Acts 22:17

“And it came to pass, that when I was come again to Jerusalem, etc.] Which was three years after his conversion; for he did not immediately return to Jerusalem, but went into Arabia; and when he returned to Damascus, which was three years after he came to Jerusalem; (see <480117>Galatians 1:17,18) even while I prayed in the temple; the temple was an house of prayer; hither persons resorted for that purpose; and as the apostle had been used to it, he continued this custom, and during the time of prayer he fell into an ecstasy: I was in a trance: and knew not whether he was in the body, or out of the body: whether this was the time he refers to in (<471202>2 Corinthians 12:2) is not certain,…”

“it came to pass, &c.--This thrilling dialogue between the glorified Redeemer and his chosen vessel is nowhere else related. when I was come again to Jerusalem--on the occasion mentioned in Act 9:26-29. while I prayed in the temple--He thus calls their attention to the fact that after his conversion he kept up his connection with the temple as before.”

“When I was come again to Jerusalem - That is, three years after his conversion. See Galatians 1:17-18. While I prayed in the temple - Paul, like other converts to Christianity from among the Jews, would naturally continue to offer his devotions in the temple. We meet with repeated instances of their continuing to comply with the customs of the Jewish people. I was in a trance - Greek: ecstasy. See the notes on Acts 10:10. It is possible that he may here refer to what he elsewhere mentions 2 Corinthians 12:1-5 as “visions and revelations of the Lord.” In that place he mentions his being “caught up to the third heaven” 2 Corinthians 12:2 and “into paradise,” where he heard words which it was…”

“When I was returned to Jerusalem - From Damascus, and was praying in the temple - Whereby he shows that he still paid the temple its due honour, as the house of prayer. I was in a trance - Perhaps he might continue standing all the while, so that any who were near him would hardly discern it. Acts 22:18”

“22:17-22 While Paul was praying in the Temple, he saw a vision of Jesus telling him that the people of Jerusalem would not accept his testimony. The Lord then sent him to the Gentiles. The crowd’s response to this report (22:22-23) proved the point.”

“when: Act 9:26-28; Gal 1:18 while: Act 10:9, Act 10:10; Co2 12:1-4; Rev 1:10 Acts 22:18”