

of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for

God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and deliver-

ing to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders

can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed to-

ward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem

to be punished.

6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven

suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me,

‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And

he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who

were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was

speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise,

and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’

11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the

hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews

who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive

your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The

God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to

hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what

you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash

away your sins, calling on his name.’

917 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because

they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves

know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in

you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was

standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’

21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away

with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they

were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune

ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by

flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this.