Acts 22:17

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

“After I had returned to Yerushalayim, it happened that as I was praying in the Temple, I went into a trance,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 22:17 records a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's life, recounted as part of his defense before a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. While praying in the sacred precincts of the Temple, Paul experienced a profound spiritual "trance," a divinely induced state of altered consciousness that served as a direct channel for God's revelation and guidance concerning his apostolic mission, particularly his future ministry to the Gentiles. This supernatural encounter underscored God's active involvement in Paul's life and affirmed the divine origin of his controversial calling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's impassioned personal testimony, delivered to a Jewish mob in Jerusalem who had apprehended him in the Temple, accusing him of defiling the holy place and teaching against the Law and the Jewish people ([Acts 21:28](/acts/21-28 "Acts 21:28 - Accusations Against Paul")). Chapter 22 serves as Paul's defense, where he recounts his zealous past as a persecutor of Christians, his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus ([Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - Paul's Conversion")), and subsequent divine encounters that shaped his ministry. The "trance" described in [Acts 22:17](/acts/22-17 "Acts 22:17 - Paul's Trance in the Temple") occurred during a later visit to Jerusalem, after his initial conversion and early ministry, providing further divine validation and specific direction for his ongoing apostolic work, especially his mission to the Gentiles, which is explicitly commanded in the verses immediately following ([Acts 22:18-21](/acts/22-18-21 "Acts 22:18-21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's account takes place in Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of Judaism, and specifically in the Temple, the holiest site for Jewish worship. At this time, Jerusalem was under Roman occupation, but the Temple remained the center of Jewish religious and national identity. Paul, a devout Pharisee by birth and training ([Philippians 3:5](/philippians/3-5 "Philippians 3:5 - Paul's Jewish Heritage")), was deeply familiar with Temple practices. His presence there, and the subsequent mob's reaction, highlights the intense religious fervor and nationalistic sentiment prevalent among the Jews, particularly their suspicion of anyone perceived to be undermining the Law or associating with Gentiles. For a Jew to receive a divine revelation in the Temple, especially one that would lead to a mission to the Gentiles, was highly significant and culturally challenging, as it transcended traditional Jewish boundaries and expectations.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 22:17](/acts/22-17 "Acts 22:17 - Paul's Trance in the Temple") contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Acts and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Guidance**, demonstrating God's direct and supernatural intervention in the lives of His chosen servants to communicate His will and direct their paths, much like the vision given to [Peter in Joppa](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet"). Secondly, the setting "while I prayed in the temple" emphasizes the **Power and Importance of Prayer** as a primary channel for divine communication and spiritual encounter, reinforcing that God often speaks to those who earnestly seek Him. Finally, this trance served to re-affirm and clarify **Paul's Apostolic Calling**, particularly his controversial and central mission to the Gentiles, providing divine justification for his ministry that often brought him into conflict with Jewish traditionalists, as further detailed in [Acts 22:21](/acts/22-21 "Acts 22:21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." In this context, it indicates that the event of Paul's trance was not accidental or self-induced but a divinely ordained occurrence. It highlights the active hand of God in bringing about this significant spiritual experience, emphasizing its objective reality and purpose within Paul's life and ministry.
* **prayed (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** Derived from "to pray to God," this word denotes the act of supplicating or worshipping God. Its use here underscores that Paul was engaged in a devout and intentional spiritual discipline when the trance occurred. This context suggests that divine revelation is often granted in moments of earnest seeking and communion with God, affirming prayer as a vital conduit for spiritual encounter and guidance.
* **trance (Greek, _ékstasis'_):** Meaning "a displacement of the mind" or "bewilderment," this term describes a state 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. In biblical usage, it consistently points to a supernatural encounter where God communicates directly, as seen in [Peter's vision in Acts 10:10](/acts/10-10 "Acts 10:10 - Peter's Trance").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass,"**: This introductory phrase, common in biblical narrative, signals the beginning of a significant event. It emphasizes that what follows is a divinely orchestrated occurrence, not a random happenstance. It sets the stage for a moment of divine intervention in Paul's life.
* **"that, when I was come again to Jerusalem,"**: This clause specifies the timing and location of the event. Paul recounts that this trance took place during one of his subsequent visits to Jerusalem, after his initial conversion experience. This detail is crucial, as it indicates that God's guidance was ongoing and specific to different phases of Paul's ministry, not just a one-time event.
* **"even while I prayed in the temple,"**: This provides the immediate context for the trance. Paul was engaged in a devout act of worship and communion with God within the sacred precincts of the Temple. This highlights the spiritual readiness and the consecrated environment in which the divine encounter occurred, suggesting that such profound experiences often manifest during intense spiritual devotion.
* **"I was in a trance;"**: This climactic phrase describes the nature of Paul's experience. He entered a state of "ékstasis," a divinely induced suspension of normal consciousness, allowing for direct spiritual revelation. This was not a physical ailment or mental aberration but a profound supernatural encounter, through which God would convey vital instructions for Paul's future ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's recounting of this event employs several literary devices. The entire passage in [Acts 22](/acts/22 "Acts 22 - Paul's Defense Before the Crowd") functions as an **Autobiographical Testimony**, where Paul uses his personal narrative to defend his actions and validate his apostolic authority. The specific mention of the "trance" serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Intervention**, showcasing God's direct involvement in human affairs and His active guidance of His servants. The setting "in the temple" adds a layer of **Symbolism**, as the Temple, the traditional place of God's presence and revelation to Israel, becomes the unexpected site for a vision that would commission Paul to a ministry primarily to Gentiles—a radical shift from conventional Jewish understanding. This paradox underscores God's sovereign plan to extend salvation beyond ethnic boundaries. The use of the term "trance" itself is a form of **Figurative Language**, describing a state beyond ordinary human experience, emphasizing the supernatural and awe-inspiring nature of the encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's experience in Acts 22:17 profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of God's personal and direct communication with His chosen servants. This trance was not merely a subjective feeling but an objective divine encounter, affirming God's active role in guiding the course of redemptive history through individuals. It underscores the principle that God often reveals His will during times of earnest prayer and devotion, preparing His people for specific tasks, however challenging or unexpected. This episode also highlights the continuity of divine revelation, demonstrating that God continued to speak to His people in powerful ways even after the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, providing specific direction for the expansion of His kingdom.

