“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)
“He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’– Acts 9:6 (NLT)
“He said, ‘Who are you, Master?’ ‘I am Jesus, the one you’re hunting down. Now get up and enter the city. In the city you will be told what to do next.’– Acts 9:6 (MSG)
What Does Acts 9:6 Mean?
In Acts 9:6, we witness a life-altering moment for Saul of Tarsus. This moment occurs after Saul has an extraordinary encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. At this juncture, Saul has been a fervent persecutor of Christians. He believes he is doing the right thing by trying to eliminate the followers of Jesus, whom he considers a threat to his faith as a devout Jew. His sudden confrontation with Jesus leaves him trembling and astonished, which reflects both fear and realization of the truth.
The pivotal question that Saul poses to Jesus—”What wilt thou have me to do?”—is essential. This question signifies a turning point not just for Saul, but for all of us. It shows Saul’s willingness to listen and obey, which is crucial in our own journeys of faith. When we come face to face with our sins or our own understanding of the world, we might also find ourselves asking God what He wants from us. Jesus’ response to him, instructing him to rise and go into the city, sets the stage for Saul’s transformation into the Apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in Christianity.
Acts 9:6 Explanation and Commentary
The words spoken in Acts 9:6 carry immense weight. When Saul addresses Jesus, asking “What wilt thou have me to do?” it represents a genuine heart seeking direction. The importance of this moment cannot be understated. On one hand, Saul’s past is marked by his relentless attacks on Christians. But in this moment of humility, he is beginning to recognize the error of his ways, opening his heart to God’s leading.
For many of us, we might experience our own life-altering events that lead us to ask similar questions. Maybe we’ve lost our way, faced difficulties, or felt deep shame for our actions. When we reach a point of desperation and cry out to God, we may ask, “What do You want me to do?” This shows that we acknowledge we cannot do it alone. In our hearts, we desire God’s guidance. This desire connects deeply with God’s purpose for each of us. God asks us to be obedient, just as Saul was to be obedient in heading into the city.
It is fascinating how Jesus details what Saul will do next. It doesn’t come in a grand proclamation of how he will become a great apostle immediately. Instead, Jesus simply calls him to rise and go. This indicates that our lives are often made up of many small, faithfully taken steps, rather than giant leaps. Miracles and transformations often unfold gradually.
God happens to work through imperfect people. When Saul arrives in the city, he will receive further instructions from others on what to do next. This demonstrates the importance of community and support in our spiritual walk. We may not have the answers ourselves, but God often places people around us to help guide us. How encouraging it is to know that we do not have to go through changes alone! Each of us has access to divine guidance through prayer, scripture, and relationships with other believers, just as Saul did.
Saul’s experience shows us that God can transform even the most unlikely individual into a vessel for His purpose. We are reminded that no matter how far we have strayed or what we have done, it is never too late to turn back to God. This message resonates through the ages, offering hope for everyone who may feel unworthy or lost.
In conclusion, Acts 9:6 reveals profound lessons about recognition of our need for God’s guidance, the value of obedience, and the transformative power of a single moment. As we face our own questions and challenges, let us remain open to God’s voice directing our paths to fulfill His greater plans.
Context of Acts 9:6
Understanding Acts 9:6 requires looking at the context surrounding it. Saul was initially introduced in Acts 7 during the stoning of Stephen, an early Christian martyr. Saul was in full support of Stephen’s execution, which provides insight into his fierce opposition against the Followers of the Way (an early name for Christians). His actions showed unwavering dedication, albeit misguided. Saul’s zeal for the Jewish faith blinded him to the visible truth of Jesus’ mission.
As we progress into Acts 8, we find that Saul continues his persecution, savagely dragging men and women off to prison. The early church was reeling from fear due to his threatening presence. However, Saul’s plans would dramatically change when he sets out for Damascus with a letter granting him authority to imprison any Christians he finds there.
On the road to Damascus, we see the moment where Saul’s encounter with Jesus takes place. This event is critical for understanding how God breaks through human opposition to establish His purpose. In this moment, Jesus speaks directly to Saul and reveals His identity. The brilliance of this scene creates a shift in Saul’s mission, prompting a re-evaluation of what he believes.
The interactions between Saul and the people he encounters elevate the lessons of relentless love and grace that Jesus provides us. In light of Acts 9:6, we see Saul asking, “What do You want from me?” and his willingness to accept God’s call, which results in his conversion. Each action leading up to this moment plays a significant role in showcasing that the path to redemption is available for everyone, even those who may seem the most distant.
