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Book of Acts - Chapter 9 - Verse 6

9:6
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.

Meaning

When the man in this verse, shaking with fear and amazement, asks the Lord what he should do, it signifies a crucial moment of surrender and willingness to follow divine guidance. The Lord's response is simple yet powerful, instructing the man to get up and go into the city, where he will be further directed on his path. This passage teaches us the importance of humility, trust, and obedience when seeking clarity and purpose in our lives. It reminds us that sometimes we need to take the first step in faith, even when we don't have all the answers, trusting that God will provide the guidance and instructions along the way. Just as the man in the verse had to step out in faith and go into the city to receive further instructions, we too must be willing to act in obedience to God's calling, knowing that He will guide our steps and reveal His plan for us in His perfect timing.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it demonstrates the transformative power of encountering the Lord. In this particular instance, Saul (later known as Paul) is blinded by a divine light and hears the voice of Jesus, leading to his conversion and subsequent mission as a key figure in the early Christian church. The act of trembling and astonishment can be seen as a physical manifestation of the profound impact that encountering the divine can have on an individual. This verse also highlights the importance of obedience and submission to God's will. By asking "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Saul demonstrates a readiness to follow God's guidance, even before fully understanding what that may entail. In response, the Lord instructs Saul to arise and go into the city, where he will be told what he must do. This reinforces the idea that obedience to God often requires faith and trust in His plan, even when it may not be immediately clear or comfortable to the individual.

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