1Saul Meets the Master

JUNE 7 1Saul Meets the Master June 7, 2015 Unit 1: The Church Goes Worldwide BIBLE STUDY Acts 8:1-4; 9:1-31; Philippians 3:4-6 Appointment in Damascus BIBLE TRUTH God chooses and calls some people to special kinds of ministry. LESSON GOALS To help preteens... Know who Paul was and how God changed his life Realize that God chose Paul specifically to take the gospel to the Gentiles Recognize that every Christian is to be a witness for Christ, and God calls some to be missionaries Grow in their interest in missions and missionaries VERSE-A-MONTH CLUB For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16 Reflect on the Word All of us have experienced what we would describe as one of the great moments of our lifetime. These are defining experiences that shape our lives. Some of these experiences are tied to important events in history. Depending on your generation, the German declaration of war on Poland, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the fall of the Berlin Wall, or September 11 may constitute such moments in your life. Other great moments are more personal: a birth, a death, a job opportunity that proved to be the opportunity of a lifetime, the beginning or the ending of a relationship. Our experiences differ, but uniting them is the fact that great moments like these are radically life-changing. In today s scripture, Saul of Tarsus, later known as the apostle Paul, experienced the greatest moment of his life. Though a deeply personal experience, it is no exaggeration to say that the course of history has been profoundly affected by what happened on a dusty road to Damascus some 2,000 years ago. Saul was a Jew, born in Tarsus. He received a rigorous Jewish and pharisaic education in Jerusalem under the highly-respected teacher Gamaliel (guh-may-lee-el). However, unlike Gamaliel, who took a moderate position regarding Christians, Saul s opinion about the recently-crucified Jesus Christ represented the more extreme views held by Jewish leaders of the time. Saul believed Jesus was a heretic and that followers of Jesus Way were exceedingly dangerous to Judaism. We first meet Saul at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57 8:1). Saul may have ordered the stoning, or he may simply been an interested bystander. Soon after, he began to destroy the Church. The Greek word used is the same as for an animal ripping and tearing its meat. Why did Saul choose to go to Damascus to further persecute the Church? Damascus was the nearest large city outside Jerusalem and a thriving commercial center on a major trade route. It s probable that Paul feared Christianity would rapidly spread from this center. We often refer to Paul s experience on the Damascus road as a vision, but he actually saw Jesus in person (see Acts 9:17 and 27). Not Jesus as others had seen him, but the ascended Son, resplendent in the glory of the Father, blinding to the human eye, for no one can look upon the face of God (Exodus 33:20).* From that moment, Paul was a follower of the Way. Acts 9:15 is the centerpiece of today s study, for here we discover what God had in mind for Saul. The key points are these: (1) God had chosen Paul, (2) for a specific assignment, particularly to the Gentiles, and (3) Paul would suffer in carrying out this task. (See also Acts 22:14-16 and 26:15-18.) The phrase After many days had gone by, in Acts 9:23 sounds like all the following events happened in a relatively short time after Saul s conversion. But based on Paul s testimony in some of his letters most scholars believe that Paul preached in Damascus for a while. Then he went to Arabia for one to three years to meditate and firm up his beliefs. It was when he returned that the tide of opinion moved against him. The persecutor was now the persecuted! Even the Christian community did not trust him until Barnabas stepped in to vouch for this new disciple (Acts 9:27). Acts 8:1 says, a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. Acts 9:31 concludes, Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. What a fitting commentary on the Saul s dynamism! When he opposed Christianity, the Church was virtually ripped apart. Now that he believed, the Church enjoyed peace! *David J. Williams, Acts, in New International Biblical Commentary (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1990), 168. Creation The Fa ll Abraham Exodus Judges David 6 T h e Prophets The Exile Return 400

