Paul was inclined to remain at Jerusalem, where he could face the opposition. To him it seemed an act of cowardice to flee, if by remaining he might be able to convince some of the obstinate Jews of the truth of the gospel message, even if to remain should cost him his life. And so he answered, "Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: and when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I was also standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him." But it was not in harmony with the purpose of God that His servant should needlessly expose his life; and the heavenly messenger replied, "Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles." Acts 22:19-21.

Paulus ville helst være blevet i Jerusalem, hvor han kunne imødegå modstanden. For ham så det ud som fejhed at flygte, hvis han ved at blive måske kunne være i stand til at overbevise nogle af de genstridige jøder om sandheden i evangeliets budskab, selv om det skulle koste ham livet at blive der. Derfor svarede han: "Herre; de ved selv, at det var mig, som fængslede dem, der troede på dig, og at jeg lod dem piske rundt om i synagogerne. Og da dit vidne Stefanus blod blev udgydt, stod jeg selv ved siden af og bifaldt det og passede på hans morderes klæder." Men det var ikke et led i Guds plan, at hans tjener skulle vove sit liv unødvendigt; og det himmelske sendebud svarede: "Gå, jeg vil sende dig til hedningefolk langt borte." Apg 22,19-21.