Acts 9:6 – “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Extended Explanation
This verse marks a dramatic turning point in the life of Saul. Just moments before, he had been on a mission to destroy the followers of Jesus. But after being confronted by the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, everything changed.
Saul had asked, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5), and Jesus revealed Himself. Now, in verse 6, Jesus gives Saul a command: “Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
This command is significant. First, it shows that Jesus is in full control of what happens next. Saul, who had been leading the charge against Christians, is now completely dependent on Jesus’ instructions. He is no longer calling the shots.
Second, Jesus does not give Saul all the details at once. Instead, He tells him to go and wait. This shows that faith often requires obedience before full understanding. Saul’s journey of transformation had begun, but he had to take the next step in trust.
Historical Context
At this point, Saul was a highly respected Pharisee with authority from the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). He was on a mission to crush the early church, believing he was serving God by doing so.
But Jesus had other plans. His appearance to Saul on the road to Damascus changed everything. The bright light from heaven (Acts 9:3) had knocked Saul to the ground, and he had just learned that the very one he was persecuting—Jesus—was alive.
This command for Saul to “get up and go” echoes other moments in Scripture where God calls people to action. Just as Abraham was told to go to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1), and just as Moses was called to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10), Saul was now being called to something completely new.
Theological Implications
- Salvation requires surrender. Saul was a man of power and authority, but in this moment, he had to humble himself and obey Jesus’ voice. The first step in following Christ is recognizing that He is Lord.
- Obedience comes before understanding. Jesus did not lay out His entire plan for Saul right away. He simply told him to go to Damascus and wait for further instructions. This is a pattern seen throughout Scripture—God often calls people to obey before He reveals the full picture.
- God transforms lives for His purpose. Saul had been an enemy of the church, but Jesus had chosen him for a completely different mission. This verse is the beginning of that transformation, showing that God can use anyone for His purposes, no matter their past.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is simple but powerful. It consists of two direct commands: “Get up and go” and “you will be told what you must do.”
This wording reinforces the shift in authority. Up to this point, Saul had been taking charge, hunting down Christians. But now, he is the one receiving instructions. The phrase “you will be told” shows that Saul is no longer in control—he must wait and listen.
This moment also builds suspense. Readers do not yet know what will happen next, but the command signals that something significant is coming. It keeps the focus on Jesus as the one directing the events.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 12:1 – God tells Abraham to go to a land that He will show him.
- Exodus 3:10 – God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
- Isaiah 6:8 – Isaiah responds to God’s call with, “Here am I. Send me!”
- Acts 22:10 – Paul later retells this story, adding that he asked, “What shall I do, Lord?”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that following Jesus requires trust and obedience. Many times, God calls us to take a step of faith without giving us all the details. Saul had no idea what his future held, but he obeyed.
It also challenges us to consider who is in control of our lives. Before meeting Jesus, Saul thought he was in charge. But in an instant, he realized that Jesus was Lord. Are we willing to surrender our plans to Him?
Finally, this verse is a reminder that God’s plans are often different from our own. Saul thought he was serving God by persecuting Christians, but Jesus had a completely different purpose for him. This should encourage us to stay open to God’s direction, even when it disrupts our expectations.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first, this moment might seem harsh—Jesus interrupted Saul’s life, blinded him (Acts 9:8), and left him waiting for further instructions. But when we look closer, we see God’s love at work.
Instead of punishing Saul for his persecution of Christians, Jesus showed him mercy. He didn’t strike him down—He called him to a new purpose. This is the grace of God in action.
God’s love is not just for those who are already following Him—it reaches out to those who are lost, even those who are actively opposing Him. This verse is a reminder that God’s love is patient, transformative, and full of purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse reinforces Jesus’ authority. Saul had been fighting against Christians, thinking he was doing God’s work. But when Jesus appeared to him, he realized that Jesus was not just a prophet or a false teacher—He was Lord.
Jesus’ command also connects to His earlier calls to His disciples. When He called Peter and Andrew, He said, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). When He called Matthew, He simply said, “Follow me” (Matthew 9:9). In the same way, Jesus calls Saul to take the next step in faith.
This moment also foreshadows Saul’s (Paul’s) future mission. Later, Jesus would say of him, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15). Saul had been trying to stop the spread of Christianity, but now he would be one of its greatest messengers.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach us about responding to Jesus’ call in our own lives?
- Why do you think Jesus did not immediately reveal His full plan to Saul?
- How does Saul’s experience challenge our ideas about who God can use for His purposes?
- Have you ever felt God leading you in a new direction? How did you respond?
- How can this verse encourage those who feel uncertain about their future?