Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what will you have me to do? And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the city… The words are — I. AN EARNEST APPEAL FOR DIVINE MERCY. Saul was conscious of his great wickedness in persecuting Christ, and doubtless thought that he would have to "do" much to secure forgiveness. The reply, "Arise," etc., must have given him hope. The period of three days was one of great anguish, but relief came through Ananias, and Saul received his sight and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Nothing is said about forgiveness, but this is surely included in the gift of the Spirit, for the one is of no use without the other. So Peter said to the penitents at Pentecost, "Repent and be baptized...and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Does anyone here inquire, "What shall I do?" The answer "is nigh thee even in thy heart," etc. II. A HEARTY DESIRE FOR CONSECRATION TO GOD'S SERVICE. The question means not only, "What must I do to be saved?" but, "What must I do to serve Thee?" God wills — 1. That we should hold communion with Him. This Saul did during the three days at Damascus. "Behold he prayeth." He had prayed before, but only as a Pharisee — outwardly; now he came into actual contact with God, and poured out his soul before Him. 2. That we should exemplify the power of the gospel in our daily life. "As ye have received Christ as Lord, so walk in Him" in your personal capacity, in your domestic relations, in your secular employments, in your religious and Church duties. 3. That we should help to diminish human misery. Our Master went about doing good, not only to the souls, but to the bodies of men. His religion is not only one of faith and hope, but of charity. "Pure religion and undefiled," etc. "Whoso hath this world's good," etc. 4. That we should seek to bring men to Christ. It was revealed to Paul that he should be a preacher, and right well did he fulfil his task. Although all Christians are not called upon to be preachers, yet all are expected to do something to save souls. In the family, Sunday school, workshop, by the sick bed, etc. We may all work for the Master.In conclusion: 1. This life is the only opportunity we have for working in reference to the world to come. 2. Our position in heaven will be determined by our activity on earth. 3. Our work and therefore our reward will be proportioned by the degree to which we yield to the constraint of Christ's love. (J. Morris, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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.WEB: But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do." |
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