The Conversion of Saul (Paul)

Saul (later known by his Roman name, Paul) threatened and hurt followers of Jesus.  On the way to persecute disciples in Damascus, Saul experienced an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. Following his baptism, Saul immediately began preaching the truth about Jesus, making the astonished Jews in Damascus plot to kill him. One night, the disciples snuck Saul over the city walls in a basket. He went on to Jerusalem but was not safe there either.  Saul's life was immediately and completely changed by Jesus.  He continued to preach about Jesus for the rest of his life and often suffered because of it.  

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 9:1-31

Outline:

1. Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-19)
2. Preaching in Damascus (Acts 9:20-25)
3. Saul and the Jerusalem church (Acts 9:26-31)

Tips for teaching children:

• Define “persecution”.  Persecution means being hurt for believing something.
• Display a map so children can find the places mentioned in this story (Jerusalem, Damascus, Caesarea and Tarsus).  This can also include the regions of Judea, Galilee and Samaria.
• Make a craft with a figure of Saul inside a basket.
• Draw an outline of the shape of a man (Saul).  As children learn about Saul, they can add words or pictures to the inside of the outline.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Tell the story of how you became a follower of Jesus.  Ask students to share their story.  Are there any similarities between the stories?  Are there any significant differences? 
• Ask the class: “In what ways has your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus changed since you became a follower?”  Be sure to give the class time to think about this. 

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Saul (Paul) Becomes a Christian 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org