Definition: And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 26:14. It's a really important and somewhat surprising part of Paul’s story. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Paul is telling God he’s been called to be a persecutor – meaning he’s actively trying to hurt or harm others – and that it's incredibly difficult for him to do so. Let’s unpack the details: “Acts 26:14” : This tells us where this is happening – in a meeting with the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. “And when we were all fallen to the earth…” : This means Paul was living a life of hardship and suffering, likely facing persecution for his beliefs. He’s talking about a time before he became known as Saul (a name that later meant "pitiful" or "miserable"). “…I heard a voice speaking unto me…” : This is the core of the verse. It's not a loud, dramatic speech; it’s a quiet, internal experience. “and saying in the Hebrew tongue…” : Paul is referring to a conversation he had in Hebrew – a language he knew well. “…Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” : This is the key part. "Saul" was his original name, and this is what he's asking God about. It’s a direct question from Paul to God: “Why are you persecuting me?” He’s essentially admitting to being involved in harmful behavior. “[it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” : This is where it gets really interesting. Paul uses a metaphor – he compares his situation to being "kicked against the pricks." Let's translate that: “pricks” refers to the pain and suffering he’s experiencing because of his actions – the hurt he causes others. “kicking against” means struggling or resisting something. So, what does this all mean? Paul is admitting that he himself was involved in persecuting Christians. He's acknowledging his own role in causing harm and suffering. It’s a moment of profound humility and repentance. Why is this important? This verse is crucial because it shows: 1. His Recognition: Paul recognizes his past actions, which is essential for him to change. 2. A Turning Point: It marks a significant shift in his perspective. He’s no longer just a person who believes about things; he's actively doing them. In essence, this verse is a powerful statement of accountability and a plea for forgiveness. It highlights the importance of recognizing our mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions. --- Do you want to explore any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of Saul’s name? Discuss what this verse might suggest about Paul's journey?