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 9:6KJVWhat does Acts 9:6 mean?
Acts 9:6 shows Saul, shaken and amazed after encountering the risen Jesus, asking what Jesus wants him to do next. Jesus tells Saul to get up, go into the city, and wait for further instructions about what he must do.
In this moment, Saul (later known as Paul) is on the road to Damascus when he is stopped by a blinding light and hears Jesus speaking to him. Saul’s question, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” shows his surrender and readiness to obey. Jesus does not give Saul all the details immediately but tells him to go into the city, where he will learn the next steps, emphasizing trust and obedience.
The Greek behind Acts 9:6
- “Trembling” (τρέμων, tremōn): This word shows Saul’s fear and deep awe, highlighting how overwhelming this encounter is for him.
- “Astonished” (θαμβῶν, thambōn): This word adds to the sense of shock and amazement Saul feels, making it clear this is a life-changing moment.
- “Must” (δεῖ, dei): This Greek word means something is necessary or required. Jesus is not just giving Saul a suggestion, but telling him there is something he is appointed or obligated to do.
Why Acts 9:6 matters
- Acts 9:6 marks the turning point in Saul’s life, from persecutor of Christians to a follower of Jesus, showing the power of a direct encounter with Christ.
- The verse highlights the importance of obedience and trust, as Saul is told to take the next step without knowing the full plan.
- This moment sets up the rest of the chapter, where Saul’s mission and transformation are revealed, connecting his story to the wider spread of the early church.