No One Is Beyond the Grace of Jesus — Acts 9:1–31 | Video Devotion with Dave Miers
Oct 12, 2026 26627
Some people seem too hard, too hostile and too far gone. Saul’s story challenges us with an important question: Is anyone beyond the grace of Jesus? Acts 9 gives us four snapshots of his story: Saul’s rage, Saul’s rescue, Saul’s reception and Saul’s new role.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Snapshot 1: Saul’s Rage
Saul had approved of Stephen’s execution. He had dragged Christian men and women from their homes and thrown them into prison. Now he wanted to extend his violent campaign from Jerusalem to Damascus.
Acts 9:1–2
[1] But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest [2] and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (ESV)
Saul was violent and apparently unstoppable. If anyone seemed beyond hope, it was him.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Snapshot 2: Saul’s Rescue
As Saul approached Damascus, heaven intervened.
Acts 9:4–6
[4] And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” [5] And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [6] But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (ESV)
Jesus identifies so closely with his people that to persecute them is to persecute him. The Jesus Saul despised is alive. The crucified one has been raised from the dead and reigns as Lord and Christ.
The proud persecutor is led into Damascus blind and helpless. For three days he eats and drinks nothing. Saul cannot rescue or remake himself. Jesus must do for Saul what Saul could never do for himself.
Saul’s experience was extraordinary. He saw the risen Jesus and received a unique apostolic commission. Yet every Christian must respond to Jesus through the gospel, turning to him in repentance and faith and following him.
Snapshot 3: Saul’s Reception
The man who had hunted Christians is now welcomed by one. Jesus sends a disciple named Ananias to Saul. Ananias is understandably afraid, but he obeys.
Acts 9:15–17
[15] But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. [16] For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” [17] So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (ESV)
“Brother Saul.” What incredible grace and welcome! The enemy is received as family. Saul regains his sight, is baptised and immediately begins proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. The persecutor becomes a preacher. Before long, people are plotting to kill him because he now belongs to Jesus.
Snapshot 4: Saul’s New Role
When Saul reaches Jerusalem, Barnabas welcomes him and introduces him to the apostles. Saul has a new relationship with God as a disciple, a new relationship with the church as a brother, and a new relationship with the world as a witness.
Acts 9:31
[31] So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (ESV)
Jesus had transformed an enemy into an ambassador. The Holy Spirit continued strengthening and multiplying the church.
The Good News is…
Jesus came to save sinners. Saul later explained that Jesus showed him mercy as an example for everyone who would believe.
If Saul, then anyone.
If Saul, then you.
If Saul, then the friend or family member who seems impossibly far from God.
Turn to Jesus and trust him. Keep praying for that person. No one is beyond the grace of Jesus.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 9:1-31
Reflection
Who seems impossibly far from Jesus? Bring their name before God and ask him to show them the same saving mercy he showed Saul.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited