Opposition to the Gospel Message – Persecution of the Apostles and Stephen
Christian Religious Studies SS 3 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 4
Opposition to the Gospel Message (I)
Lesson Details
- Subject: Christian Religious Studies
- Class: SS 3
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 4
- Age: 15 – 18 years
- Topic: Opposition to the Gospel Message (I)
- Sub-topics:
- Arrest and Imprisonment of the Apostles – Acts 4:1-31, 5:17-42
- Opposition Against Stephen – Acts 6:8-15, 7:1-10
- Duration: 40 Minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain why the apostles were arrested and imprisoned.
- Describe how the apostles responded to opposition.
- Analyze the significance of Stephen’s persecution.
- Discuss how opposition strengthened the early church.
- Identify ways Christians can remain faithful in the face of persecution.
Keywords
- Opposition – Resistance or hostility towards something.
- Apostles – The early followers of Jesus who spread the gospel.
- Persecution – Harsh treatment because of religious beliefs.
- Sanhedrin – The Jewish ruling council.
- Martyrdom – Dying for one’s faith.
Set Induction
The teacher asks students:
- Have you ever faced opposition for doing what is right?
- Why do you think people oppose Christianity?
The teacher then introduces the lesson by explaining that from the early days of Christianity, believers faced strong resistance, but their faith remained unshaken.
Entry Behaviour
Students should have prior knowledge of the spread of the gospel after Pentecost.
Learning Resources and Materials
- The Holy Bible (Acts 4:1-31, Acts 5:17-42, Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:1-10)
- Pictures of early Christian persecution
- Flashcards with key terms
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have previously learned about Peter’s role in spreading the gospel. This lesson shows how the gospel message faced resistance from religious and political leaders.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating how opposition affects faith.
- Communication: Discussing how persecution strengthened Christianity.
- Collaboration: Group discussions on enduring opposition.
Reference Books
- The Holy Bible (Acts 4:1-31, Acts 5:17-42, Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:1-10)
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Martins I. Amaechi
Instructional Materials
- Bible
- Chart on Christian persecution
- Flashcards with discussion questions
Lesson Content
1. Arrest and Imprisonment of the Apostles (Acts 4:1-31, Acts 5:17-42)
The Apostles’ First Arrest (Acts 4:1-31)
- Peter and John healed a lame man, attracting attention.
- The Sanhedrin (Jewish leaders) were angry and arrested them.
- Peter boldly declared that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).
- The Sanhedrin threatened them but released them because of public support.
The Apostles’ Second Arrest (Acts 5:17-42)
- The high priest and Sadducees were jealous and arrested the apostles.
- An angel freed them from prison, and they continued preaching.
- They were rearrested and brought before the Sanhedrin.
- Peter said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
- The council wanted to kill them, but Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advised against it.
- The apostles were flogged and warned but continued preaching with joy.
Lessons from the Apostles’ Persecution
- Boldness in preaching despite threats.
- Obedience to God rather than human authorities.
- Persecution strengthened their faith.
2. Opposition Against Stephen (Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:1-10)
Stephen’s Ministry and Arrest (Acts 6:8-15)
- Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
- He performed great miracles, attracting opposition.
- The Jewish leaders falsely accused him of blasphemy.
- They brought him before the Sanhedrin, and his face shone like an angel’s.
Stephen’s Speech and Martyrdom (Acts 7:1-10, Acts 7:54-60)
- Stephen preached about Israel’s history and their rejection of God’s messengers.
- He accused the leaders of betraying and killing Jesus.
- They became furious and stoned him to death.
- As he died, Stephen prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60).
- Saul (later Paul) witnessed and approved of Stephen’s death.
Lessons from Stephen’s Persecution
- Courage in defending the truth.
- Forgiveness, even in suffering.
- Persecution led to the spread of the gospel.
Significance of Christian Persecution
- Strengthened the early church – The apostles remained bold despite opposition.
- Fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy – He predicted that His followers would face persecution (John 15:20).
- Led to the spread of Christianity – Persecution forced Christians to move and preach elsewhere.
- Showed the power of faith – Stephen’s forgiveness reflected Christ’s love.
- Prepared Saul (Paul) for conversion – He later became a key figure in Christianity.
Evaluation
Fill in the blanks (choose a, b, c, or d):
- Peter and John were arrested after healing a ______ man.
a) Blind
b) Lame
c) Leper
d) Deaf - The apostles were freed from prison by ______.
a) Soldiers
b) An angel
c) Gamaliel
d) Pilate - The Jewish leaders falsely accused Stephen of ______.
a) Murder
b) Theft
c) Blasphemy
d) Treason - Stephen’s face shone like ______.
a) A fire
b) An angel
c) The moon
d) A lamp - ______ approved of Stephen’s death.
a) Peter
b) John
c) Saul
d) James
Class Activity Discussion – FAQs
- Why were the apostles arrested?
- Because they preached in Jesus’ name.
- Who advised the Sanhedrin not to kill the apostles?
- Gamaliel.
- How did Stephen respond to his persecution?
- He forgave his killers.
- What did Saul do during Stephen’s martyrdom?
- He approved it.
- How did persecution help Christianity?
- It spread the gospel to new regions.
Conclusion
Persecution of the apostles and Stephen showed the unwavering faith of early Christians. Despite opposition, they remained faithful and continued spreading the gospel.