---

This sentence was one of the oldest of Greek proverbs, and being addressed to Saul in the Hebrew language, is an instance of the voice of Religion rightly using the tones of everyday life. That Christ should use a figure here was consistent with His habit, who used His parables to speak to men in figures. And doubtless the statement applied to many of Paul's recent experiences, which were finding their climax in that crisis. Doubtless the reflection of one who knew the Scriptures as Paul did, and who had the warning Gamaliel gave him, and the recollections he must have had of the martyrs he was making, and preeminently his recollection of Stephen, must have brought many misgivings like so many goad thrusts, which found their full force in the vision and voices of that hour. Anyhow, the text tells that, whether for a longer or a shorter time, Paul had been resisting conviction. This is —

I. COMMON. We see it —

1. In continuance in outward sin which is felt to be evil.

2. In cherishing secret evils known to be wrong.

3. In postponing allegiance to claims of religion felt to be just.

II. PAINFUL. It is "hard" because a man is —

1. In collision with the best social influences — in church, in godly family, etc.

2. In conflict with his own higher nature. Reason, conscience, have been goad-thrusts.

3. In opposition to God.

III. WRONG.

1. It is "fighting against God." So Gamaliel warned.

2. It is persecuting Jesus. The noblest, tenderest, best Being.

(U. R. Thomas.)

---

---

KJV: Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

WEB: "Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,