Chapter
Verse

Acts 22:20

ESV 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.’
NIV And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’
NASB And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing nearby and approving, and watching over the cloaks of those who were killing him.’
CSB And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I stood there giving approval and guarding the clothes of those who killed him.’
NLT And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’
KJV And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
NKJV And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’

What does Acts 22:20 mean?

Paul continues an argument which covers three different timeframes. He is in Jerusalem where the temple courtyard meets the Roman outpost, trying to explain to a homicidal crowd why he had walked through the city with a Gentile (Acts 21:27–40).

His defense includes the story of how he came to follow Jesus on the road to Damascus decades before (Acts 9:1–19). After several years learning more about Jesus and evangelizing in and around Damascus, Paul returned to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Galatians 1:15–24). During his time there, he prayed in the temple and Jesus told him to leave the city. Jesus said the Jews would not listen to him; they'd rather kill him (Acts 22:17–18).

Paul argued that he had hunted and beaten Jesus-followers (Acts 22:19). In fact, he had been present at the murder of Stephen, the first martyr (Acts 7:54–60). Surely his history leant credibility to his current identity as Jesus' follower.

Paul's change of heart meant nothing to the Jews except that he was apostate. Jesus reaffirmed His command for Paul to leave Jerusalem and take the message of reconciliation with God to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21).

The mob doesn't let Paul finish his story. The instant he mentions preaching to Gentiles, they renew their rage and demand the Roman tribune arrest him. The young officer has no idea what is going on but is inclined to acquiesce to their request (Acts 22:22–24).
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