Acts 9:4
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:4
This verse contains the voice of Jesus addressing Saul as he lies on the ground: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” The question exposes the intimate unity between Jesus and his followers. Persecuting believers is, in effect, persecuting Christ himself. The moment shows the personal, direct confrontation that accompanies divine call. The speech closes with a rebuke that must have hit Saul hard: it is hard to kick against the pricks—referring to stubborn resistance to the Spirit’s working.
Theologically, this is a key moment for understanding Christ’s ongoing relationship with his church. The unity of Christ and his people means that harming believers is equivalent to offending the Head. It also reveals the Spirit’s softening and conviction, even through a harsh rebuke. The phrase about “pricks” implies that resistance to God’s work is painful and futile, a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the need for humility before divine guidance.
For today, this verse invites honesty before God when we resist His prompting. Are there areas where you’re resisting God’s call with stubborn pride? The rebuke is a reminder to yield, listen, and respond in obedience. It also offers a comforting truth: God engages people where they are, even those who oppose Him. If you know someone resisting God, pray that God would show them the truth and soften their heart, just as He did for Saul.
Cross-References: Jeremiah 17:9; Hebrews 3:7-10; Romans 9:16; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; John 6:44