Acts 22:17
“When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While Paul often connects visions to his later ministry, this trance happened during his personal prayer in the temple, highlighting his continued devotion to Jewish worship even after his dramatic conversion. It wasn't just a private, otherworldly experience, but a divine encounter grounding his mission within familiar sacred space.
While defending himself to a hostile Jewish crowd, Paul recounts his return to Jerusalem and an experience praying in the temple. He describes falling into a trance where Jesus appeared to him, giving him a clear command to leave Jerusalem and go to the Gentiles. This vision explained why he was sent to preach to non-Jews, directly addressing their anger and misunderstanding.
Paul was accused of attacking the very heart of Jewish worship. But when he returned to Jerusalem after his conversion, what was he doing in the Temple?
It’s easy to think that once Paul became a follower of Jesus, he immediately broke all ties with the Jewish traditions he grew up with. However, this verse shows us something different.
A Devout Worshipper
Even after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and his initial ministry, Paul returned to Jerusalem. And what was his first action? He went to the Temple – the very place many of his accusers held sacred – and he was praying. This wasn't a forced compliance; it was a continuation of his devout practice. It highlights that Paul's newfound faith in Jesus didn't negate his Jewish identity but rather reoriented it. He continued to honor the Temple as a place of prayer, showing respect for the heritage and customs of his people.
While deep in prayer, Paul entered a state beyond normal consciousness. What happens when God interrupts our prayers with an 'ecstasy'?
The word 'trance' here points to a state of being outside of normal awareness, where God can communicate directly. It's a powerful reminder that our spiritual lives aren't always confined to logical thought or predictable experiences.
A State of Openness
This 'ecstasy' (as it’s sometimes translated from the original language) wasn't a sign of Paul being out of touch with reality, but rather a state of heightened spiritual receptivity. It was in this extraordinary condition, while praying in the Temple, that God chose to speak to him again, confirming his mission and redirecting his path.
This experience is likely connected to the 'visions and revelations' Paul later mentions. When we are earnestly seeking God, even in familiar settings like prayer, we can be open to divine encounters that transcend the ordinary.
Understand the original words
ekstasis · Greek Noun
A state of ecstasy or spiritual vision where a person is removed from ordinary consciousness to receive divine revelation.
This vision in the temple solidified Paul's divine mandate to reach the Gentile world, setting the course for his entire apostolic mission and demonstrating his continued respect for Jerusalem's sacred space.
c. AD 34-36
Paul's Conversion and Initial Ministry
Shortly after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul (now Paul) begins preaching, first in Damascus and then in Arabia.
c. AD 37-39— this verse
Paul's First Visit to Jerusalem
Paul travels to Jerusalem and meets with Peter and James. This visit is likely when he experienced the trance in the temple, receiving his commission to preach to the Gentiles.
c. AD 39-43
Ministry in Tarsus and Antioch
After leaving Jerusalem, Paul returns to his hometown of Tarsus and later travels to Antioch, where he begins his wider ministry, including missionary journeys.
c. AD 46-48
First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, embarks on his first major missionary journey, visiting Cyprus and various cities in Asia Minor.
This passage also describes a trance experienced by Peter, highlighting that these divine encounters can involve altered states of consciousness for receiving God's message.
2 Corinthians 12:1Paul himself refers to 'visions and revelations from the Lord,' and this specific event in the temple likely falls into that category of extraordinary divine communication he received.
Galatians 1:18This verse confirms Paul's visit to Jerusalem three years after his conversion, which is the likely timeframe for the event described in Acts 22:17, adding context to his actions.
1 Kings 18:36Elijah's prayer in the temple, offering his sacrifice with a direct communication from God, parallels Paul's devotional posture in the temple when he received a divine commission.
ellicottActs 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;"
(17) When I was come again to Jerusalem. —This probably refers to the visit of Acts 9:26 , and Galatians 1:17-18 . The objection that the mission “far hence to the Gentiles” must refer to the subsequent visit of Acts 11:30 , has little or no force. When the Apostle went to Tarsus and preached the gospel to the Greeks at Antioch ( Acts 11:26 ), there was a sufficient…
barnesActs 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;"
When I was come again to Jerusalem - That is, three years after his conversion. See Galatians 1:17-18 . While I prayed in the temple - Paul, like other converts to Christianity from among the Jews, would naturally continue to offer his devotions in the temple. We meet with repeated instances of their continuing to comply with the customs of the Jewish people. I was…
While Paul often connects visions to his later ministry, this trance happened during his personal prayer in the temple, highlighting his continued devotion to Jewish worship even after his dramatic conversion. It wasn't just a private, otherworldly experience, but a divine encounter grounding his mission within familiar sacred space.
While defending himself to a hostile Jewish crowd, Paul recounts his return to Jerusalem and an experience praying in the temple. He describes falling into a trance where Jesus appeared to him, giving him a clear command to leave Jerusalem and go to the Gentiles. This vision explained why he was sent to preach to non-Jews, directly addressing their anger and misunderstanding.
While defending himself to a hostile Jewish crowd, Paul recounts his return to Jerusalem and an experience praying in the temple. He describes falling into a trance where Jesus appeared to him, giving him a clear command to leave Jerusalem and go to the Gentiles. This vision explained why he was sent to preach to non-Jews, directly addressing their anger and misunderstanding.
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"“When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance" — While Paul often connects visions to his later ministry, this trance happened during his personal prayer in the temple, highlighting his continued devotion to Jewish worship even after his dramatic…
