Definition: 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;
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Acts 22:17. It’s a really significant and dramatic moment in the story of Paul’s conversion. Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, Paul was experiencing a powerful vision. “And it came to pass…” : This phrase is like saying "Suddenly, something happened." It's a way of describing a sudden and unusual event. “…that, when I was come again to Jerusalem…” : Paul had already been preaching and trying to share the Gospel (the good news about Jesus Christ) in various places. He’d traveled extensively throughout Judea and Samaria – basically, he'd been actively spreading his message. “Come again” means he was returning to a place of importance. “…even while I prayed in the temple…” : He was praying inside the Jerusalem Temple, which was a very important religious center for Jewish people. So, what happened next? The Bible says that as Paul was praying, he had a vision. It’s described as a “trance.” A trance is like a state of being deeply immersed in a vision or experience. It's not just seeing; it’s feeling and experiencing something profound. What does this tell us about Paul? This is a crucial part of his story because it shows: He was profoundly moved by God: It wasn’t just a random event; he was deeply affected by divine revelation. He experienced a spiritual breakthrough: The vision suggests that Paul had a moment where he felt incredibly connected to God and understood something fundamental about His plan for his life. It was a powerful sign: The fact that it happened while he was praying in the Temple indicates a great deal of significance – perhaps a divine message or guidance. Important Note: The exact details of Paul’s vision are debated among Bible scholars, but it's generally understood as a moment where he received a clear and intense message from God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Paul’s life?