What Does “Kick Against the Goads” Mean and Why Should You Care?

What Does “Kick Against the Goads” Mean and Why Should You Care?

All of us have read confusing words or concepts in the Bible and wondered, “What in the world does that mean?” That’s certainly the case when Jesus tells Saul, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” (Acts 26:14).

Before we look into the story at the foundation of Jesus saying this to the future Apostle Paul, let’s understand what a “goad” is.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll explains, “Apparently, ‘to kick against the goads’ was a common expression found in both Greek and Latin literature—a rural image, which rose from the practice of farmers goading their oxen in the fields. Though unfamiliar to us, everyone in that day understood its meaning.

“Goads were typically made from slender pieces of timber, blunt on one end and pointed on the other. Farmers used the pointed end to urge a stubborn ox into motion. Occasionally, the beast would kick at the goad. The more the ox kicked, the more likely the goad would stab into the flesh of its leg, causing greater pain.”

The word “goads” in Greek is kentra and is also translated pricks (KJV) and stings (kentron Revelation 9:10 KJV).

As we’ll see, Jesus is going to use this concept to force the Pharisee Saul to move in God’s direction. Saul refuses to understand he is hurting others and himself. In effect, Jesus is asking, “Why are you doing something that is so hurtful to yourself and to others? You’re never going to win and you are suffering from negative emotions like anger, bitterness and pride.” Emotions and sinful goals only create a hardened heart which is also damaging to the body (Proverbs 17:22).

Why Does Jesus Tell Saul He Must Not “Kick Against the Goads”?

When we first read Jesus’s words about Saul kicking against the goads, it might seem Jesus is saying, “It’s hard for me to have you kick against the goads.” But actually He’s saying, “Saul, it’s hard on you to kick against the goads.” In effect, Jesus is pointing out how Saul is resisting God’s work, not working for God as he thinks.

Jesus clarifies Saul is not just persecuting Christian believers but more importantly, actually persecuting Jesus himself. He is helping Saul see the battle is bigger than Saul realizes. The fact Saul becomes blinded by the bright light could be considered a “goad” in the sense that Jesus shows His power and Saul becomes incapacitated. It will be three days before his sight is restored through God’s healing and he must have felt helpless and powerless—maybe for the first time in his life. God used a physical affliction, a “goad,” to poke Saul into submission.

Jesus is going to win this battle for Saul’s heart and also protect His own followers. Saul is only hurting himself by fighting a losing battle. The omniscient Savior Jesus already knows and has planned how the future “Apostle Paul” will serve Christ for God’s glory. But, of course, Saul didn’t know all that. He wasn’t even “Paul” yet.

What Happens After Jesus Speaks to Saul?

After Jesus speaks to Saul about the goads, Jesus tells him to go into the city where God has prepared a believer named Ananias (Acts 9:10-19) to share with Saul the Good News of Jesus’s redemptive death and resurrection. Saul’s eyesight is restored, he believes in Jesus and begins preaching immediately (Acts 9:17-20). In Acts 13:9, Saul is called Paul for the first time. From then on, he is identified as Paul.

Does Jesus Say to Us: “Why Kick Against the Goads?”?

Jesus used blindness among many things to “goad” Saul into salvation and service. Jesus is still using goads in our lives today. “Spiritual” goads are anything God uses to correct sinful habits, transform wrong thinking, and direct us toward following His will.

Here are some ways God uses goads, His purposes for them, and how we can cooperate.

The goad of silence, stillness, and withdrawal. Psalm 46:10. The Holy Spirit often leads or calls us to times of inactivity or quietness. Prayer is a part of that. Sometimes we are forced into a lengthy time of withdrawal through injury or illness. Other times, He may invite us to take time off from a busy schedule or say “no” to an opportunity, even take a sabbatical from ministry. The purpose is to “cease striving” and “know He is God.” We might resist because we think activity brings glory to Him but hopefully we can cooperate, knowing He can glorify Himself with or without our contribution.

The goad of frustration from imperfection. Philippians 3:12; I Timothy 4:15. When we realize we haven’t totally conquered some sinful habit, our frustration can point us to the benefit of needing God’s help rather than drifting into pride of our own victories. Yes, God does conquer our sinful tendencies but then there’s always another area for Him to sanctify.

The goad of the Holy Spirit using the Bible and Christian leaders. Hebrews 4:12, Ecclesiastes 12:11. Reading and studying the Bible often “goads” us into evaluating choices we have made and incorrect beliefs we have committed to. Those in authority over us also challenge us to clarify truth and help us judge our heart motives. The Holy Spirit prompts, points out, and prods us within our hearts and minds.

The goad of trials, afflictions, persecution and misunderstandings. James 1:2-4, 9. Anything that doesn’t go our way or that makes us feel inadequate, should cause us to turn to God and humble ourselves. Then we become more and more surrendered to whatever God allows in our lives, knowing He will be glorified and we will identify His goodness.

The goad of temptation. James 1:13. Temptation is allowed by God but it doesn’t mean we’re necessarily sinning. Temptation is an opportunity to evaluate our motives, force us to seek God more, and increase our trust in God’s power and care.

The goad of disappointment. James 1:17. Romans 8:28. Some “gifts” don’t seem like gifts. We experience disappointment when God doesn’t answer “yes” to our requests. Or our expectations are dashed and it seems God has let us down. But what we judge as “bad,” God promises to bring good and blessings.

Being grateful for “goads” is challenging. The Apostle Paul had no idea when he became a believer that his life would include a multitude of obstacles (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). But he so considered his relationship with Christ far superior to his old life that he was willing to surrender. And he actually considered the “goads” as blessings and beneficial for his life and spiritual growth.

Can you think of a time you considered a “goad” in your life to be a blessing and a benefit?