Connect with Your Kids No child s Christian education in the children s Sunday School department could be considered complete without a thorough study of the life of Paul. This unit, which builds on units children have had in the Preschool/Kindergarten and Middle Elementary agegroups covers highlights from Paul s entire life. Students will encounter episodes from Paul s three missionary journeys, and they can track these, along with Paul s writings, on a unit map. Our goal is for preteens to emerge from this unit with good working knowledge of Paul s life and ministry. But these are more than just biblical history lessons. As preteens study the missionary work Paul did, they will also learn about parallel issues in the lives of modern-day Chris - tian witnesses and missionaries. Preteens daily hear news from places all over the globe. As they hear about the struggles of people in other countries and cultures, we want them to feel special concern for people s spiritual well-being. Pray for your students during this unit. It could be that there s a future Paul or Priscilla (one of Paul s ministry partners) in your classroom. These lessons on Paul s life may be just the spark God will use to call that boy or girl to ministry as a missionary. L E S S O N P L A N N E R TIPS & TOOLS The Activity-specific teaching tips General teacher training tips Foundational words of the faith Spiritual formation tips ORD in CTION Important biblical and theological insights JUNE 7 SEE HEAR & SAY SING DO SOLVE READ & WRITE A B C A T T E N T I O N G E T T E R S B I B L E E X P L O R A T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S T O L I F E Check to Use. Lesson Xpress* A C T I V I T I E S The Church Goes Worldwide Bulletin Board Begin to assemble the unit bulletin board. Meet Paul Concentration Play a game to learn about Paul s early life. Witness or Missionary? Disucss these two terms. Make a Change Play a game to illustrate changes What Are You Thinking? Create words and phrases to describe Bible people s thoughts. Dramatize It! Dramatize Saul s conversion. Bulletin Board Review Add a symbol circle and picture to the bulletin board. Where Do I Fit In? Refine the definitions of witness and missionary. Commit to witnessing and praying for missionaries. Saul s Testimony Discuss and begin learning the Verse-a-Month Club verse. Adopt a Missionary Select and pray for missionaries in your denomination. ACTIVITY FOCUS *Lesson Xpress If your class time is short, consider choosing these activities. **In addition to materials listed in this chart, you need Basic Classroom Supplies. See the inside back cover and the activities in this lesson. C U R R I C U L U M R E S O U R C E S Resources, Item 2 Connections, p. 1 Connections, pp. 2-3 Connections, pp. 2-3 Resources, Item 3, starburst circle; Resources, Item 4, picture 4A Connections, pp. 1 and 4; Resources, Item 5 Resources, Item 1 Connections, p. 4; Passport for each preteen O T H E R M A T E R I A L S * * purchased bulletin board letters or letter patterns shoe box of small items Bible costumes, opt. information about missionaries from denominational periodicals or a web site Y ears of Silence B irth ofchris t Ministry of Jesus 7 Easter Early Church Letters Last T hings

ATTENTION GETTERS Music is an important teaching tool. Enhance this unit by using songs that talk about witnessing and mission. Great Big Praise 2 includes these good choices: Heart to Change the World, No. 67 I Want to Be a Witness, No. 69 My Hands Are the Hands, No. 70 Walk Like Jesus, No 71 Singing is not the only way to use music effectively. For certain activities, it is appropriate to play music as background listening while students work on the activity, or as part of the activity. Use theme-related songs like the above when possible. Saul was Paul s original, Jewish name and the one he went by until his middle or late 30s. Tarsus was the city where Paul was born. This was an ancient city known for commerce and learning. The tribe of Benjamin was important in Jewish history. King Saul came from this tribe. After the Exile, Judah and Benjamin were the only tribes that returned to Palestine. Saul felt proud to be part of this historic tribe. Though he was Jewish, Paul was also born a Roman citizen. Gamaliel was a well-known, much respected Pharisee who was Paul s teacher. A Pharisee was a religious leader who tried to keep the Law of Moses, plus many additional religious rules, perfectly. Paul was a Pharisee. Hebrew of Hebrews is a phrase Paul used to describe how completely Jewish he was (Philippians 3:5). Jerusalem is where Paul studied with Gamaliel to become a Pharisee. Tentmaker was the way Paul earned his living. Stephen was the first Christian to be killed for believing in Jesus. Paul witnessed and approved of his murder. Choose from these activities to help focus your preteens