John Calvin 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. By this statement, Paul testifies that he was not out of his mind or confused, but that he certainly believed the divine message. For he undoubtedly knew Christ, whom he calls Lord. And Paul objects that it is almost certain that when they see him so suddenly changed, such a spectacle will move them. From this, he concludes that his efforts will not be without fruit. He indeed thought so; but Christ answers plainly that He has appointed him another mission and takes from him the hope he had vainly conceived regarding the Jews.

The question is whether it was lawful for Paul to present these objections to Christ, for it is as if he were asserting that something was probable which Christ said could not be. I answer that God allows His saints to express their inner thoughts and feelings freely before Him, especially when their only aim is the strengthening of their faith.

If anyone is full of self-conceit or stubbornly refuses what God commands, their arrogance will be rightly condemned. But God grants His faithful servants a unique privilege, allowing them to modestly raise objections about things that might make them hesitant to obey. This is so that, being free from hindrances, they may completely devote themselves to serving God. Thus Paul, after he learned that it was the Lord's will for it to be so, no longer argued or contended. Instead, being satisfied with that single answer, he concluded the matter and prepared himself for the journey he had seemed reluctant to undertake.

Meanwhile, since the Jews are not moved by so many miracles, their untamable stubbornness and pride are revealed. This rebuke undoubtedly caused them to become enraged.