Acts 22:17 - “When I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance,
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What does "Acts 22:17" mean?
This verse, Acts 22:17, describes an experience the Apostle Paul had when he returned to Jerusalem after his conversion. Let's break it down:
"When I had returned to Jerusalem...": This refers to a visit Paul made to Jerusalem sometime after his conversion and initial missionary journeys. The exact timing is debated among scholars. He had previously persecuted Christians in Jerusalem before his conversion.
"...and while I prayed in the temple...": Paul, even as a follower of Jesus, continued to respect Jewish traditions and worshipped in the temple. This highlights his Jewish heritage and attempts to connect with his people. He went to the temple, a place of prayer and worship for the Jewish people.
"...I fell into a trance...": This is the key point. A "trance" in this context (Greek: ekstasis) refers to a state of altered consciousness where Paul experienced a direct encounter with God, likely a vision or revelation. He was taken out of his normal awareness. This was not just a feeling or a thought; it was a profound spiritual experience.
What does it mean?
Divine Communication: The trance was a means by which God communicated with Paul. It suggests a direct and powerful interaction between God and Paul.
Divine Guidance: In the verses that follow (Acts 22:18-21), during the trance, God warns Paul that the people of Jerusalem would not accept his testimony about Jesus and commands him to leave Jerusalem and go to the Gentiles. Thus, the trance served as divine guidance.
Confirmation of Paul's Calling: It reinforced Paul's mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). This was a crucial part of Paul's apostolic ministry. The vision emphasizes that Paul's ministry was divinely appointed, even though it was controversial, especially among some Jewish Christians.
Evidence of Paul's Authority: By recounting this experience, Paul is trying to demonstrate the legitimacy of his apostleship and the validity of his message to the Jews in Jerusalem. He's saying, "I'm not just making this up; God spoke to me directly."
Context is Important:
This verse appears in Paul's defense speech to a hostile crowd in Jerusalem. He is trying to explain his conversion and his ministry. He's reminding them of his Jewish background and explaining why he now preaches a message that they find offensive. This specific vision, and his obedience to it, provides the rationale for his ministry to the Gentiles.
In summary, Acts 22:17 describes a powerful spiritual encounter in which Paul received specific direction from God, confirming his calling to preach the Gospel, especially to the Gentiles. The trance serves as a sign of divine authority and provides a crucial explanation for Paul's ministry.
Acts 22:17 - “When I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance,
What does "Acts 22:17" mean?
This verse, Acts 22:17, describes an experience the Apostle Paul had when he returned to Jerusalem after his conversion. Let's break it down:
"When I had returned to Jerusalem...": This refers to a visit Paul made to Jerusalem sometime after his conversion and initial missionary journeys. The exact timing is debated among scholars. He had previously persecuted Christians in Jerusalem before his conversion.
"...and while I prayed in the temple...": Paul, even as a follower of Jesus, continued to respect Jewish traditions and worshipped in the temple. This highlights his Jewish heritage and attempts to connect with his people. He went to the temple, a place of prayer and worship for the Jewish people.
"...I fell into a trance...": This is the key point. A "trance" in this context (Greek: ekstasis) refers to a state of altered consciousness where Paul experienced a direct encounter with God, likely a vision or revelation. He was taken out of his normal awareness. This was not just a feeling or a thought; it was a profound spiritual experience.
What does it mean?
Divine Communication: The trance was a means by which God communicated with Paul. It suggests a direct and powerful interaction between God and Paul.
Divine Guidance: In the verses that follow (Acts 22:18-21), during the trance, God warns Paul that the people of Jerusalem would not accept his testimony about Jesus and commands him to leave Jerusalem and go to the Gentiles. Thus, the trance served as divine guidance.
Confirmation of Paul's Calling: It reinforced Paul's mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). This was a crucial part of Paul's apostolic ministry. The vision emphasizes that Paul's ministry was divinely appointed, even though it was controversial, especially among some Jewish Christians.
Evidence of Paul's Authority: By recounting this experience, Paul is trying to demonstrate the legitimacy of his apostleship and the validity of his message to the Jews in Jerusalem. He's saying, "I'm not just making this up; God spoke to me directly."
Context is Important:
This verse appears in Paul's defense speech to a hostile crowd in Jerusalem. He is trying to explain his conversion and his ministry. He's reminding them of his Jewish background and explaining why he now preaches a message that they find offensive. This specific vision, and his obedience to it, provides the rationale for his ministry to the Gentiles.
In summary, Acts 22:17 describes a powerful spiritual encounter in which Paul received specific direction from God, confirming his calling to preach the Gospel, especially to the Gentiles. The trance serves as a sign of divine authority and provides a crucial explanation for Paul's ministry.