Translations
Original
Notes
While Paul was praying in the temple, he saw a vision of Jesus. Jesus told him that the people of Jerusalem would not accept his message. The Lord then sent him to the Gentiles. The crowd’s reaction to this report confirmed this reality (22:22–23).
Paul gives his most complete defense of his life and faith before his own people in Jerusalem. This speech shows his flexibility as a missionary, just as his message to the Greek philosophers in Athens also did (17:22–31; see 1 Corinthians 9:20–23).
He begins by showing his close connection with his audience. He explains his Jewish background and his training under Gamaliel the Elder (a respected Jewish teacher). He also describes his strong desire to honor God, a desire they shared (Acts 22:1–3).
Paul then recounts how he once persecuted Christians (22:4–5). He tells about seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus (22:6–10). and explains his conversion (his turning to follow Jesus; 22:11–16).
He ends by describing a vision in the temple, where the Lord spoke to him. The Lord told him that many Jews would reject the message and that he should go to the Gentiles (22:17–21).
Events
- Paul gives his testimonyc. AD 54
Parallels
Places
Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions
Glossary
Topics
Christian Minister: Persecution: Paul Jesus, the Christ: Appears to Paul (On the Road to Damascus) Jesus, the Christ: Rejected Paul: Called to be an Apostle Paul: His Defense Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Sent to the Gentiles Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Paul's Vision In Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Vision of Balaam in a Trance Vision of Paul in a Trance Visions: To Paul