Acts 9:6

“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.”

This verse is a pivotal moment in the life of Saul, who later became known as the Apostle Paul. It reveals his encounter with Jesus Christ and the radical transformation that took place in his life.

Context:Prior to this event, Saul was known for his zealous persecution of Christians. He was on his way to Damascus, armed with authority from the high priest to arrest followers of Jesus. However, on the road, he was confronted by a bright light from heaven and heard the voice of Jesus speaking to him.

Trembling and Astonished:Saul’s response to this supernatural encounter was trembling and astonishment. He recognized the divine presence and authority of Jesus, which humbled him and caused him to reevaluate his beliefs and actions.

Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? This question reflects Saul’s recognition of Jesus as Lord and his willingness to submit to His will. It demonstrates Saul’s readiness to be obedient and to align his life with the purposes of God.: 4. Arise, and go into the city: Jesus instructs Saul to go into the city of Damascus. This simple command required immediate action and demonstrated Jesus’ authority over Saul’s life. It also emphasized the importance of community and interaction with other believers.

It shall be told thee what thou must do:Instead of giving Saul a complete set of instructions at that moment, Jesus directs him to await further guidance in Damascus. This highlights the importance of dependence on God’s guidance and the role of the Christian community in receiving and understanding God’s will.

Lessons from Acts 9:6:

• Surrender to Jesus:Saul’s response of surrender and submission to Jesus teaches us the importance of recognizing Jesus as Lord and being willing to align our lives with His will.
• Obedience and Action:Saul’s immediate obedience to Jesus’ command to go into the city of Damascus reminds us of the importance of promptly following God’s instructions. Sometimes, we may not have a complete understanding of God’s plan, but our obedience is crucial.
• Dependence on God and Community:Saul’s experience highlights the role of the Christian community and guidance from others in discerning God’s will. It is essential to seek the counsel of mature believers and to be open to receiving guidance from God through various means.
• Transformation and Redemption:Saul’s conversion is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to transform even the most hostile opponents into passionate followers of Christ. It shows that no one is beyond God’s reach and that redemption is available to all.

Overall, Acts 9:6 captures a significant moment in the life of Saul, where he encounters Jesus and willingly surrenders his life to Him. It serves as a powerful example of transformation, obedience, and the ongoing journey of discovering and following God’s will.