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Paul’s example of true repentance unfolds in the New Testament beginning in Acts 7:58 — “as a young man named Saul.”
“As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” Acts 8:3
“Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ” Acts 9:4
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.” Acts 9:5
Note: The goad was a staff-like instrument used by farmers to poke at the Oxen plowing their fields to get them to move. Often it had a sharp point at the end of it. Jesus’ analogy was an indication to Paul of the uselessness of his behavior in God’s larger context. It is like “the Oxen kicking at the goads.” It doesn’t do the Oxen any good and Paul’s actions won’t help him either. In modern day parlance, it was like Paul beating his head against a wall.
Paul had always meant to glorify Jehovah and this experience on the road to Damascus fully revealed to him God’s Son. As Paul recognized the Shekinah Glory of God, he also was able to fully understand HIS Son Jesus. For Paul, God had moved HIS reality from Paul’s head down to Paul’s heart.
God’s Reality Shifted From Paul’s Head To His Heart!
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel of mine to bear my name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15