The vision in the temple

“It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly…’” (1) This account of the vision appears only here. (a) There was a time gap of about three years between Paul’s Damascus experience and his journey to Jerusalem (ref. Acts 9:20-22). (b) During this time, Paul seems to have stayed in Arabia (this fits between Acts 9:21 and 22; see also Gal. 1:17). (2) Paul’s geographical movements during the three years can be summarized as follows: (a) Preaching in the synagogues of Damascus immediately after his conversion. (b) Staying in Arabia (modern-day Jordan). (c) Returning to Damascus and fleeing persecution. (d) Visiting Jerusalem and fleeing persecution. (e) Returning to Tarsus. (3) Paul was praying in the temple in Jerusalem. (a) This description likely left a favorable impression on the Jewish audience. (b) The Lord spoke to Paul again, saying, “Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly.” Many wanted to kill Paul. (c) “Because they will not accept your testimony about Me.” The Lord saw into the hearts of the Jewish people. “And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You. And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing nearby…’” (1) Paul initially disagreed with the Lord’s judgment. (a) The Jews were well aware of Paul’s relentless persecution of believers. (b) Paul had played a significant role in Stephen’s martyrdom. (2) It is a human weakness to assume that one understands better than the Lord. Examples include Peter’s reaction (Matt. 16:21-23) and the actions of the twelve apostles (Matt. 26:31-35). “And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” (1) The Lord knew that Jerusalem would reject Paul, just as it had rejected Stephen. “Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” Here, “kings and the sons of Israel” are intentionally omitted, and the emphasis is placed on the Gentiles (ref. Acts 9:15-16). Gentiles are described as those who “previously were far away” (Eph. 2:13). Paul was the apostle sent by the Lord to minister to the Gentiles. God has prepared a way of salvation for us Gentiles. Let us rejoice and take pride in being loved by God.