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,

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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.














When I returned to Jerusalem
This phrase marks a significant moment in Paul's life, as he returns to the heart of Jewish worship and tradition. The Greek word for "returned" (ὑποστρέφω, hypostrephō) implies a turning back or coming again, indicating Paul's deep connection to Jerusalem despite his mission to the Gentiles. Historically, Jerusalem was the epicenter of Jewish faith, and Paul's return signifies his continued respect and love for his heritage, even as he embraces his calling to spread the Gospel to all nations.

and was praying
Prayer is a central theme in the life of Paul and the early church. The Greek word for "praying" (προσεύχομαι, proseuchomai) denotes a devout communication with God, reflecting Paul's constant reliance on divine guidance. In the Jewish tradition, prayer was a daily practice, and Paul's engagement in prayer at the temple underscores his dedication to seeking God's will, even amidst the challenges he faced.

at the temple
The temple in Jerusalem was not only a place of worship but also a symbol of God's presence among His people. For Paul, praying at the temple connects him to the rich history of his faith. The temple was the center of Jewish religious life, and its significance is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Paul's presence there highlights his respect for the traditions of his ancestors, even as he embraces the new covenant through Christ.

I fell into a trance
The phrase "fell into a trance" (Greek: ἔκστασις, ekstasis) suggests a state of being where Paul experiences a divine vision or revelation. This term is used in the New Testament to describe moments when individuals are taken beyond their normal consciousness to receive a message from God. In the context of Acts, this trance is a pivotal moment where Paul receives further direction for his ministry. It emphasizes the supernatural guidance that accompanies the apostolic mission and the importance of being open to God's leading in unexpected ways.

(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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