Why does Jesus ask, "Why do you persecute Me?" in Acts 26:14? Setting the Scene Acts 26:14: “And we all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” • Paul (then Saul) is on the Damascus road, zealously hunting disciples of Jesus. • The risen Lord confronts him directly, proving His resurrection power and intimate knowledge of Saul’s actions. Jesus’ Question Reveals Personal Union • Jesus does not ask, “Why do you persecute My people?” but “Me.” • Union of Christ and believers: – 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.” – Ephesians 1:22-23: “the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him…” • Striking the church equals striking Christ Himself. Identifying With His Body • Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” • Zechariah 2:8: “Whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye.” • John 15:18-20: The world’s hatred of disciples is hatred of Jesus first. Exposing Saul’s Misunderstanding • Saul believed he was serving God by opposing the “Way.” • Jesus’ question unmasks the true target of Saul’s fury. • 1 Timothy 1:13: Paul later admits he acted “ignorantly in unbelief.” • The phrase “kick against the goads” shows Saul’s resistance to God’s prods—he is only injuring himself. Highlighting Christ’s Sovereignty and Resurrection • Only a living, reigning Christ could intervene on a road miles from Jerusalem. • Acts 9:5—Saul’s response, “Who are You, Lord?” underscores the shock of encountering divine authority. • Philippians 2:9-11: Every knee will bow; Saul bows first in dust. Calling Saul to Repentance • The question pierces Saul’s conscience, leading to immediate surrender (Acts 9:6). • Romans 2:4: God’s kindness leads to repentance; even confrontation is a mercy. • By naming the persecution, Jesus offers Saul a chance to turn from it. Timeless Lessons for Us • Persecuting believers, maligning the church, or dismissing Christ’s Word is a personal affront to the Lord. • Comfort: any suffering for His name is shared by Jesus Himself (Hebrews 13:5-6). • Warning: opposition to God’s people invites the same challenge—“Why do you persecute Me?” Key Takeaways • Jesus’ question asserts His living presence and total solidarity with His church. • It exposes sin, invites repentance, and showcases divine sovereignty. • The church’s union with Christ grants comfort in trials and a sober reminder to all who oppose the gospel. |
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