Paul's Defense

When the crowd heard Paul speak in the Hebrew language, they were even more quiet. He said he was born in Tarsus, brought up in Jerusalem, and taught strictly in the law at the feet of Gamaliel. He had persecuted the Way, binding men and women and delivering them into prisons.

As he came near Damascus about noon, a great light suddenly shone around him. He fell to the ground and heard Jesus of Nazareth asking why Saul was persecuting him. Those with him saw the light but did not understand the voice. Jesus told him to go into Damascus, where he would be told what to do.

Ananias, a devout man respected by all, came to him and said, "Brother Saul, receive your sight!" In that very hour Paul looked up at him. Ananias said, "For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard." Later, while praying in the temple, Paul saw the Lord, who said he would send him far away to the Gentiles.

At this the crowd shouted that he should not live. The commanding officer ordered that Paul be examined by scourging. As they tied him, Paul asked a centurion whether it was lawful to scourge a Roman who was not condemned. The officer learned that Paul was born a citizen and was afraid because he had bound him. The next day he released him and brought him before the council.