A common misinterpretation of Acts 22:10 is viewing it as a formula for personal decision-making where one can casually ask God 'What shall I do?' and expect instant, detailed answers, ignoring the context of Paul's supernatural confrontation and prior divine election; others wrongly assume this endorses delayed action or passivity since instructions come later in Damascus, whereas it actually models prompt obedience amid uncertainty. Another error is detaching it from its Christological focus, treating the Lord's voice as generic divine advice rather than the specific call of Jesus to apostleship, leading to overgeneralization in everyday guidance without regard for the unique apostolic commissioning.
Acts 22:10
King James Version (1769)
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.
In Acts 22:10, Paul recounts his encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, where after asking 'What shall I do, Lord?', he receives a clear directive to go to Damascus for further instructions on his appointed tasks. This passage highlights the essence of divine commissioning, emphasizing immediate obedience to God's voice even when the full plan is not yet revealed, illustrating how God guides His chosen servants progressively, directing Paul from persecutor to apostle through surrender and step-by-step revelation.