It's a term derived from the sharp goads used to herd cattle. If an animal decided to rebel by pressing against the goads rather than going in the direction it was being prodded toward, it would essentially stab itself on the goads.
In Paul's case, it meant that the longer he continued defying God's will, the more suffering he would be in for.
He still had a choice, though. God didn't turn him into a human sock puppet and force him to do anything. He just gave him an ultimatum. Fortunately, Saul/Paul chose correctly (unlike the other Saul, who made a series of disobedient decisions and perished as a result).
It's a term derived from the sharp goads used to herd cattle. If an animal decided to rebel by pressing against the goads rather than going in the direction it was being prodded toward, it would essentially stab itself on the goads.
In Paul's case, it meant that the longer he continued defying God's will, the more suffering he would be in for.
He still had a choice, though. God didn't turn him into a human sock puppet and force him to do anything. He just gave him an ultimatum. Fortunately, Saul/Paul chose correctly (unlike the other Saul, who made a series of disobedient decisions and perished as a result).
Useless resistance