The Unreasoning Hatred of Paul’s Enemies

Lysias agreed, and “Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people.” His bearing invited respect. “And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, ‘Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.’” In the universal hush he continued:ULe 149.3

“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.” The facts he referred to were well known. He then spoke of his previous zeal in persecuting the disciples of Christ, and he told the story of his conversion, how his proud heart had come to bow to the crucified Nazarene. His account of his experience seemed to soften and subdue the hearts of his opponents.ULe 149.4

He then showed that he had wanted to work for his own nation, but in that very temple the voice of God had spoken to him, directing him to go “far from here to the Gentiles.”ULe 149.5