So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Acts 9:6 NKJV

But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Acts 9:6 ESV

The older English translations (KJV & NKJV), translated from newer Greek manuscripts include words in (v.6) that are not found in the newer English translations (NASB & ESV), translated from older Greek manuscripts. If you need to read that sentence again, go ahead. I’ll wait!

Though some Greek manuscripts and English translations do not include Paul’s question in (v.6). I’d like to comment on it anyway.

Think back to (v.5). Paul asked, “Who are You Lord.” Then in (v.6) Paul asks, “What do You want me to do?” I’d like to suggest that these two are great questions to ask every time we read God’s Word.

“Who are You Lord?” Since Jesus is the main character of the entire Bible (John 5:39-40), it is a good idea to ask the Lord to show us Jesus when we read the Bible, no matter what portion of the Bible we are reading. Granted, we do not want to force Jesus into a passage where He is not; but even worse is to miss Jesus in a passage where His is!

“What do You want me to do?” We do not read the Bible to simply gain more knowledge. We read the Bible to know the Lord (hence the first question), and to follow the Lord (hence the second question). Sometimes the answer to the second question is to actually do something. Sometimes no particular action is called for, but anytime we encounter God in His Word, we ought to engage in worship, don’t you think?

We would do well to pray this simple prayer every time we read the Bible, “Who are You Lord, and what do You want me to do?” Or stated differently, “Show me Jesus, and then direct me to respond appropriately.”