Acts 9:5

“And he said, who art thou, Lord? etc.] For he knew not whether it was God, or an angel, or who it was that spake to him; he knew not Christ by his form or voice, as Stephen did, when he saw him standing at the right hand of God; he was in a state of ignorance, and knew neither the person, nor voice of Christ, and yet his heart was so far softened and wrought upon, that he was desirous of knowing who he was; and the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. The Alexandrian copy, and the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, “read Jesus of Nazareth”; and one of Beza’s copies, and another of Stephens’, as in (<442208>Acts 22:8) whose name thou art doing many things against, and whose people thou…”

“Who art thou, Lord?--"Jesus knew Saul ere Saul knew Jesus" [BENGEL]. The term "Lord" here is an indefinite term of respect for some unknown but august speaker. That Saul saw as well as heard this glorious Speaker, is expressly said by Ananias (Act 9:17; Act 22:14), by Barnabas (Act 9:27), and by himself (Act 26:16); and in claiming apostleship, he explicitly states that he had "seen the Lord" (Co1 9:1; Co1 15:8), which can refer only to this scene. I am Jesus whom thou persecutest--The "I" and "thou" here are touchingly emphatic in the original; while the term "JESUS" is purposely chosen, to convey to him the thrilling information that the hated name which he sought to hunt down--"the…”

“And he said, Who art thou, Lord? - The word “Lord” here, as is frequently the case in the New Testament, means no more than “sir,” John 4:19. It is evident that Saul did not as yet know that this was the Lord Jesus. He heard a voice as of a man; he heard himself addressed, but by whom the words were spoken was to him unknown. In his amazement and confusion, he naturally asked who it was that was thus addressing him. And the Lord said - In this place the word “Lord” is used in a higher sense, to denote “the Saviour.” It is his usual appellation. See the notes on Acts 1:24. I am Jesus - It is clear, from this, that there was a personal appearance of the Saviour; that he was present to Saul;…”

“To kick against the goads - is a Syriac proverb, expressing an attempt that brings nothing but pain. Acts 9:6”

“Who: Sa1 3:4-10; Ti1 1:13 I am: Act 26:9 it is: Act 5:39; Deu 32:15; Job 9:4, Job 40:9, Job 40:10; Psa 2:12; Isa 45:9; Co1 10:22 Acts 9:6”