attention and prepare them to learn today s Bible Truth. The Church Goes Worldwide Bulletin Board Let students help assemble the bulletin board as follows. For a color diagram of the completed board, see Teacher Connections in the center insert of this Teacher. Put up plain-colored background paper that coordinates with the pieces on Items 2, 3, and 4. Add contrasting border, also in a plain color. Punch out purchased letters for the caption The Church Goes Worldwide or trace letter patterns for this title onto construction paper and cut out. Attach the title to the board. Mount Item 2, Paul s Missionary Map in the center of the board. Leave room on all four sides to add pictures and other items during the unit. TRANSITION: As students work, talk with them about what they know about Paul. Probably most will know about His conversion, and perhaps some details from other stories. Say, Some people believe that next to Jesus Christ, Paul was the most important person of New Testament times. For the next several weeks, we are going to study Paul s life. As we do, think about whether you agree or disagree with this idea about Paul s greatness. Meet Paul Concentration Before class, print each of these words on two index cards or pieces of construction paper: Saul, Tarsus, Tribe of Benjamin, Roman citizen, Gamaliel, Pharisee, Hebrew of Hebrews, Jerusalem, Tentmaker, Stephen. Mix the cards and lay them out facedown in four rows of five cards each. Have ready several paper clips. In class, say, For the next several weeks, we are going to learn about the life and work of the apostle Paul. Today, we are going to play a game to learn a little about Paul s early background. Have students take turns turning over any two cards. If the cards don t match, the student turns them back facedown. If they do match, the student may keep them. If the student can tell how the word or phrase on the cards relates to Paul, give him or her a paper clip to hold the cards together. If the student can t do so, give the information from HELPING HAND. When the game is over, give students one point for each card they have, plus five additional points for every paper clip. TRANSITION: Say, Many people consider Paul the second most important person in the New Testament next to Jesus. But in the early days of his life, Paul hated Jesus and His followers. Today, we ll discover what happened to change Paul s mind. Witness or Missionary? Direct the students attention to Connections, page 1. Say, Write words or phrases that describe Christian witnesses and missionaries. When the students finish, ask, What did you Resources, Item 2 Bulletin board background paper and border, plain colors Bulletin board tacks or stapler Purchased bulletin board letters or letter patterns Construction paper, opt. Pen or pencil, opt. Scissors, opt. 20 index cards or pieces of paper Marker Connections, p. 1 Pens or pencils write about witnesses? What do you think a witness is or does? Let the preteens share their ideas. Ask, What did you write about missionaries? What do you think a missionary is or does? Let the preteens share. As you discuss these terms, look for similarities and differences in the two. 8

TRANSITION: Say, A witness and a missionary are somewhat alike. But there are differences too. In this unit we will talk about both words. Later today, we ll look again at your definitions and see if they need clarifying. Make a Change Before class, prepare a shoe box with small items kids can use to change their appearance: glasses, jewelry, socks, scarf, tie, hat. Shoe box of small items In class, have the preteens take turns leaving the room. Give each one the box of small items. Tell students to change something about themselves. They can change an item of clothing, add glasses, rearrange hair, and so on. As each preteen returns, let the other kids guess what was changed. If they have difficulty, let the preteen tell what he or she changed. TRANSITION: After everyone has had a turn, say, We made some small changes in appearance that may have been hard to notice. But, sometimes a dramatic event causes us to change the way we ve been going in life. Today we will learn about a man who experienced a major change. Let s see what happened. BIBLE EXPLORATIONS Choose from these activities to help preteens study the Bible passage. What Are You Thinking? Introduce today s study by saying, For the next several weeks, we will learn about one of the greatest men of the New Testament, the apostle Paul. Some people say that only Jesus was more important to Christianity than Paul was. The New Connections, pp. 2-3 Pens or pencils Extra paper, opt. Testament contains 