When we comprehend Saul’s background, we observe the beauty in Jesus’ forgiveness. This reiterates the importance of humility and receptiveness to divine instruction. As Saul is transformed, we can reflect on how we too might be called to change or to take a different path than we initially envisioned. God connects with us, challenges our understanding, and walks with us toward a life chasing after His purpose. This intentional and spiritual growth is available to each of us, just as it was to Saul.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 9:6
Let’s break down the key parts of Acts 9:6 for a more intimate examination. The verse opens with Saul trembling and astonished. His internal state reflects the weight of profound realization; this isn’t just an ordinary encounter. He stands before the very Messiah he thought he was fighting against.
The question Saul asks, “What wilt thou have me to do?” speaks volumes about his state of mind. It acknowledges his authority and surrenders control. Upon recognizing the truth of who Jesus is, Saul is drawn into a dialogue rather than retreating in fear or anger. This indicates that authentic encounters with Christ often lead us to significant questions about our role in His plan.
Next, Jesus’ response is measured and directive. “Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” Here, we find elements of empowerment and guidance. Jesus emphasizes action. By telling Saul to arise, Jesus calls him into a state of readiness and movement. It signifies a call from passivity to purpose.
Jesus then says, “go into the city.” This emphasizes that while Saul’s transformation is personal, it is also communal. Saul is not only going to change himself but will be led to a place where others—God’s people—will guide him in fulfilling what God’s purpose will be in his life. This highlights that while our relationship with God is deeply personal, it’s also meant to be lived out in connection with others around us.
The phrase “it shall be told thee what thou must do” wraps this verse in anticipation and hope. It signifies that the answers will come and that we are not left in a state of uncertainty indefinitely. This passage encourages us to trust that as we take steps of faith, God will reveal the next part of our journey in due time.
This verse serves as an encouragement for us to be open to God’s call even in moments of uncertainty. Acts 9:6 illustrates that we are never beyond the reach of God’s transforming love and guiding voice, just as Saul was elevated from his past into a life dedicated to serving and glorifying God.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 9:6
Acts 9:6 provides us with profound lessons for our everyday lives. One primary lesson is humility. Saul is presented with an opportunity to turn away from his past ways, and he responds with a posture of humility, seeking God’s direction. We too can learn to humble ourselves and be ready to ask God what He desires for us, serving as a reminder that our wisdom can sometimes fall short of His divine plan.
Another lesson revolves around action. Jesus instructs Saul to “arise” and take the next step. This teaches us that while it’s essential to seek guidance, we also must be willing to act on it. God encourages us to work in faith, taking steps even when we might not see the entire road ahead. Faith often requires bravery and movement toward what He has planned for us.
Moreover, the transformative nature of a singular moment cannot be understated. Saul’s life changes not through immense efforts of his own, but through an encounter with Jesus. Each of us has a story, and no matter how bleak it seems, we can trust that God can use our experiences to orchestrate His purpose. We must not discount the power of God’s intervention in our lives.
Committing to a personal relationship with God leads to genuine change. This authentic connection is vividly reflected through Saul’s transformation. We learn that God favors having a relationship with each one of us, desiring to lead us into a life that reflects His love and grace.
The importance of community and guidance emerges from Saul’s experience. Jesus sends him into a city where others will instruct him. This encourages us to foster relationships within our faith community, seeking out mentors, friends, and support systems to help guide us in our spiritual journeys. Investing in each other allows us to grow and build on faith in ways we may not accomplish alone.
Additionally, Acts 9:6 inspires us to live in expectancy. Saul didn’t know what would happen next, but he had faith that instructions would follow suit. In our lives, we can remain hopeful, trusting that as we step out in faith, God will provide clarity and direction moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Acts 9:6 serves as a powerful reminder that transformation is possible for anyone willing to ask God for guidance. Just like Saul, we are offered grace and an invitation into a life that reflects God’s love. This passage reminds us that in times of uncertainty, we can find strength in asking God, “What will You have me do?” Each of us can reflect on Saul’s story and draw strength from the transformative power of Jesus. If God can change Saul, then He can certainly change our lives as well.
As we contemplate these themes, let’s remember to remain open to God’s voice and willing to take steps forward in faith. We can always seek out support from others on our journey, embracing the communal aspect of faith that God has designed. For those wishing to continue exploring topics related to faith experiences, check out other enlightening resources we have, such as John 7:13 and Numbers 13:23. These passages can offer deeper insights into how we can trust God’s guidance in our own lives.