Acts 22:17

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that, when I {G3427} was come again {G5290} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, even {G2532} while I {G3450} prayed {G4336} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, I {G3165} was {G1096} in {G1722} a trance {G1611};

โ€œAfter I had returned to Yerushalayim, it happened that as I was praying in the Temple, I went into a trance,

Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance

And it came to pass, that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance,

Commentary

In Acts 22:17, the Apostle Paul recounts a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey, part of his impassioned defense before a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. This verse describes a profound spiritual experience he had while praying in the temple, a vision that would confirm and redirect his apostolic mission.

Context

Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) is speaking to a Jewish mob in Jerusalem, who had seized him in the temple, accusing him of defiling the holy place and teaching against the Law (Acts 21:28). In this chapter, Paul narrates his personal testimony, starting from his zealous persecution of Christians, his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-9), and subsequent divine encounters. This specific "trance" occurred during a later visit to Jerusalem, after his initial conversion, underscoring God's continued guidance in his life.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Guidance: The verse highlights God's direct intervention in Paul's life, providing clear direction for his ministry. This trance was not a random event but a specific communication from God during a time of prayer.
  • The Power of Prayer: The vision occurred "while I prayed in the temple," emphasizing that prayer is a vital channel for divine communication and spiritual encounter. It underscores the importance of a devoted prayer life in receiving God's will.
  • Paul's Apostolic Calling: This vision served to re-affirm Paul's unique calling, particularly to the Gentiles, which is further revealed in the verses immediately following this one (Acts 22:21). It provided divine justification for his controversial ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "trance" translates the Greek word ekstasis (แผ”ฮบฯƒฯ„ฮฑฯƒฮนฯ‚), from which we get the English word "ecstasy." In biblical contexts, ekstasis refers to a state of being "out of oneself" or "out of one's mind," where normal consciousness is suspended, and the individual is fully absorbed in a spiritual vision or divine revelation. It is not merely a dream or a daydream but a profound, divinely induced spiritual experience, often accompanied by a sense of awe or wonder. Other examples include Peter's vision in Acts 10:10.

Practical Application

Acts 22:17 reminds us that God continues to communicate with His people. For believers today, this verse encourages:

  • Diligence in Prayer: Just as Paul experienced divine encounter during prayer, we are called to seek God earnestly in prayer, trusting that He hears and responds.
  • Openness to God's Guidance: God's plans for us may differ from our own expectations. Paul, a zealous Jew, was called to the Gentiles. We should remain open to God's leading, even if it directs us to uncomfortable or unexpected paths.
  • Validation of Spiritual Experiences: While not all spiritual experiences are "trances," this account validates that God can and does communicate in powerful, supernatural ways to guide His servants in their ministries and lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 12:1

    ยถ It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:4

    How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

  • Acts 10:9

    ยถ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

  • Acts 10:10

    And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

  • Acts 26:20

    But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

  • Acts 9:26

    And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

  • Acts 9:28

    And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
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