13 books he wrote. That s almost half of the entire New Testament! But Paul didn t start out in life to be a great Christian leader. He was born Saul, a Jew who wanted to be a great Pharisee. Our Bible study today tells the story of how Pharisee Saul began the journey to becoming Evangelist and Missionary Paul. Direct students attention to Connections, pages 2-3. Divide the group into two to five small groups and assign each group one or more of the Bible passages. Below each passage, students are to list key words and phrases to describe what Saul and other people have been thinking during each event. Give the groups time to read their passages and create their words or phrases. You may want to give them extra paper for this. When they finish, have everyone come together to share answers. Ask each group to briefly summarize the content of their passage(s), then give their words and phrases. Share insights from Reflect on the Word to supplement what students say. Acts 7:59 8:4; 9:1-2. Jewish leaders and Saul Thank goodness we got rid of that troublemaker, Stephen. We ve got to stamp out this new religion. These Christians don t worship the one true God. Give me the job and I ll get rid of the Christians. Christians We ve got to get out of here! Our lives are in danger! We will keep witnessing, no matter what! Acts 9:3-9. Saul s traveling companions What s going on here? This is scary! That light it s so bright! Saul What s happening? That s Jesus! I ve been wrong about Jesus! What have I done? Acts 9:10-19a. Ananias I m afraid. Saul s a killer! I ll obey God, no matter what. Saul I m so sorry for what I ve done. I wonder if this man can help me. I can see! I m a new person. Thank You, God. 9 If your class is small, you may prefer for the whole group to work through each Bible study section together. Choose volunteers to read the sections, one at a time. Then, brainstorm words and phrases as a group.

It doesn t take much to create a Bible costume. Old neckties or scarves make great bands for headdresses or belts for clothing. Use towels for headdresses. For smaller students, an oversized T-shirt makes a good Bible tunic. Be creative! Plan to use pins or tacks to attach the symbol circles, pictures, and scrolls from Items 3 and 4 to the bulletin board. In later activities, you will be asked to remove these items for review activities. Stapled items will be harder to remove and replace. Acts 9:19b-25. Jews What s going on here? Can this be Saul preaching about Jesus? We don t believe it! Saul I can t wait to tell people the real truth about Jesus. I want everyone to know Him. This is weird I was trying to kill people. Now people are trying to kill me. Acts 9:26-31. Christians We don t trust that Saul. This might be a trick. We re not having anything to do with him. Jews This man betrayed us. Let s get rid of him. He s an enemy. Barnabas I believe Saul really did change. I want to help him. Saul I wish they would trust me. I want to preach the gospel. Oops gotta go again! Conclude the Bible study by discussing the final two questions on the page. What changes occurred in Saul s life? (He changed from a Jewish Pharisee to a Jewish Christian, from a persecutor to a preacher, from someone hunting down Christians to one being hunted, from an enemy of Jesus to a follower of Jesus, and so forth.) What plan did God have for Saul? (To take the good news of Jesus and the plan of salvation to the Gentiles.) Say, God has commanded all Christians to be witnesses. But our Bible study shows us that God chooses and calls some people to special kinds of ministry. Why do you think He chose Saul of all people to be His apostle to the Gentiles? Weren t there plenty of good Christian Jews God could have used? Why choose a dangerous persecutor like Saul? Encourage students to give their ideas. Help them to think about the kind of person Saul was, and how his personality might be good for the work God had in mind. Saul knew the Old Testament backward and forward. He would be good at helping Jews see that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies for the Messiah. Paul was born in a non-jewish city. He had experience with Gentiles, and with their teachings. This would help him in ministering to Gentiles. Saul said he had a lot of zeal (Philippians 3:6). In other words, he was an eager worker he got things done. This quality would help him as a worker for God. The change in Saul s life was a good proof of what God can do for people. Close by saying, God knows what He is doing. He knows who is especially fitted for certain types of Christian service. And He knows best what you can do in His