Acts 22:10
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
3 of 24
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιῆσαι
shall I do
G4160
ποιῆσαι
shall I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
4 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
κύριος
Lord
G2962
κύριος
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
Lord
G2962
κύριος
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πρός
unto
G4314
πρός
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Ἀναστὰς
Arise
G450
Ἀναστὰς
Arise
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
12 of 24
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
πορεύου
and go
G4198
πορεύου
and go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
13 of 24
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὧν
which
G3739
ὧν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
21 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
This occurred on the Damascus road circa AD 34-35. Paul recounts this conversion story in his defense before the Jerusalem mob (Acts 22:1-21). Damascus was a major Syrian city about 135 miles northeast of Jerusalem, with significant Jewish population.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Saul's immediate question 'What shall I do?' challenge cultural Christianity that seeks to know Christ without radical obedience?
- In what ways does God's 'appointed' work for you require submitting your own ambitions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
What shall I do, Lord? (Τί ποιήσω, κύριε;)—Saul's response shifts from resistance to submission. The question 'what shall I do' (τί ποιήσω) expresses immediate obedience, contrasting sharply with his former persecution. Addressing Jesus as Lord (κύριε) acknowledges divine authority, fulfilling what Ananias would later call him: 'Brother Saul' (v.13). The phrase appointed for thee to do (τεταγμένα σοι ποιῆσαι) uses the perfect passive participle—God had already ordained Saul's apostolic mission before the Damascus road encounter. Paul's conversion demonstrates sovereign grace overcoming human rebellion.