Acts 22:10

KJV

And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} I said {G2036}, What {G5101} shall I do {G4160}, Lord {G2962}? And {G1161} the Lord {G2962} said {G2036} unto {G4314} me {G3165}, Arise {G450}, and go {G4198} into {G1519} Damascus {G1154}; and there {G2546} it shall be told {G2980} thee {G4671} of {G4012} all things {G3956} which {G3739} are appointed {G5021} for thee {G4671} to do {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I said ‘What should I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up, and go into Dammesek, and there you will be told about everything that has been laid out for you to do.’

Berean Standard Bible

Then I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ ‘Get up and go into Damascus,’ He told me. ‘There you will be told all that you have been appointed to do.’

American Standard Version

And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 22:10 captures the pivotal moment of Saul's conversion, where, blinded and humbled by his encounter with the resurrected Christ, he asks for divine direction. The Lord's immediate response instructs Saul to proceed to Damascus, promising that further, specific instructions regarding his divinely appointed mission would be revealed to him there. This verse marks the profound shift from Saul the persecutor to Paul the obedient servant, setting the stage for his apostolic calling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's powerful defense speech delivered to a hostile crowd in Jerusalem, as recorded in [Acts 22:1-21](/acts/22-1-21 "Paul's Defense Before the Crowd"). Paul recounts his dramatic conversion experience on the Damascus Road, a narrative he presents to validate his apostleship and explain his mission to the Gentiles. His question, "What shall I do, Lord?", signifies a profound and immediate shift from persecutor to humble inquirer, demonstrating his complete surrender to the divine authority he had just encountered. This personal testimony serves as a crucial apologetic, emphasizing the direct and undeniable nature of his encounter with the resurrected Christ, which profoundly altered the trajectory of his life and ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul of Tarsus was a zealous Pharisee, deeply committed to Jewish law and actively persecuting followers of "the Way." His journey to Damascus was specifically to arrest Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. Damascus, a significant city in Syria, was a known refuge for early Christians fleeing persecution. The blinding light and audible voice were unmistakable signs of divine intervention, a theophany that would have been understood within a Jewish context as a direct encounter with God. Saul's subsequent blindness and the need for external guidance underscored his utter dependence on God, a powerful reversal for a man who had previously acted with such self-assured authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's life. Firstly, it highlights **Immediate Obedience** to divine revelation, as Paul's prompt question reveals a heart ready to submit to the authority he just encountered, a hallmark of true conversion. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Guidance and Sovereignty**, as the Lord's command to "go into Damascus" and the promise that "there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do" reveal God's meticulous, step-by-step plan for Saul's life. This echoes the broader biblical truth that God has a specific purpose for His servants, as seen in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for His People"). Finally, it marks the definitive beginning of Paul's **Calling to Ministry**, as Damascus becomes the place where he receives further instruction through Ananias, confirming his [specific calling to bear Christ's name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** While this word can be a polite form of address, in the context of Saul's blinding encounter and the overwhelming divine presence, it carries the profound weight of acknowledging Jesus's supreme authority and deity. It signifies a complete surrender to His will, recognizing Him as the sovereign Master.
* **Damascus (Greek, _Damaskós'_):** This refers to the city of Damascus, a significant location in Syria. For Saul, it was initially a destination for persecution. However, after his encounter, it became the place of his spiritual transformation, healing, and the reception of his divine commission, symbolizing a complete reversal of his previous mission.
* **appointed (Greek, _tássō'_):** This verb means "to arrange in an orderly manner," "assign," "ordain," or "determine." Its use here emphasizes that Saul's future actions and ministry were not random or self-initiated but part of a pre-determined, divine plan meticulously orchestrated by God. It reinforces the idea of a specific, pre-ordained purpose for Saul's life and ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said, What shall I do, Lord?":** This clause captures Saul's immediate and profound response to his encounter with the resurrected Christ. Having been physically blinded and spiritually enlightened, his question reveals a heart utterly broken, humbled, and ready for complete submission. It signifies the end of his self-directed, persecuting life and the beginning of a life of obedience to divine authority.
* **"And the Lord said unto me, ‹Arise, and go into Damascus;":** This is the direct, authoritative command from Jesus. The instruction to "Arise" implies a call to action from his fallen state, both physically and spiritually. The directive to "go into Damascus" is specific and immediate, requiring an act of faith and obedience without full knowledge of what awaits him there. It is the first concrete step in his new journey.
* **"and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.›":** This final part of the divine instruction emphasizes God's sovereign plan and progressive revelation. Saul is not given all the details immediately but is assured that his full mission, the "all things which are appointed for thee to do," will be revealed to him in due course, specifically in Damascus. This highlights God's method of guiding His servants step by step, requiring trust and obedience at each stage.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 22:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as the zealous persecutor of Christians is suddenly confronted by the very Christ he opposes, leading to his complete transformation and a new mission. This reversal is stark and impactful. The encounter itself is a **Theophany** or **Epiphany**, a direct manifestation of God (in the person of Jesus Christ) to a human, which profoundly alters the recipient's life. The verse also functions as a crucial part of a **Call Narrative**, a common biblical pattern where God calls an individual, the individual responds, and a commission is given. Here, Saul's question is his response, and the instruction to go to Damascus is the initial step in his commissioning. Finally, the narrative implicitly uses **Symbolism**, particularly with Saul's temporary blindness and subsequent healing, which symbolizes his spiritual blindness before Christ and his spiritual sight gained through conversion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 22:10 is a powerful testament to God's sovereign grace and transformative power. The encounter on the Damascus Road demonstrates that God can break into anyone's life, regardless of their past opposition or zealous misguidedness, and redirect them for His purposes. Paul's immediate surrender and question, "What shall I do, Lord?", exemplify the appropriate human response to divine revelation: humble submission and a readiness to obey. This verse underscores the theological truth that God has a pre-ordained plan for each individual's life and ministry, revealing it progressively and often through unexpected means. It highlights that true conversion leads to a life of active obedience and a willingness to be guided by God's specific instructions, even when the full path is not yet clear.

