Acts 22:10 - I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.’

Generated Verse: Acts 22:10

What does "Acts 22:10" mean?


This verse from Acts 22:10 is a pivotal moment in the conversion story of Saul (who later becomes Paul). Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’" This shows Saul's complete surrender and acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord. He recognizes the authority of the divine being he encountered on the road to Damascus and is seeking guidance. He's abandoned his previous mission (to persecute Christians) and is now willing to follow whatever Jesus commands.

"The Lord said to me, ‘Arise, and go into Damascus.'" Jesus doesn't immediately reveal the full scope of Saul's future. Instead, he gives a simple, direct command: go to Damascus. This emphasizes the importance of obedience, even when the larger plan is unclear.

"There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.’" This is the crucial part. Jesus is telling Saul that he will receive further instructions and a detailed understanding of his divine purpose in Damascus. The word "appointed" suggests a preordained plan – that God has a specific role for Saul to play. This implies:

God has a specific plan for Saul's life. This isn't a generic blessing; it's a tailored calling.
The complete revelation will be given in Damascus. Saul won't understand everything immediately. He needs to go to the designated place to receive further guidance.
The details of his mission are important. The phrase "all things" suggests a comprehensive calling that will shape the rest of Saul's life.

In essence, the verse marks a turning point:

Saul is no longer acting on his own initiative but is now subject to the will of Jesus.
He's been called to something bigger than himself, a divine mission.
He's being directed to a specific location (Damascus) where his purpose will be revealed.

This verse sets the stage for the rest of Paul's ministry, where he becomes a prominent apostle, spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles and writing a significant portion of the New Testament. It highlights the importance of obedience, divine calling, and the unfolding of God's purpose in a person's life.