* [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision in Joppa") - Peter's trance and vision leading to the inclusion of Gentiles.
* [2 Corinthians 12:1-4](/2_corinthians/12-1-4 "2 Corinthians 12:1-4 - Paul's Vision of the Third Heaven") - Paul recounts another profound visionary experience, emphasizing divine revelation.
* [Numbers 12:6](/numbers/12-6 "Numbers 12:6 - God Speaks Through Visions and Dreams") - God declares His method of speaking to prophets through visions and dreams.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 22:17 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. Paul's experience reminds us that God is not a distant deity but one who actively engages with His people, often through supernatural means, to reveal His purposes and guide our lives. Just as Paul sought God in the Temple, we are called to cultivate a vibrant prayer life, understanding that it is a primary avenue for divine communication and spiritual encounter. This verse encourages us to remain open and attentive to God's leading, even when His directions seem counter-intuitive or lead us to uncomfortable places, just as Paul was called to the Gentiles despite his Jewish background. It validates that God can and does communicate in powerful ways to equip and direct His servants for their unique callings, urging us to listen for His voice in our own lives and ministries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's experience of a "trance" in the Temple challenge or affirm your understanding of how God communicates with His people today?**
* **What role does prayer play in your life as a channel for hearing God's voice and receiving divine guidance?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to step outside your comfort zone, similar to Paul's commission to the Gentiles?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is a "trance" in the biblical sense, and how is it different from a dream or hallucination?**

Answer: In the biblical context, particularly with the Greek word _ékstasis_ (G1611), a "trance" refers to a divinely induced state of altered consciousness where an individual's normal sensory perception is suspended, allowing for direct spiritual revelation or vision. It is distinct from a mere dream, which often occurs during sleep and can be influenced by subconscious thoughts, or a hallucination, which is typically a product of mental or physical illness. A biblical trance is characterized by its divine origin, its clear purpose of conveying a message or vision from God, and its profound impact on the recipient, often leading to specific actions or changes in direction, as seen in [Paul's experience](/acts/22-17 "Acts 22:17 - Paul's Trance in the Temple") and [Peter's vision in Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and Cornelius's Conversion").

**Why did Paul need this specific "trance" if he had already been converted on the road to Damascus?**

Answer: While Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus ([Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - Paul's Conversion")) was foundational, this later trance in the Temple served a specific, clarifying purpose. It was not a re-conversion but a divine confirmation and a precise redirection of his apostolic mission. In this trance, God explicitly commanded Paul to leave Jerusalem because his testimony would not be accepted there, and then commissioned him to go "far hence unto the Gentiles" ([Acts 22:18-21](/acts/22-18-21 "Acts 22:18-21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles")). This specific instruction was crucial for validating Paul's controversial Gentile ministry to himself and to others, providing divine authority for his primary calling beyond the Jewish community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's trance in the Temple, leading to his explicit commission to the Gentiles, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the expansive and inclusive nature of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Paul's vision in [Acts 22:17](/acts/22-17 "Acts 22:17 - Paul's Trance in the Temple") is a direct outworking of this Great Commission, specifically focusing on the "uttermost part of the earth" by sending him to the Gentiles. This demonstrates that Christ's redemptive work was not limited to Israel but was always intended to encompass all nations, fulfilling the ancient promises to Abraham that "in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Promise to Abraham")). Paul, once a zealous persecutor of those who followed Christ, became the primary instrument through whom Christ's universal salvation was proclaimed, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). Thus, Paul's trance is a powerful testament to the risen Christ's ongoing work through His Spirit to gather a people for Himself from every tribe and tongue, fulfilling His mission to redeem humanity and establish His global kingdom ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Redeems From Every Tribe")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 12:1

¶ 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

¶ 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.