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 22:10KJVWhat 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.