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;
Original Language Analysis
γενέσθαι
it came to pass
G1096
γενέσθαι
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὑποστρέψαντι
was come again
G5290
ὑποστρέψαντι
was come again
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
4 of 16
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
6 of 16
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
12 of 16
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
Historical Context
This vision happened during Paul's first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem, about three years after Damascus (Galatians 1:18, circa AD 37-38). Paul had returned to testify to fellow Jews, but Jesus warned him to leave. Acts 9:26-30 describes the danger from both Jews and Hellenists.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would Jesus give Paul this vision in the temple rather than elsewhere?
- How do you distinguish between God's clear calling and your own preferences or plans?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I was in a trance (ἐγενόμην ἐν ἐκστάσει)—The Greek 'ekstasis' (ἔκστασις) means ecstasy, displacement of normal consciousness for divine revelation. This vision occurred during prayer in the temple, showing Paul maintained Jewish worship practices even after conversion. The temple setting is significant—God redirects Paul away from Jerusalem, the center of Judaism, toward Gentile mission. The 'trance' authenticates this radical calling through supernatural means, not human reasoning. Peter experienced similar 'ekstasis' receiving the vision about Gentile inclusion (Acts 10:10), establishing a pattern for divine direction in the early church.