Acts 22:10
What does Acts 22:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 22:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 22:10 means
Confronted by the risen Lord, Paul surrenders: “What shall I do, Lord?” He is told to rise and enter Damascus, where he will be informed of all that has been appointed for him to do. The language of appointment signals God’s prior plan. Paul’s future is not self-determined but divinely assigned. Obedience begins with simple steps—go, wait, receive instruction—before broader mission unfolds. The persecutor becomes a servant, moving from self-reliance to submission. This moment models true repentance: not debate with God, but readiness to follow His revealed will, trusting that the next steps will be given in God’s time and way.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I said, What have I to do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, Get up, and go into Damascus; and it will be made clear to you what you have to do.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I said, What shall I do, Lord? and the Lord said unto me, Having risen, go on to Damascus, and there it shall be told thee concerning all things that have been appointed for thee to do.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I said: What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me: Arise and go to Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things that thou must do.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, Rise up, and go to Damascus, and there it shall be told thee of all things which it is appointed thee to do.
Context
This verse follows the identification of Jesus and the companions’ partial perception. The command to enter Damascus redirects Paul’s original purpose: instead of arresting disciples, he goes to be led and taught. Verses 11–16 will narrate his blindness, the ministry of Ananias, the restoration of sight, and the call to witness and be baptized. The flow emphasizes that God uses ordinary believers like Ananias to confirm and commission, integrating Paul into the community he once opposed.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:16
But arise, and stand upon thy feet: for to this end have I appeared unto thee, to appoint thee a minister and a witness both of the things wherein thou hast seen me, and of the things wherein I will appear unto thee;
- Acts 16:30
and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
- Acts 10:33
Forthwith therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.
- Acts 22:12
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews that dwelt there,
- Psalms 25:8
Good and upright is Jehovah: Therefore will he instruct sinners in the way.
- Psalms 143:8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 22
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 22.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…