will be able to resist

Acts26:14 caught my eye, specifically for the Lord's statement to Paul:

"It is hard for you to kick against the goads."

The why persecuting gets the most press, but this goads statement is a curious one. Commentaries I've seen on the v don't bring up any particular Jewish turn-of-phrase. All pretty much say the same thing -- phrase refers to a mule rebelling against prodding by its master. Basically, Lord says it's actually more work to go against the Father's will. Diverging from the walk of faith isn't an accident, but a force of your own desires. Makes sense.

What was more interesting is that the use of a unique word like "goads" should be unlikely to occur elsewhere in the Word. But no. It actually occurs once more. And check out Eccl12:11:

"The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd."

I don't think I ever saw such NT references in Eccl before. But well-driven nails? a Shepherd with a capital S? Make your own link twixt these two v's. I'll be busy still pondering the unlikely coincidence.