The term translated as “trance” (ἔκστασις, ekstasis) in Acts 11:5 derives from the verb ἐξίστημι (existēmi), meaning “to stand outside.” The prefix ἐκ- (ek-) signifies “out from,” while στάσις (stasis) pertains to “standing.” Consequently, ἔκστασις literally denotes “standing outside oneself,” suggesting a state of being removed from one’s typical condition. In English, “trance” refers to a state of altered consciousness characterized by reduced awareness of the external environment, heightened inward focus or attention to a specific stimulus, and often detachment from immediate surroundings, diminished voluntary control, and intense engagement. However, since ἔκστασις (ekstasis) conveys the broader notion of “standing beside oneself,” its meaning is not fully encapsulated by the concept of a trance alone.
In Mark 5:42, when Jesus healed the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader, the Jews who had been mocking Him for stating that she was merely asleep were immediately overwhelmed with astonishment (ἔκστασις, ekstasis).
When Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to the tomb of Christ, it was the third day since the authorities among the Jews and Gentiles had crucified Him. As the sun rose on the first day of the week, they wondered who would roll the stone away from the tomb to allow them to anoint the body with spices. Upon arriving at the tomb, however, they were alarmed to discover that the stone had already been moved. Instead of finding the body of Christ wrapped in grave clothes, they saw a young man seated on the right side, clothed in a white robe. He informed them that Jesus had risen from the dead and instructed them to go and tell Peter. Departing from the tomb, they fled, overcome with trembling and astonishment (ἔκστασις, ekstasis), as described in Mark 16:8.
On one of the days when Jesus was teaching, numerous Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from the villages of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem, were seated and listening. As the house where Jesus was teaching was filled to capacity, some men carrying a paralyzed man opened a hole in the roof to lower him down. Observing the faith of the man and his companions, Jesus declared to him, “Your sins are forgiven.” This pronouncement provoked murmuring among the Pharisees, who questioned how Jesus could make such a claim, since only God has the authority to forgive sins. Knowing what was on their hearts, Jesus inquired, ‘Which is it easier to say: “Your sins are forgiven,” or “Rise and walk”?’ He then addressed the paralyzed man, saying, “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” All present were struck with astonishment at this event, expressing a proper opinion of God, as they were filled with awe by what they had witnessed (Luke 5:26).
When Peter and John participated in the healing of a man lame from birth, the Jews who recognized him were astonished by the transformation they observed (Acts 3:10). This miraculous sign contributed to more than five thousand additional Jews coming to believe in the resurrection of their Messiah.
While Peter awaited food during his stay in Joppa, he ascended to the rooftop to pray. During this time of prayer, a large sheet descended from heaven containing a variety of animals. This vision induced in Peter a state of astonishment (ἔκστασις, ekstasis), as noted in Acts 10:10. Later, when recounting these events to the Jews who questioned him regarding his visit to Cornelius’ house, Peter explained what he had witnessed and how it signified that the Gentiles were being accepted into the Church (Acts 11:5-18).
Although translated as “trance,” ἔκστασις (ekstasis) conveys the effects of an event that cause a person to be astonished or to stand beside themselves in awe.