Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 22:10. It’s a really significant moment in Paul’s life and the beginning of his journey with Jesus. Here's what it means, explained simply: What's Happening? Paul is struggling: In the midst of being publicly accused of leading people to worship only idols, Paul is feeling incredibly lost and overwhelmed. He’s facing a huge challenge – he’s being judged by a crowd and facing potential punishment. The Lord speaks directly to him: Suddenly, God doesn't just tell Paul what to do; He directly addresses him. It's like a message from above. What Does it Mean? This verse is essentially saying: “Lord, I don’t know what to do. I feel completely lost and overwhelmed by this situation.” It’s acknowledging his own distress and asking for guidance. Then, the Lord responds with a very specific instruction: "Arise, and go into Damascus." What’s Damascus? A City of Significance: Damascus was an ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) that held a lot of historical importance – it was a place where a significant battle had taken place. It's been linked to a prophecy about a "burning pot." The Message of the Journey: The Lord tells Paul that he must go to Damascus to discover what His purpose is in his life and what He’s meant to do. What Does it Mean for Us? This verse has several layers of meaning: A Call to Action: It's a direct invitation for Paul to take action – to move towards a specific purpose. It's not enough to just feel bad; he needs to do something . Divine Guidance: It highlights that God isn’t simply passively watching. He’s actively guiding us, providing direction and purpose. Trust in the Lord: The verse emphasizes trusting in God’s plan, even when we don't understand it. It's about surrendering to a higher power. In short, this verse is a moment of profound surrender and trust, where Paul realizes he needs to follow God’s will, even though he doesn’t fully grasp it. Important Note: This story has been interpreted in many ways throughout history. It's often seen as a precursor to Paul’s eventual conversion to Christianity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind Damascus? Talk about how this verse fits into the larger story of Paul’s life and his journey with Jesus?