* [Acts 9:15-16](/acts/9-15-16 "Acts 9:15-16 - Paul's Divine Commission") – Ananias is told of Paul's specific calling to be a chosen instrument to carry Christ's name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel, and to suffer for His name.
* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah's Willingness to Serve") – Isaiah's response, "Here am I; send me," mirrors Paul's immediate readiness to obey God's call, showcasing a heart prepared for divine service.
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting in the Lord's Guidance") – This passage encourages trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, which aligns with Paul's obedient step into Damascus without knowing all the details.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 22:10 offers profound insights for believers today, challenging us to cultivate a posture of immediate and humble surrender to God's will. When confronted with God's truth or a clear divine prompting, our first and most crucial question should echo Paul's: "What shall I do, Lord?" This signifies a willingness to lay aside our own plans, desires, and understanding in favor of God's perfect design. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that God often reveals His will progressively, not all at once. We may not see the entire path ahead, but we are called to take the next obedient step, trusting that He will make "all things which are appointed for thee to do" known in due time. This requires faith, patience, and a deep reliance on His guidance. Finally, Paul's dramatic transformation from persecutor to apostle serves as a powerful testament to God's boundless grace and ability to redeem and use anyone, regardless of their past. It encourages us to believe that God can transform even the most unlikely individuals and empower them mightily for His kingdom purposes, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of His redemptive love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently asking, "What shall I do, Lord?" and are you truly open to His answer, even if it's unexpected?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to go to Damascus, without knowing all the details, challenge your own approach to trusting God's step-by-step guidance?**
* **Considering Paul's past as a persecutor, how does his transformation encourage you about God's ability to use anyone, including yourself, for His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus send Paul to Damascus instead of telling him everything immediately?**

Answer: God's methods often involve progressive revelation and the use of human instruments. By sending Paul to Damascus, Jesus demonstrated His sovereignty and tested Paul's immediate obedience. It also allowed for community and mentorship, as Ananias was used by God to restore Paul's sight, baptize him, and confirm his calling ([Acts 9:17-19](/acts/9-17-19 "Acts 9:17-19 - Ananias and Saul")). This process built Paul's faith and integrated him into the Christian community, emphasizing that God often works through others rather than providing all information directly.

**How does this account of Paul's conversion compare to the other biblical narratives?**

Answer: Paul's conversion is recounted three times in the book of Acts: [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - The Conversion of Saul"), [Acts 22:6-16](/acts/22-6-16 "Acts 22:6-16 - Paul's Defense in Jerusalem"), and [Acts 26:12-18](/acts/26-12-18 "Acts 26:12-18 - Paul's Defense Before Agrippa"). While the core event—a blinding light, a voice from Jesus, and Paul's subsequent transformation—remains consistent, each account is tailored to its specific audience and purpose. [Acts 9](/acts/9 "Acts 9 - Saul's Conversion") is a narrative account by Luke. [Acts 22](/acts/22 "Acts 22 - Paul's Defense") is Paul's personal testimony to a Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, emphasizing his Jewish credentials and the direct nature of the encounter. [Acts 26](/acts/26 "Acts 26 - Paul Before Agrippa") is Paul's defense before King Agrippa, focusing more on his commission to the Gentiles and the prophetic fulfillment. Acts 22:10 specifically highlights Paul's immediate question and the Lord's direct, step-by-step instruction, underscoring his surrender and the divine orchestration of his next steps.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 22:10 profoundly points to Christ as the sovereign Lord who actively intervenes in human lives, not merely as a historical figure but as the living, resurrected King. Paul's encounter on the Damascus Road is a powerful demonstration of Christ's authority over all creation and His redemptive power. It is Christ who confronts Paul, Christ who blinds him, and Christ who gives the direct command to "Arise, and go into Damascus." This verse reveals Jesus as the one who calls and commissions His servants, initiating their ministry not based on their merit or past actions, but solely on His divine will and grace. The "things which are appointed for thee to do" ultimately refer to Paul's lifelong mission to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, a mission that began with this very command. Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle is a living testament to the power of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of His saving grace and transformative power. His obedience foreshadows Christ's own perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). Thus, Acts 22:10 is not just about Paul's conversion, but about the active, sovereign, and saving work of Jesus Christ, who continues to call, equip, and send His followers to build His kingdom until [He comes again in glory](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Second Coming of Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 16:30

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Acts 22:12

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there],

Acts 22:16

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 2:37

¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 26:16

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Psalms 143:8

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.