Definition: And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 9:5. It’s a really important and slightly tricky passage about someone who was previously persecuted. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Jesus is preaching against Peter: The verse tells us that Jesus, the man who had been persecuting him (Peter), is speaking to him. Jesus identifies himself: He says, "I am Jesus whom you persecute." This is a direct and clear statement of his identity. He’s feeling challenged: Then, he continues, “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” What does it mean? This is where it gets interesting. It's not just about Jesus knowing Peter was persecuting him; it's a moment of profound realization and frustration. “You persecute me?” Jesus recognizes that he’s been causing pain and hardship to people, specifically Peter, who he had actively sought to harm. “It is hard for thee…” This phrase suggests a significant difficulty or struggle. It means it's difficult for Peter to change his ways – to stop the actions he was taking that were causing so much damage. Overall Interpretation: The verse conveys a sense of deep sadness and frustration on Jesus’ part. He recognizes the consequences of his actions and feels a personal connection to the suffering caused by Peter. It's not just about him being wronged; it's about the impact of his actions on others. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a moment of intense pain for Jesus, but it’s also seen as a catalyst for change – a turning point where he begins to realize the gravity of his own choices and seeks to atone for them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context surrounding this verse (like when it happened)? Explore the theological significance of this passage?