Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the omission of the words, “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” There is, however, sound textual basis for these words in ch. 26:14. Though the words are found in many Latin texts of ch. 9:5, they appear in no Greek manuscripts. Their presence in the printed Greek Bible from which the KJV was translated was translated in due to the fact that Erasmus (see Vol. V, pp. 141, 142), in preparing his printed edition of the Greek NT, translated them into Greek from the Latin and inserted them in his text. For comment on these words see on ch. 26:14.

The pronoun “thou” is expressed emphatically in the Greek, as is also the preceding pronoun, “I.” This sets Christ, in love and might and glory, in marked contrast with Saul, persecuting, yet now prostrate and fearful.

 There is some textual evidence (cf. p. 10) for the reading “Jesus of Nazareth,” or “Jesus the Nazarene.” It is probable, however, that this was inserted from ch. 22:8, where it occurs in Paul’s own narrative. Jesus of Nazareth is the name that was scornfully used by Stephen’s accusers (ch. 6:14), the very name that Saul had been compelling men and women to blaspheme (ch. 26:11; cf. v. 9). By using this name for Himself, the heavenly Being who appears to Saul identifies Himself unequivocally as Christ. The persecutor capitulates. The realization that Jesus is the Christ marks the point of Saul’s conversion, and the end of his persecuting rage. He is made to see what his master, Gamaliel, had before suggested (ch. 5:39), that to persecute Jesus was to “fight against God.” See on chs. 22:8; 26:15.

 Saul would scarcely yet be using the word “Lord” in all the fullness NT meaning. It was the natural utterance of awe and respect (see on John 1:38). But Saul was dimly sensible of the divine presence, and showed this by his use of “Lord.”