Charles Ellicott Commentary Acts 22:19

"And I said, Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:" — Acts 22:19 (ASV)

Lord, they know that I imprisoned . .—This was said at the time, and it was repeated now, as with a twofold bearing. It was partly an extenuation of the unbelief of the people. They were, as he had once been, sinning in ignorance, which, though as yet unconquered, was not invincible. Partly it expressed the hope that they too might listen when they saw him whom they had known as a vehement persecutor preaching the faith which he had once destroyed.