Jesus Rescues Saul — Acts 9:3–9
Oct 14, 2026 4
Some people seem too hostile to Jesus ever to change. Saul was travelling to Damascus to arrest Christians when Jesus stopped him. Jesus rescues Saul, not because Saul was searching for him, but because Jesus took the initiative.
Acts 9:3–9
[3] Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. [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.” [7] The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. [8] Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. [9] And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (ESV)
Jesus rescues Saul and changes his direction
Jesus does not ask Saul why he is persecuting Christians. He asks, “Why are you persecuting me?” Jesus identifies himself with his suffering people. To attack them is to attack him.
The Jesus Saul rejected is alive. The crucified one has been raised and now confronts Saul as Lord. The proud persecutor falls to the ground. The man who intended to lead Christians into Damascus as prisoners is himself led into the city by the hand, blind and helpless.
Saul cannot rescue or remake himself. Christ pursues, confronts and saves. Saul can only bow, believe and surrender.
His experience was extraordinary. Saul saw the risen Jesus and would receive a unique commission as an apostle. Yet the heart of his conversion remains true for every Christian. Jesus meets us through the gospel and calls us to turn to him in repentance and faith.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
A persecutor becomes a preacher
In 2014, Christians around the world prayed for ISIS fighters who were persecuting followers of Jesus in Iraq and Syria. I prayed that prayer often during that crisis. It felt like an impossible prayer.
A decade later, I learned that a Christian worker called Peter met a man I’ll call Ahmed, who had been a leader and teacher within ISIS. Ahmed later confessed that he had gone to their first meeting intending to kill Peter. But Peter boldly shared the gospel, and Ahmed began to weep.
After a dream about blood, Ahmed returned with questions. Peter explained that Jesus had shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins. Ahmed repented, was baptised, and began to share Jesus with others. Like Saul, the persecutor became a preacher.
The Good News is…
The risen Jesus can rescue his fiercest enemies. He died to forgive sinners, rose from the dead, and now reigns as Lord. His grace is freely given, even to those who have violently opposed him.
So don’t give up on the person who seems impossibly far from Jesus. Saul was not beyond his reach. Ahmed was not beyond his reach.
Neither are you.
Jesus still rescues people and gives them a new direction.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Reflection
Who have you been tempted to stop praying for? Bring them before Jesus again today and ask him to show them his saving grace.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited