CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 9:5 "Who are You, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," He replied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/9-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/44_Act_09_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 9:5 - The Road to Damascus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Who are You, Lord? Saul asked. I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, He replied." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/9-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/9-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/9-4.htm" title="Acts 9:4">◄</a> Acts 9:5 <a href="/acts/9-6.htm" title="Acts 9:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/9.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Who are you, Lord?&#8221 Saul asked. &#8220I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,&#8221 he replied. <a href="/nlt/acts/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! <a href="/esv/acts/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. <a href="/bsb/acts/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. <a href="/blb/acts/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. <a href="/kjv/acts/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. <a href="/nkjv/acts/9.htm">New King James Version</a> And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” <a href="/nasb_/acts/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, <a href="/nasb/acts/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> And he said, &#8220Who are You, Lord?&#8221 And He said, &#8220I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, <a href="/nasb77/acts/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, <a href="/lsb/acts/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, <a href="/amp/acts/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And Saul said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He answered, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, <a href="/csb/acts/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Who are you, Lord? ” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. <a href="/hcsb/acts/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Who are You, Lord?&#8221 he said. &#8220I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,&#8221 He replied. <a href="/asv/acts/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: <a href="/cev/acts/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Who are you?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus," the Lord answered. "I am the one you are so cruel to. <a href="/erv/acts/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: <a href="/gwt/acts/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Saul asked, "Who are you, sir?" The person replied, "I'm Jesus, the one you're persecuting. <a href="/gnt/acts/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Who are you, Lord?" he asked. "I am Jesus, whom you persecute," the voice said. <a href="/isv/acts/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice said, "I'm Jesus, whom you are persecuting. <a href="/msb/acts/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Who are You, Lord?? Saul asked. ?I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,? replied the Lord. <a href="/net/acts/9.htm">NET Bible</a> So he said, "Who are you, Lord?" He replied, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting! <a href="/nheb/acts/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. <a href="/wbt/acts/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goads. <a href="/wey/acts/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Who art thou, Lord?" he asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," was the reply. <a href="/web/acts/9.htm">World English Bible</a> He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And the LORD said, “I am Jesus whom you persecute; [[hard for you to kick at the goads”; <a href="/blb/acts/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. <a href="/ylt/acts/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he said, 'Who art thou, Lord?' and the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute; hard for thee at the pricks to kick;' <a href="/slt/acts/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou drivest out: hard for thee to kick against goads.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And he: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad. <a href="/cpdv/acts/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goad.” <a href="/nabre/acts/9.htm">New American Bible</a> He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Saul answered and said, Who are you my LORD? and our LORD said, I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you persecute: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> He answered and said, “Who are you my lord?” And our Lord said, “I AM THE LIVING GOD, Yeshua the Nazarene, He whom you are persecuting.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> He answered: "Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said: I am Jesus, whom you persecute. <a href="/godbey/acts/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And He said, <FR>I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/acts/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then said he, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou art persecuting: It is difficult for thee to kick against the goads. <a href="/mace/acts/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and he said, who art thou, Lord? and the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. Then trembling with the fright Saul said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? and the Lord said to him,] <a href="/wey/acts/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Who art thou, Lord?" he asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," was the reply. <a href="/worrell/acts/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, <FR>"I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/acts/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, <FR>I am Jesus <Fr>the Nazarene<FR> whom thou art persecuting: <Fr>it is<FR> hard for thee to kick against the goads.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/acts/9-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=2717" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/9.htm">The Road to Damascus</a> …4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” 5<a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“Who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ei (V-PIA-2S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are You,</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrie (N-VMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord?”</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">Saul asked.