New International Version

Acts 22:17-21 New International Version (NIV)

17. “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance

18. and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’

19. “ ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you.

20. 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.’

21. “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”