16. And now, why do you delay? Rise and be baptized, and by calling upon His name, wash away your sins.
17. Then when I had come back to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple [enclosure], I fell into a trance (an ecstasy);
18. And I saw Him as He said to me, Hurry, get quickly out of Jerusalem, because they will not receive your testimony about Me.
19. And I said, Lord, they themselves well know that throughout all the synagogues I cast into prison and flogged those who believed on (adhered to and trusted in and relied on) You.
20. And when the blood of Your witness (martyr) Stephen was shed, I also was personally standing by and consenting and approving and guarding the garments of those who slew him.
21. And the Lord said to me, Go, for I will send you far away unto the Gentiles (nations).
22. Up to the moment that Paul made this last statement, the people listened to him; but now they raised their voices and shouted, Away with such a fellow from the earth! He is not fit to live!
23. And as they were shouting and tossing and waving their garments and throwing dust into the air,
24. The commandant ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks, and that he be examined by scourging in order that [the commandant] might learn why the people cried out thus against him.
25. But when they had stretched him out with the thongs (leather straps), Paul asked the centurion who was standing by, Is it legal for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned [without a trial]?