Christian Religious Studies SS 3 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 2

Mission to the Gentiles (I)

Lesson Details

• Subject: Christian Religious Studies
• Class: SS 3
• Term: Second Term
• Week: 2
• Age: 15 – 18 years
• Topic: Mission to the Gentiles (I)
• Sub-topics:
  1. Saul’s Conversion – Acts 9:1-19
  2. The Reaction of the Jews to Saul’s Conversion – Acts 9:20-30
  3. The Significance of Saul’s Conversion
• Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Describe the conversion of Saul and explain the events that led to it.
2. Explain the reaction of the Jews to Saul’s conversion.
3. Discuss the significance of Saul’s conversion to Christianity.
4. Highlight the role of Ananias in Saul’s transformation.
5. Explain how Saul’s conversion influenced the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles.

Keywords

• Conversion – A radical change in belief or faith.
• Persecution – Harsh treatment, especially due to religious beliefs.
• Gentiles – Non-Jews.
• Blinded – Temporary loss of sight.
• Baptism – The Christian sacrament of initiation.

Set Induction

The teacher begins the lesson by asking students if they have ever experienced a major change in their beliefs or way of thinking. Students will be encouraged to share their experiences. The teacher then introduces the story of Saul, a former persecutor of Christians who later became one of the greatest apostles.

Entry Behaviour

Students should be familiar with the early church’s persecution and the role of religious leaders in the period following Jesus’ ascension.

Learning Resources and Materials

1. The Holy Bible (Acts 9:1-30)
2. Pictures or charts of Saul’s conversion
3. A map of the missionary journeys of Paul
4. Video clips of Saul’s conversion (if available)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about the persecution of Christians by Jewish leaders. The teacher will remind them of Stephen’s martyrdom and introduce Saul as one of the persecutors.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking: Understanding Saul’s transformation and its impact on Christianity.
• Communication: Discussing and sharing ideas.
• Collaboration: Group discussions and answering questions.

Reference Books

1. The Holy Bible (Acts 9:1-30)
2. Lagos State Scheme of Work
3. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Martins I. Amaechi

Instructional Materials

• Bible
• Chart of Paul’s missionary journeys
• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with key events of Saul’s conversion

Lesson Content

1. Saul’s Conversion – Acts 9:1-19

Saul was a devout Jew and a strong opponent of Christianity. He believed that Christians were blasphemers and sought to eliminate them. He obtained letters from the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus.

Events of Saul’s Conversion

1. Saul’s journey to Damascus – Saul set out to persecute Christians.
2. The bright light – A sudden bright light from heaven blinded him.
3. The voice of Jesus – Saul heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
4. Saul’s question – He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” and Jesus responded, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
5. Saul’s blindness – Saul lost his sight and was led into Damascus.
6. Ananias’ role – God sent Ananias to lay hands on Saul, restore his sight, and baptize him.
7. Saul’s transformation – He became a follower of Jesus and started preaching.

2. The Reaction of the Jews to Saul’s Conversion – Acts 9:20-30

• The Jews were shocked that Saul, a persecutor of Christians, had become a believer.
• They doubted his sincerity and even plotted to kill him.
• The disciples were initially skeptical but later accepted him after Barnabas vouched for him.
• Saul escaped the Jewish plot with the help of fellow believers.
• He began preaching boldly about Jesus Christ.

3. The Significance of Saul’s Conversion

1. Saul became Paul, a great missionary and author of many books in the Bible.
2. Christianity spread to the Gentiles because Paul was called to preach to non-Jews.
3. The power of God to transform lives was demonstrated through Saul’s radical change.
4. Paul’s teachings laid the foundation for Christian theology.
5. It encouraged persecuted Christians, showing that even their persecutors could change.

Examples of Saul’s Missionary Work

1. Preached in synagogues (Acts 9:20)
2. Escaped assassination attempts (Acts 9:23-25)
3. Traveled on missionary journeys (Acts 13-28)
4. Established Christian churches in various cities
5. Wrote letters (epistles) that became part of the New Testament

Evaluation

Fill in the blanks (choose a, b, c, or d):

1. Saul was on his way to ______ when he encountered Jesus.
   a) Jerusalem
   b) Bethlehem
   c) Damascus
   d) Galilee
2. A _______ from heaven struck Saul, making him blind.
   a) storm
   b) bright light
   c) fire
   d) star
3. Saul heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you _______ me?”
   a) helping
   b) persecuting
   c) following
   d) leading
4. Who restored Saul’s sight?
   a) Peter
   b) John
   c) Ananias
   d) Barnabas
5. Saul was baptized after his sight was restored.
   a) True
   b) False

Class Activity Discussion – FAQs

1. Who was Saul before his conversion?
   • A Pharisee who persecuted Christians.
2. Why was Saul going to Damascus?
   • To arrest Christians and bring them to Jerusalem.
3. What happened on his way?
   • He saw a bright light and heard the voice of Jesus.
4. How did Saul become blind?
   • The brightness of the light from heaven blinded him.
5. Who prayed for Saul to receive his sight?
   • Ananias.
6. What did Saul do after regaining his sight?
   • He was baptized and started preaching.
7. Why did the Jews want to kill Saul?
   • They felt betrayed because he started preaching Christ.
8. How did Saul escape?
   • His disciples let him down in a basket through a city wall.
9. What is the significance of Saul’s conversion?
   • It led to the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles.
10. What new name was Saul given?

• Paul.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

• Teacher’s Activities:
  • Read Acts 9:1-30 with students.
  • Show images or videos of Saul’s conversion.
  • Guide discussions on the significance of his conversion.
• Learners’ Activities:
  • Participate in discussions.
  • Answer evaluation questions.
  • Act out the story of Saul’s conversion.

Conclusion

The conversion of Saul marks a major turning point in the spread of Christianity. It highlights God’s power to transform lives and use anyone for His mission.

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