1. SAUL’S ADVERSITY
“It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks”.
The word “pricks” refers to the instrument used by a ploughman to guide his oxen. It was up to 10 feet long and had a pointed end.
Saul was doing what sinners have done down through the ages - resisting the speaking voice of God.
2. SAUL’S ALTERATION
“All that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?”
Paul himself wrote 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new". Paul knew this by personal experience. Christ can transform the worst of sinners. Fanny Crosby penned the words: ’The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives’.
Saul’s conversion was amazing but it was no more amazing than ours. Every conversion is a miracle.
3. SAUL’S ADDRESS
“The street which is called Straight”.
a) Saul was straight in his soul
b) Saul was straight in his supplication - v.6
c) Saul was straight in his speaking - v.20
4. SAUL’S ACTIVITY
“Behold, he prayeth”.
As a Pharisee Paul had often said prayers. But he had never prayed. Many people today say prayers. But they never pray. It is vain repetition. It is only when they come to the Saviour as poor, lost sinners that they really pray.
Lord, teach thy Church the lesson,
Still in her darkest hour
Of weakness and of danger,
To trust Thy hidden power;
Thy grace by ways mysterious
The wrath of man can bind,
And in Thy boldest foeman
Thy chosen saint can find.
