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 22:10KJV
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Acts 22:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:10 mean?

Acts 22:10 shows Paul asking Jesus what he should do after encountering Him on the road to Damascus, and Jesus instructs Paul to go into Damascus, where he will receive further directions about his purpose. The verse highlights Paul’s willingness to obey and Jesus’ plan to reveal Paul’s mission step by step.

In this scene, Paul (then known as Saul) is recounting his dramatic conversion experience to a crowd in Jerusalem. Paul describes how, after being struck down and blinded, he directly addresses Jesus as “Lord” and seeks guidance. Jesus does not give all the answers immediately but tells Paul to go to Damascus, promising that more will be revealed there. This moment emphasizes both Paul’s humility and the way God often guides people one step at a time.

The Greek behind Acts 22:10

  • κύριε (kurie, “Lord”): Paul’s use of this word shows he recognizes the authority and divinity of the one speaking to him, even before knowing it is Jesus.
  • τά τεταγμένα (tetagmena, “appointed”): The Greek here carries the sense of things that have been arranged or set in order for Paul to do, suggesting a specific, purposeful plan for his life.
  • ἀνάστηθι (anastēthi, “Arise”): This is a command to get up, not just physically but also as a call to action, marking a turning point in Paul’s life.

Why Acts 22:10 matters

  • Acts 22:10 clarifies that Paul’s mission and calling were not self-chosen but given by direct instruction from Jesus, underlining his authority as an apostle.
  • The verse shows that God’s guidance can come in stages, requiring trust and obedience even when the full plan is not yet revealed.
  • This moment connects Paul’s story to the larger narrative of Acts, showing how his transformation and mission are rooted in a personal encounter with the risen Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“appointed” Greek G5021 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
  • Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
  • Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

“there” Greek G2546 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
  • Acts 14:7 And there they preached the gospel.

“Damascus” Greek G1154 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
  • Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
  • Acts 22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

“Arise” Greek G450 · used in 111 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.