Commentary on Acts 9:6

Text of the Verse: "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." (Acts 9:6, KJV)

Introduction

Acts 9:6 captures the pivotal moment of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. This verse not only marks a significant transformation in Saul's life but also establishes a crucial turning point in the early Christian church. The interplay of fear, reverence, and obedience in Saul’s response offers rich theological insights for pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars.

Analysis of Key Elements

Pertinent Themes in the Verse

• Trembling and Astonishment: Saul's physical reaction to the divine encounter indicates a profound realization of his own sinfulness and the holiness of God.
• Questioning God: His inquiry, "What wilt thou have me to do?" demonstrates a shift from persecution to a willingness to serve. This indicates a responsive heart.
• Divine Instruction: The command to arise and go emphasizes obedience and humility, setting a precedent for all who seek to follow Christ.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry eloquently notes that the trembling of Saul signifies the weight of divine confrontation. He emphasizes that true conversion ensures not only fear of God but also a subsequent desire to serve Him. Henry suggests that Saul’s question reflects the nature of a true believer's response to divine revelation. The Lord's answer instructs Saul to await further instruction, illustrating God's providential guidance in the life of a new believer.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Albert Barnes emphasizes the dramatic nature of Saul’s conversion. He points out that this moment encapsulates the essence of ultimate surrender—realizing one's unworthiness before God. The phrase "Arise, and go into the city" symbolizes the new beginning that accompanies a believer's journey. Barnes notes that this instruction not only signals the necessity of obedience but also alludes to the importance of community in the life of faith.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Adam Clarke highlights the significance of Saul's astonishment and how his initial encounter with Christ transformed him. He provides insights into the Greek terminology used, drawing attention to the depth of Saul's questions. Clarke asserts that the Lord's command to wait for further instructions speaks to God’s method of revealing His will progressively. The subsequent events in the narrative demonstrate that God has a specific purpose and calling for every individual, which begins with a personal encounter.

Theological Implications

The encounter depicted in Acts 9:6 offers vital insights into the nature of conversion, the characteristics of God’s calling, and the believer's response. The text brings forth the themes of grace, repentance, and the inexorable change that accompanies a true encounter with Christ.

Grace and Transformation

At the core of everything is the grace exhibited by God in calling Saul, a persecutor of the church. This highlights the Christian belief that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Saul’s transformation illustrates how God's calling can radically change a person’s life trajectory. This speaks volumes to scholars and pastors regarding the transformative power of faith.

Repentance and Obedience

Saul's trembling response signifies a genuine recognition of sin, leading to repentance. His subsequent question reflects an earnest desire to understand God's will, a key component in the life of a believer. This moment serves as a challenge to the modern church to consider whether we are equally responsive to God’s calling with the same level of earnestness.

Progressive Revelation

The directive to "go into the city" underscores God's method of progressive revelation. It is not uncommon for God to guide believers step by step rather than unveiling the entire plan at once. This principle should be a point of encouragement for believers who may be in a season of uncertainty regarding God's direction in their lives. Paul’s journey to understanding his calling is a framework for how the faithful might approach discernment today.

Application for Today’s Believer

Acts 9:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, encouraging a posture of humility, inquiry, and readiness to act upon God's instructions. The following applications emerge from the verse:

• Seek God with a Willing Heart: Like Saul, believers today should approach God recognizing His sovereignty and authority, seeking His will over their own ambitions.
• Embrace Change: True encounters with God often lead to transformative change in our lives. Pastors and leaders should guide their congregations to embrace divine changes as a part of spiritual growth.
• Trust in God’s Timing: The command to wait for further instruction serves to remind today's believers of the importance of patience and divine timing in pursuing God's call.

Conclusion

Acts 9:6 is much more than a narrative of Saul’s conversion; it is a profound lesson about humility, readiness to serve, and the transformative power of God’s grace. Pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars should continue to explore the richness of this passage, allowing it to inform their understanding of faith, discipleship, and the nature of God’s call in the lives of believers.