Acts 22:17
New International Version
“When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance

New Living Translation
“After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance.

English Standard Version
“When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

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

Berean Literal Bible
And it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem and of my praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
“Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance

New American Standard Bible
“It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance,

NASB 1995
“It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance,

NASB 1977
“And it came about when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance,

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now it happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance,

Amplified Bible
“Then it happened when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple [enclosure], that I fell into a trance (vision);

Christian Standard Bible
“After I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After I came back to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple complex, I went into a visionary state

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,

Contemporary English Version
After this I returned to Jerusalem and went to the temple to pray. There I had a vision

English Revised 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,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"After that, I returned to Jerusalem. While I was praying in the temple courtyard, I fell into a trance

Good News Translation
"I went back to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the Temple, I had a vision,

International Standard Version
"Then I returned to Jerusalem. While I was praying in the Temple, I fell into a trance

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

NET Bible
When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

New Heart English Bible
"It happened that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance,

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, that when I had come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

Weymouth New Testament
"After my return to Jerusalem, and while praying in the Temple, I fell into a trance.

World English Bible
“When I had returned to Jerusalem and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it came to pass, when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, I came into a trance,

Berean Literal Bible
And it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem and of my praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

Young's Literal Translation
'And it came to pass when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, I came into a trance,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was to me returning to Jerusalem, and praying in the temple, I was in a deep trance:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it came to pass, when I was come again to Jerusalem, and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then it happened that, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, a mental stupor came over me,

New American Bible
“After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance

New Revised Standard Version
“After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass that when I returned here to Jerusalem and while praying in the temple,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And I returned and came here to Jerusalem, and I prayed in The Temple.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And it came to pass, after I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance,

Godbey New Testament
And it happened unto me, having returned into Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, I was in an ecstasy;

Haweis New Testament
Now it came to pass, that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance;

Mace New Testament
at length being return'd to Jerusalem, one day as I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance.

Weymouth New Testament
"After my return to Jerusalem, and while praying in the Temple, I fell into a trance.

Worrell New Testament
And it came to pass when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I came to be in a trance;

Worsley New Testament
And when I was returned to Jerusalem, and was praying in the temple, I was in a trance.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Defense to the Crowd
16And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’ 17Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’…

Cross References
Acts 9:26-30
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. / Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. / So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ...

Acts 26:19-21
So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. / First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. / For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.

Acts 21:17-18
When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us joyfully. / The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were present.

Acts 11:2-3
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took issue with him / and said, “You visited uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

Acts 13:46-47
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. / For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 18:6
But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Acts 7:55-56
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Acts 10:9-16
The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. / He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. / He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. ...

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 8:1
And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Acts 15:1-2
Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

Acts 20:22-23
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. / I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

Acts 28:28
Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

Acts 6:9-10
But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They disputed with Stephen, / but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Acts 9:26-28
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…

Galatians 1:18
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

while.

Acts 10:9,10
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: …

2 Corinthians 12:1-4
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord…

Revelation 1:10
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Jump to Previous
Clear Ecstasy Fell Jerusalem Naturally Prayed Prayer Praying Senses Temple Trance
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Clear Ecstasy Fell Jerusalem Naturally Prayed Prayer Praying Senses Temple Trance
Acts 22
1. Paul declares how he was converted to the faith,
17. and called to his apostleship.
22. At the very mentioning of the Gentiles the people exclaim on him.
24. He would have been scourged;
25. but claiming the privilege of a Roman, he escapes.














Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem
This phrase indicates a specific time after Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus. Jerusalem holds significant importance as the center of Jewish worship and the early Christian church. Paul's return to Jerusalem signifies his connection to the Jewish roots of Christianity and his desire to engage with the apostles and the early church community. Historically, Jerusalem was the site of the temple, the heart of Jewish religious life, and a place where early Christians gathered.

and was praying at the temple
Paul's act of praying at the temple underscores his continued devotion to Jewish customs and practices, even after his conversion to Christianity. The temple was the focal point of Jewish worship, and prayer there was a common practice for devout Jews. This setting highlights Paul's respect for his heritage and his attempt to bridge his new faith with traditional Jewish practices. It also reflects the early Christian practice of attending the temple, as seen in Acts 3:1, where Peter and John went to the temple to pray.

I fell into a trance
The trance indicates a supernatural experience, often associated with receiving divine revelation. In biblical terms, a trance is a state where God communicates directly with an individual, as seen in Peter's vision in Acts 10:10. This experience emphasizes the divine guidance Paul received throughout his ministry. It also connects to the prophetic tradition in the Old Testament, where prophets often received visions or messages from God in altered states of consciousness. This trance serves as a pivotal moment for Paul, reinforcing his mission and the divine authority behind his apostolic work.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul (Saul of Tarsus)
The apostle who is recounting his conversion experience and subsequent events to a Jewish audience in Jerusalem. He is a central figure in the New Testament, known for his missionary journeys and epistles.

2. Jerusalem
The holy city where Paul returned after his conversion. It is significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the temple.

3. The Temple
The sacred place in Jerusalem where Paul was praying. It was the center of Jewish religious life and a place where significant events in the early church occurred.

4. Trance
A state of spiritual vision or revelation that Paul experienced while praying. This indicates a direct communication from God, often seen in biblical accounts as a means of divine instruction or prophecy.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Prayer
Paul's experience in the temple underscores the significance of prayer as a means of connecting with God and receiving divine guidance.

God's Communication
God can communicate with us in various ways, including through visions and spiritual experiences. We should be open to His leading and attentive to His voice.

The Role of the Temple
The temple was a place of worship and revelation for Paul. Today, we can find our "temple" in personal and communal worship settings where we seek God's presence.

Obedience to Divine Revelation
Paul's response to his vision demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when they lead us into challenging situations.

Courage in Witnessing
Paul's boldness in sharing his testimony, despite opposition, encourages us to be courageous in sharing our faith and experiences with others.(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 fulfilment of the promise, "I will send thee . . ." What was indicated in the vision was that he was to have another field of work than Jerusalem and the Church of the Circumcision. It may be noted as one of the "visions or revelations of the Lord" referred to in 2Corinthians 12:1.

Even while I prayed in the temple.--Better, and as I was praying. The fact is brought forward as showing that then, as now, he had been not a blasphemer of the Temple, but a devout worshipper in it, and so formed an important part of the Apostle's apologia to the charge that had been brought against him. . . .

Verse 17. - Had returned for was come again, A.V.; and for even, A.V.; fell into for was in, A.V. Into a trance (ἐν ἐκστάσει); see Acts 10:10, note.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Later,
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[when] I
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

had returned
ὑποστρέψαντι (hypostrepsanti)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5290: To turn back, return. From hupo and strepho; to turn under, i.e. To return.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Jerusalem
Ἰερουσαλὴμ (Ierousalēm)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

was praying
προσευχομένου (proseuchomenou)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

temple,
ἱερῷ (hierō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2411: Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.

I
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

fell
γενέσθαι (genesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

into
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

a trance,
ἐκστάσει (ekstasei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1611: From existemi; a displacement of the mind, i.e. Bewilderment, 'ecstasy'.


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NT Apostles: Acts 22:17 It happened that when I had returned (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 22:16
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