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.
Acts 9:6 (KJV)
Context
Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, was traveling to Damascus with authority from the high priest to arrest followers of Jesus. On the road, a light from heaven flashed around him, and he heard the voice of Jesus. This encounter halted his mission and brought him face to face with the risen Lord.
Meaning
Saul’s response of trembling and astonishment shows his immediate recognition of divine authority. His question, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” is not a casual inquiry but a surrender of his will. He acknowledges Jesus as Lord and expresses readiness to obey, even before knowing the specific command.
The Lord’s reply, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do,” directs Saul to take action and await further instruction. This teaches that faith involves both immediate obedience and patient dependence on God’s guidance. The command to go into Damascus also emphasizes the role of community, as Saul would later receive direction through Ananias.
Biblical connections
The parallel account in Acts 22:10 confirms that Saul was told all things appointed for him to do. This reinforces the pattern of God revealing His will step by step, often through other believers.
Application
Surrender to Jesus: Saul’s submission teaches us to recognize Jesus as Lord and align our lives with His will, even when the full plan is unclear.
Obedience and action: Saul’s immediate response to “arise and go” reminds us that obedience is crucial, even when we do not have complete understanding.
Dependence on God and community: Saul’s experience highlights the importance of seeking counsel from mature believers and being open to guidance through God’s appointed means.
Transformation and redemption: Saul’s conversion demonstrates that God can transform even the most hostile opponents into passionate followers of Christ, showing that no one is beyond His reach.
Reflection
Acts 9:6 captures a decisive moment of surrender. Saul’s trembling question and the Lord’s directive reveal the heart of discipleship: submitting to Christ’s authority and following His leading one step at a time. This verse encourages us to ask the Lord what He would have us do and to obey His direction, trusting that He will guide us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.
