Acts 8:1–3; 9:1–20

“What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?”

Saul on the road to Damascus having a vision.

At a time of “great persecution against the church” (Acts 8:1), Saul forcibly entered many homes, arresting and imprisoning those who believed in Jesus Christ (see Acts 8:3). As Saul traveled to Damascus to continue harassing the Saints, Jesus Christ revealed Himself to Saul (see Acts 9:3–5). With great astonishment, Saul inquired of the Lord, “What wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). This lesson is intended to help you ponder what the Lord does to help you change for the better and seek to know what He would have you do.

A change of direction

Back of young woman on soccer field, with soccer ball in hand, contemplating goal. (horiz)

Roll a marble or ball across the floor. Notice its speed and direction.

What would it take for the marble or ball to change direction?
Comparing the rolling object to a person, what are some reasons someone might change for the better and alter the direction of their life? What are some reasons they might not?

Think about the direction of your own life. In what ways do you feel the Lord’s love and approval? Are there any changes to the direction of your life that the Lord might be inviting you to make? Seek revelation to these questions as you study this lesson.

“Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”

The Lord helped a man named Saul to change his life. Initially, Saul was a Pharisee who “made havoc of the church” (Acts 8:3). He approved of the disciple Stephen’s death (see Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:20) and “imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on [the Lord]” (Acts 22:19).

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil.

You may also want to watch the video “The Road to Damascus” (5:21), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

The Road to Damascus
Saul takes his journey to Damascus. While on the road, Jesus appears to Saul. He is blinded by the event. Ananias restores Saul’s sight. Saul is baptized. Acts 22

Based on what you wrote in your journal, think about what truths or lessons you learned from this account.

The Lord desires our change

Take a moment to think about a person you know who has changed because of Jesus Christ’s influence in their life.

How do you think that Jesus Christ influenced this person to change?

To see an example of someone who has changed, watch the video “His Grace: Change Is Possible through Christ” (3:29), looking for how the Lord helped a man named Kenny change the course of his life. This video is available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

His Grace: Change Is Possible Through Christ
Have you ever felt like you’re too far off the path to change? Kenny shares his story of how change is possible through God’s grace

For Saul, who is also often known by his Latin name Paul (see Acts 13:9), following the Lord’s directions changed his life completely. Paul stopped persecuting Christians and instead became a mighty disciple of Jesus Christ. Paul traveled to many nations as a missionary and wrote encouraging and instructive letters to the Saints. Fourteen of these letters are included in the New Testament (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Paul,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, or Bible Dictionary, “Paul”). Paul’s decision to follow Jesus Christ continues to bless countless people today.

This infographic will show you some of the major events in Paul’s life and missionary journeys. It may be helpful to review it every now and then as you study the experiences and writings of Paul.

The Lord is also aware of us and invites us to make changes in our lives. These might be big adjustments, but they could also be slight changes.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

Acts 9:5. What does it mean to “kick against the pricks”?

A sharp spear or stick is often used to poke animals to make them move forward. Animals who react by kicking instead of moving ahead can cause more pain for themselves. By using this analogy, the Lord helped Saul see that fighting against Him would only bring pain to himself.

What changes might the Lord be asking me to make?

Sister Becky Craven, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, taught:

It may be a change of thought, a change in habit, or a change in the direction we are headed. In return for His priceless payment for each of us, the Lord asks us for a change of heart. The change He requests from us is not for His benefit but for ours.

(Becky Craven, “Keep the Change,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 58)

What should I understand about my choices and the direction of my life?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Best is Yet to Be,” Ensign, Jan. 2010, 27)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Satan wants us to think that when we have sinned we have gone past a “point of no return”—that it is too late to change our course. …

Christ came to save us. If we have taken a wrong course, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can give us the assurance that … [a] safe return is possible if we will follow God’s plan for our salvation. …

The gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides us at all times and at all places with the blessings of repentance and forgiveness. Because of this gift, the opportunity to make a safe return from the disastrous course of sin is available to all of us.

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Point of Safe Return,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 99, 101)