This begs the question… What are goads? A goad is made from a length of wood, blunt on one end and pointed on the other. A goad is used to urge reluctant animals into motion.

In bible times ‘to kick against the goads‘ was a common expression typically referring to an ox lashing out and kicking back against the herder’s prodding. The more the beast would kick; the greater the likelihood the goad would stab into the flesh causing pain.

Jesus stated to Saul on the road to Damascus, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (Acts 9:5) Why would Jesus make such a statement and how was Saul kicking against the goads?