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;

ACTS 22:17KJV
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Acts 22:17 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:17 mean?

Acts 22:17 describes Paul recalling a time when he returned to Jerusalem and, while he was praying in the temple, he experienced a trance. This moment is presented as a significant spiritual experience that happened during his worship.

In this verse, Paul is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem, explaining his past actions and experiences. He is defending himself by sharing how, after his conversion, he went back to Jerusalem and sought God in the temple. The mention of a trance shows that Paul had a vivid, supernatural encounter while engaged in prayer, setting the stage for what he will describe next.

The Greek behind Acts 22:17

  • The word for "trance" is ἔκστασις (ekstasis), which often means a state of being so amazed or caught up that normal awareness is suspended. Here, it suggests Paul had a powerful vision or experience beyond ordinary prayer.
  • The verb "prayed" is προσευχόμενου (proseuchomenou), which means to pray or to address God. The use of this word highlights that Paul's trance happened in the context of sincere, focused prayer in the temple.
  • The phrase "in the temple" uses the word ἱερῷ (hierō), pointing to the physical location as the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing Paul's continued respect for Jewish worship practices after his conversion.

Why Acts 22:17 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Paul's experiences and visions were disconnected from Jewish tradition; instead, it shows he was still participating in temple worship.
  • It sets up the context for the divine message Paul will receive, showing that his direction and mission came during a moment of prayerful openness to God.
  • The detail about the trance helps readers understand that Paul's later actions were not self-directed but rooted in a dramatic, God-given experience.

Where else these words appear

“trance” Greek G1611 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 5:42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
  • Luke 5:26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.
  • Acts 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

“again” Greek G5290 · used in 35 verses

  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
  • Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
  • Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

“temple” Greek G2411 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
  • Luke 19:45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

“Jerusalem” Greek G2419 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
  • Acts 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.