Acts 9:6

KJV

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} he trembling {G5141} and {G2532} astonished {G2284} said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, what {G5101} wilt thou have {G2309} me {G3165} to do {G4160}? And {G2532} the Lord {G2962} said unto {G4314} him {G846}, Arise {G450}, and {G2532} go {G1525} into {G1519} the city {G4172}, and {G2532} it shall be told {G2980} thee {G4671} what {G5101} thou {G4571} must {G1163} do {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But get up, and go into the city, and you will be told what you have to do.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

American Standard Version

but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:6 captures the dramatic turning point in Saul's life, as he, previously a zealous persecutor of Christians, is utterly humbled by a divine encounter with the resurrected Christ. This pivotal verse records his immediate, fear-filled, and submissive inquiry, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?", followed by the Lord's direct instruction to enter Damascus, where further divine guidance would be revealed, signifying the commencement of his radical transformation from antagonist to obedient servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:6 is the immediate climax of Saul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. The preceding verses (Acts 9:1-5) establish Saul's violent intent to persecute believers, his sudden blinding by a heavenly light, and the direct, confrontational voice of Jesus questioning his actions. This verse marks Saul's first verbal response to the divine revelation, immediately shifting from his aggressive mission to a posture of bewildered submission. It sets the stage for his entry into Damascus, his three days of blindness and fasting (Acts 9:9), and Ananias's visit, which fully restores his sight and initiates his ministry (Acts 9:17-19).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul, a devout Pharisee from Tarsus, was a highly educated and zealous Jew, deeply committed to upholding the Mosaic Law and what he perceived as the purity of Judaism. His persecution of "the Way" (the early Christian movement) was rooted in his conviction that it was a heretical sect undermining Jewish tradition and blaspheming God by proclaiming a crucified Messiah. Damascus, a major city in Syria, was home to a significant Jewish diaspora community, including many new Christian converts, making it a logical target for Saul's anti-Christian campaign. The sudden, overwhelming nature of the divine appearance and voice would have been profoundly disorienting and terrifying for a man of Saul's background, challenging his entire theological framework and sense of religious righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. It highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty** and **irresistible grace**, as God intervenes directly and dramatically to redirect a persecutor into a proclaimer of the Gospel, demonstrating that no one is beyond His redemptive reach. It also underscores the theme of **radical conversion**, portraying a complete and immediate shift in allegiance and purpose, moving from defiance to absolute submission to Christ's authority. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **God's progressive revelation and guidance**, where initial obedience to a partial command ("go into the city") precedes the full disclosure of God's plan for one's life, as seen in [Ananias's commission regarding Saul](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Ananias's Commission Regarding Saul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trembling (Greek, _trémō'_):** From a root meaning "to dread" or "terrify," this word signifies a profound physical and emotional shaking, indicating deep fear and awe in response to the overwhelming divine presence. It's not just a slight tremor, but a fundamental disturbance of one's composure, reflecting a deep, unsettling realization.
* **astonished (Greek, _thambéō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "stupefy with surprise," this term conveys a state of being utterly astounded, bewildered, and overwhelmed to the point of mental paralysis. It suggests a shock that shatters one's previous understanding and expectations, leaving one speechless and disoriented.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb is broad in its application, meaning "to make or do." In this context, it signifies Saul's immediate desire for active obedience and service, a complete reversal from his previous actions. His question is not merely intellectual curiosity but a plea for direction on how to align his actions with the will of the one he now recognizes as "Lord."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?":** This clause captures Saul's immediate, visceral reaction to the divine encounter. The physical manifestations of trembling and astonishment underscore the overwhelming power of Christ's appearance and voice, shattering Saul's previous self-assurance and zeal. His question, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?", is a profound surrender, acknowledging the authority of the one he had been persecuting and expressing a complete willingness to obey, marking a radical shift from defiance to submission.
* **"And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.":** This second part of the verse presents the Lord's direct, concise, and authoritative command. The instruction to "Arise, and go into the city" is a call to immediate, practical obedience, even without full knowledge of the subsequent steps. The promise "it shall be told thee what thou must do" highlights God's method of progressive revelation, providing immediate direction while reserving further details for a later time, demanding faith and trust from Saul.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several powerful literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident in Saul, the persecutor, being utterly humbled and submitting to the very Christ he sought to destroy. The **Juxtaposition** of Saul's initial violent mission (Acts 9:1) with his trembling submission in this verse highlights the radical nature of his transformation. The use of vivid descriptive adjectives like "trembling" and "astonished" creates a strong sense of **Pathos**, drawing the reader into the intensity of Saul's experience. Furthermore, the direct dialogue between Christ and Saul, particularly Saul's question, serves as a powerful **Rhetorical Question** that is immediately answered by the Lord's command, emphasizing the shift in authority and Saul's new posture of obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:6 profoundly illustrates the transformative power of a direct encounter with the risen Christ, demonstrating that God's sovereign grace can radically change even the most hardened opponent into a devoted servant. It underscores the biblical principle that true conversion involves a complete surrender of one's will to the Lordship of Jesus and a willingness to obey His immediate, even if partial, instructions. This moment foreshadows the entire trajectory of Paul's apostolic ministry, which was characterized by unwavering obedience to divine directives, often without full prior knowledge of the outcome, relying solely on God's guidance.

* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah's Call and Response")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Working Out Salvation with God's Help")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Transformed Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:6 serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual transformation begins with a posture of humility and submission before the Lordship of Christ. Saul, who was once self-assured and violently opposed to God's will, is brought to his knees, utterly broken and ready to obey. This challenges us to examine our own lives: when confronted by God's truth, whether through His Word, His Spirit, or the circumstances He orchestrates, is our immediate response "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" or do we resist, rationalize, or seek our own way? The verse also teaches us the importance of immediate obedience to the partial light God gives. Saul was not given a full roadmap of his apostolic journey, but a simple, immediate instruction: "Arise, and go into the city." Often, God reveals His will step-by-step, requiring us to trust Him with the next immediate step, knowing that further clarity will come in due time. Our willingness to obey the small, clear commands prepares us for the larger, more complex assignments He has for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life am I holding back from God's full Lordship?**
* **Am I willing to obey God's immediate instructions, even when I don't see the full picture of His plan?**
* **How has a personal encounter with Christ (or His truth) humbled me and led me to a posture of submission?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul "trembling and astonished"?**

Answer: Saul's trembling and astonishment were direct, visceral responses to the overwhelming and unexpected divine encounter. He was confronted by the blinding light and the audible voice of the resurrected Jesus, whom he had been actively persecuting. This experience shattered his worldview, exposed his spiritual blindness, and revealed the true identity of the one he was fighting against. The Greek words used (G5141 _trémō_ and G2284 _thambéō_) convey a profound combination of physical fear, terror, and mental stupefaction or awe. It was a moment of absolute disorientation and humbling, as his entire understanding of God, righteousness, and his own mission was turned upside down by the undeniable presence of the Lord of glory. This profound shock is a key element in understanding the depth of his subsequent conversion, as described in [Acts 9](/acts/9 "Acts 9 - The Conversion of Saul").

**What is the significance of Saul calling Jesus "Lord"?**

Answer: Saul's use of "Lord" (Greek: G2962 _kýrios_) is highly significant and marks a pivotal moment in his conversion. Prior to this, Saul viewed Jesus as a blasphemer and a false Messiah. His mission was to eradicate belief in Jesus. However, after being confronted by the voice from heaven, Saul immediately recognized the divine authority and supremacy of the one speaking to him. This title, _Kyrios_, was used for God in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) and also for a master or supreme authority. By addressing Jesus as "Lord," Saul was acknowledging His divine power, sovereignty, and rightful claim over his life. It signified a complete surrender of his will and a recognition that the one he was persecuting was, in fact, the true God. This confession of Jesus as Lord is foundational to Christian faith, as seen in passages like [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confession of Jesus as Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:6, while detailing Saul's personal conversion, ultimately points to the Lord Jesus Christ as the sovereign agent of transformation and the ultimate object of submission. Saul's encounter on the Damascus road is a powerful demonstration of Christ's active, post-resurrection Lordship, fulfilling prophecies of a Messiah who would not only redeem but also powerfully confront and convert. The question "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" echoes the heart of discipleship, which is a complete surrender to Christ's will, recognizing Him as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The Lord's command to "Arise, and go into the city" underscores Christ's ongoing mission to gather His people and send them forth, as He commissioned His disciples in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Saul's transformation from persecutor to apostle, initiated by this direct encounter and immediate obedience, beautifully illustrates the power of Christ's redemptive work, demonstrating that [if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), and that Christ alone has the power to change hearts and direct lives for His glory.

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 22:10

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 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;

1 Timothy 1:14

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Romans 10:3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Romans 9:15

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Romans 9:24

Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?