</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: Egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">“I</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">am</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: diōkeis (V-PIA-2S) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">are persecuting,” </a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">He replied.</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Acts 22:7-8</a> I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14-15</a> 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.’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8-10</a> And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. / For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. / But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15-16</a> But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">1 Timothy 1:12-16</a> I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. / I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. / And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ... <a href="/john/20-15.htm">John 20:15-16</a> “Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” / Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27</a> My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-21</a> If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ... <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a> And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ <a href="/matthew/25-45.htm">Matthew 25:45</a> Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ <a href="/exodus/3-4.htm">Exodus 3:4</a> When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. <a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8</a> Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a> I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/isaiah/50-10.htm">Isaiah 50:10</a> Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God. <a href="/isaiah/53-1.htm">Isaiah 53:1</a> Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecute: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.Who.<a href="/1_samuel/3-4.htm">1 Samuel 3:4-10</a> That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I… <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a> Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.I am.<a href="/acts/26-9.htm">Acts 26:9</a> I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.it is.<a href="/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39</a> But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.<a href="/deuteronomy/32-15.htm">Deuteronomy 32:15</a> But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.<a href="/job/9-4.htm">Job 9:4</a> He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-11.htm">Goads</a> <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/acts/8-37.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-16.htm">Kick</a> <a href="/acts/10-4.htm">Lord</a> <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Persecutest</a> <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Persecuting</a> <a href="/joshua/23-13.htm">Pricks</a> <a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Saul</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/16-22.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Goads</a> <a href="/acts/14-18.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/acts/9-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Kick</a> <a href="/acts/9-10.htm">Lord</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Persecutest</a> <a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Persecuting</a> <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Pricks</a> <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Saul</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 9</div>1. <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth, </a> 8. <a href="/acts/9-8.htm">and led blind to Damascus;</a> 10. <a href="/acts/9-10.htm">is called to the apostleship;</a> 18. <a href="/acts/9-18.htm">and is baptized by Ananias.</a> 20. <a href="/acts/9-20.htm">He preaches Christ boldly.</a> 23. <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">The Jews lay wait to kill him;</a> 29. <a href="/acts/9-29.htm">so do the Grecians, but he escapes both.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas;</a> 36. <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">and restores Tabitha to life.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. Saul's question reflects a moment of profound confusion and revelation. Saul, later known as Paul, was a Pharisee deeply committed to Jewish law and traditions. His use of "Lord" indicates a recognition of divine authority, though he does not yet understand the identity of the voice. This encounter occurs on the road to Damascus, a significant city in ancient Syria, known for its trade routes and diverse population. Saul's journey to Damascus was to arrest followers of "The Way," the early Christian movement. This question marks the beginning of Saul's transformation and highlights the theme of divine intervention. The term "Lord" is significant in both Jewish and Christian contexts, often used to denote God or a figure of divine authority. Saul's question echoes the human quest for understanding and the recognition of a higher power.“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. This response is pivotal, as it directly identifies the voice as Jesus, affirming His resurrection and divine authority. Jesus' identification with His followers is profound; by persecuting Christians, Saul was persecuting Christ Himself. This statement underscores the unity between Christ and His Church, a theme echoed in passages like <a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a>, where Jesus speaks of the least of His brothers. The revelation that Jesus is alive and active challenges Saul's previous beliefs and sets the stage for his conversion. Historically, this moment is crucial for the spread of Christianity, as Saul becomes Paul, a key figure in the early Church. Theologically, it emphasizes the personal relationship between Christ and believers, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. This encounter fulfills prophecies of the Messiah's suffering and vindication, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a> and <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a>, and illustrates the concept of Jesus as the head of the Church, a theme Paul later elaborates in his epistles, such as <a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22-23</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul (Paul)</a> A zealous Pharisee known for persecuting Christians. His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus marks a pivotal moment in his life and the early Church. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The risen Lord who appears to Saul in a vision, identifying Himself as the one Saul is persecuting, thus equating the persecution of His followers with persecution of Himself. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_road_to_damascus.htm">The Road to Damascus</a> The location where Saul experiences a divine encounter with Jesus, leading to his conversion and eventual mission to spread the Gospel. 4. <a href="/topical/p/persecution_of_christians.htm">Persecution of Christians</a> The broader context of Saul's mission to arrest followers of "The Way," highlighting the early Church's struggles and the transformative power of Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_voice_from_heaven.htm">The Voice from Heaven</a> Represents divine intervention and revelation, a common biblical motif where God directly communicates with individuals.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_jesus'_authority.htm">Recognition of Jesus' Authority</a> Saul's question, "Who are You, Lord?" signifies an acknowledgment of a higher authority. In our lives, recognizing Jesus as Lord is the first step towards transformation. <a href="/topical/p/persecution_and_identification_with_christ.htm">Persecution and Identification with Christ</a> Jesus' response highlights the intimate connection between Him and His followers. When we face persecution or challenges for our faith, we are sharing in Christ's sufferings. <a href="/topical/t/the_transformative_power_of_encountering_christ.htm">The Transformative Power of Encountering Christ</a> Saul's conversion demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Our past does not define us; an encounter with Jesus can radically change our direction and purpose. <a href="/topical/d/divine_calling_and_purpose.htm">Divine Calling and Purpose</a> Just as Saul was called to be an apostle, each believer has a unique calling. We should seek to understand and fulfill the purpose God has for us. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Saul's immediate response to Jesus' command shows the importance of obedience in the Christian walk. We are called to respond to God's voice with faith and action.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 9</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_universal_church_of_god.htm">What is the timeline of Paul's life events?</a> <a href="/q/acts_9_7_vs._22_9__voice_heard_or_not.htm">Acts 9:7 vs. 22:9: Why does one passage say companions heard a voice while the other claims they did not? </a> <a href="/q/acts_9_3-7__explain_light_voice_event.htm">Acts 9:3-7: How can the sudden blinding light and voice be explained scientifically or historically?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_appear_to_12_or_11_disciples.htm">How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection: Twelve (1 Cor 15:5) or Eleven (Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, 33)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Who art thou, Lord?--The word "Lord" could not as yet have been used in all the fulness of its meaning. As in many cases in the Gospels, it was the natural utterance of respect and awe (<a href="/john/5-7.htm" title="The weak man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steps down before me.">John 5:7</a>; <a href="/john/9-36.htm" title="He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?">John 9:36</a>; <a href="/john/20-15.htm" title="Jesus said to her, Woman, why weep you? whom seek you? She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, Sir, if you have borne him hence, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.">John 20:15</a>), such as would be roused by what the persecutor saw and heard.I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.--Some of the best MSS. give "Jesus of Nazareth"; or better, perhaps, Jesus the Nazarene. It is probable, however, that this was inserted from <a href="/acts/22-18.htm" title="And saw him saying to me, Make haste, and get you quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive your testimony concerning me.">Acts 22:18</a>, where it occurs in St. Paul's own narrative. Assuming the words to have been those which he actually heard, they reproduced the very Name which he himself, as the chief accuser of Stephen, had probably uttered in the tone of scorn and hatred (<a href="/acts/6-14.htm" title="For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.">Acts 6:14</a>)--the very Name which he had been compelling men and women to blaspheme. Now it was revealed to him, or to use his own suggestive mode of speech, "in him" (<a href="/galatians/1-16.htm" title="To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:">Galatians 1:16</a>), that the Crucified One was in very deed, as the words of Stephen had attested, at the right hand of God, sharing in the glory of the Father. The pronouns are both emphatic, "I, in my Love and Might and Glory, I am the Jesus whom thou, now prostrate and full of dread, hast been bold enough to persecute." It was not the disciples and brethren alone whom Saul was persecuting. What was done to them the Lord counted as done unto Himself (<a href="/matthew/10-40.htm" title="He that receives you receives me, and he that receives me receives him that sent me.">Matthew 10:40</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - He for the Lord, A.V. and T.R. The rest of ver. 5 in the A.V., "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks" and the first part of ver. 6, "And he trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him," are omitted in the R.T. They have, in fact, no manuscript authority (Meyer; Alford); and not much patristic authority, or from versions, and are omitted by all modern editors. They seem to be taken from the parallel narratives in <a href="/acts/22-8.htm">Acts 22:8-10</a>; <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14</a>. The proverb, "It is hard," etc., is only found in <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14</a> (where see note). <a href="/commentaries/acts/9-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Who Τίς (Tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. are You, εἶ (ei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. Lord?” Κύριε (Kyrie) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. [Saul] asked. Εἶπεν (Eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “I Ἐγώ (Egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. am εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. Jesus, Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. whom ὃν (hon) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. you σὺ (sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are persecuting,” διώκεις (diōkeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. [He replied]. δέ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/9-5.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 9:5 He said Who are you Lord? (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/9-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 9:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 9:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/9-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 9:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 9:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>