22:9 22:9

Acts 22:10

22:11 22:11

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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.’
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.’
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.

Acts 22:10 captures a pivotal moment in the life of Saul of Tarsus, soon to be known as the Apostle Paul. This verse is part of Paul's powerful testimony delivered to a hostile crowd in Jerusalem, where he recounts his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus.

Context

Having been blinded by a brilliant light and confronted by the voice of Jesus, Saul's initial question, "What shall I do, Lord?" signifies a profound shift from persecutor to humble inquirer. This account in Acts 22 is Paul's personal defense, emphasizing the direct, undeniable nature of his encounter with the resurrected Christ. The crowd's reaction to his testimony underscores the tension between his Jewish heritage and his new calling as an apostle to the Gentiles, a mission that began with this very instruction.

Key Themes

  • Immediate Obedience: Paul's prompt question reveals a heart ready to submit to the divine authority he just encountered. This immediate willingness to obey is a hallmark of true conversion and a foundational step in his new walk with Christ.
  • Divine Guidance and Sovereignty: 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" highlights God's meticulous plan for Saul's life. It shows that God has a specific purpose for each individual, revealing it step-by-step. This echoes God's sovereign design for His servants.
  • Calling to Ministry: This instruction is the very first step in Paul's commissioning. 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.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "What shall I do, Lord?" uses the Greek word Kyrios (Lord). While it can be a polite address, in this context, after the divine encounter, it carries the weight of acknowledging Jesus's supreme authority and deity. It reflects a complete surrender to His will. The phrase "appointed for thee to do" comes from the Greek tasso, meaning to "arrange," "ordain," or "appoint," reinforcing the idea of a pre-determined, divine plan for Saul's life and ministry, not merely a suggestion.

Practical Application

Acts 22:10 offers profound insights for believers today:

  1. Surrender to God's Will: Like Paul, we are called to ask, "What shall I do, Lord?" when confronted with God's presence and truth, ready to abandon our own plans for His. This humble submission opens the door for divine direction.
  2. Trust in Step-by-Step Guidance: God often reveals His will progressively. We may not see the entire path, 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 aligns with trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on one's own understanding.
  3. God Uses Transformed Lives: Paul, once a fervent persecutor of Christians, became the greatest evangelist. This verse reminds us that God can transform anyone and use them mightily for His purposes, regardless of their past, demonstrating His grace and power.
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.

  • 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.
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