Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 22:3

"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as ye all are this day:" — Acts 22:3 (ASV)

Born in Tarsus. See Barnes' Notes on Acts 21:39.

Brought up in this city. In Jerusalem, sent there for the advantage of more perfect instruction in the law.

At the feet of Gamaliel. As a scholar or disciple of Gamaliel. The phrase, to sit at the feet of one, is expressive of the condition of a disciple or learner (Luke 10:39). It is probable that the expression arose from the fact that the learners occupied a lower place or seat than the teacher. The phrase is expressive of humility and a lower condition. On the character and rank of Gamaliel, see Barnes' Notes on Acts 5:34.

Paul mentions his having been instructed in this manner, in order to show that he was entitled to the full privilege of the Jew, and that he had every opportunity to become fully acquainted with the nature of the law.

According to the perfect manner. Kata akribeian. By strict diligence or exact care; or in the utmost rigor and severity of that instruction. No pains were spared to make him understand and practice the law of Moses.

The law of the fathers. The law of our fathers; that is, the law which they received and handed down to us. Paul was a Pharisee; and the law in which he had been taught was not only the written law of Moses but the traditional law which had been handed down from former times. See Barnes' Notes on Matthew 3:6.

And was zealous towards God. Galatians 1:14. He had a constant burning zeal for God and his law, which was expressed not only by scrupulous adherence to its forms, but by persecuting all who opposed it (Acts 22:4–5).