kingdom. Dramatize It! Here is another way to do the Bible study. Divide the group into five groups. Assign each group one section of the Bible study. Each group is to dramatize for the rest of the Connections, pp. 2-3 Bible costumes, opt. class what that portion of scripture describes. If possible, provide some Bible costumes. Option: If your class is small, work as a whole group to create the dramas. Following the dramas, discuss the last two questions on Connections, page 3. See answers above. Bulletin Board Review Ask, Where on our map did the action in today s story take place? Help students find Tarsus (Saul s birthplace), Jerusalem (where he was a student) and Damascus (where he went to kill Christians). Show them the probable route from Jerusalem to Tarsus. Give volunteers the sunburst symbol circle from Item 3, Paul s Missionary Map Pieces, and picture 4A from Item 4, Resources, Item 3, starburst symbol circle Resources, Item 4, picture 4A of Saul s conversion Bulletin board with Paul s Missionary Map attached Bulletin board pins or tacks Pen, pencil, or marker Pictures of Paul. Help students create a brief statement to write on the starburst circle. Let volunteers attach the circle to the map near Damascus, and the picture of Saul s conversion on the bulletin board, outside the map but as near Damascus as possible. Close by asking, What special work did God choose Saul to do? (Take the gospel to the Gentiles) Can you think of some special tasks that God has called other people to do? (Ministers, full-time evangelists, missionaries, various compassionate ministries) If God does not call a person for a special ministry like these, does that mean the person can t really do anything for God? (No, because all people are called to be His witnesses, and to do everything for His honor and glory.) 10

CONNECTIONS TO LIFE Choose from these activities to help preteens connect the Bible Truth to life. Where Do I Fit In? Give preteens Connections. Have them look at their definitions of witness and missionary on page 1. Then on page 4, ask them to revise their definitions as necessary in the spaces provided. Let them share what they wrote. Show Item 5, Who Are They? Have a volunteer read the definitions of witness first. Have a second volunteer read the definitions of missionary. Point out that witness is the broader term. Everything that is true of a witness is also true of a missionary. A missionary is a specialized kind of witness. Say, Think of people you can witness to. Write their names in the spaces. Remember that you can witness by your words and by your life. Will you be a witness for Christ to these people? Provide the names of missionaries who have visited your church or that your church supports. Say, Choose one missionary or missionary family to pray for. Write that name in the space provided. Remember to pray for that missionary or family this week. Have interested preteens read the questions at the bottom of page 4. Encourage discussion, allowing preteens to share as they are willing. Say, God wants us to be willing to serve Him in any way He asks. Pray that you will be open to the possibility of being a missionary or serving God in some other special way. Saul s Testimony Before class, punch out the puzzle pieces on Item 1, Romans 1:16 Puzzle. If desired, put magnetic tape on the four corners of the border, and on each puzzle piece. Reassemble the puzzle on a metal board or table. In class, ask a volunteer to read the verse. Ask these questions. This is the personal testimony of a New Testament apostle. Do you know who it is? (Paul, who was Saul in today s Bible study.) How does this statement compare with the way Saul felt about the gospel before his experience on the Damascus Road? (It is the complete opposite.) Why is Saul not ashamed of the gospel? (He knows that it can change lives dramatically.) How does Saul know this is true? (From personal experience) Say, Sometimes we feel that witnessing is pretty scary. But actually, the best witnessing is letting people know what Jesus has done for you. That s what Saul did, and we can do that too. If time permits, remove the puzzle pieces from the frame, mix them and let students put them back in order. Adopt a Missionary Before class, check with your missionary society president to get names of one or more missionary families. Search especially for families that have preteen children. Your missionary Connections, pp. 1 and 4 Resources, Item 5 Pens or pencils Resources, Item 1 Metal board and magnetic tape, opt. Passport for each preteen Information about missionaries in your denomination leader may be able to contact the denominational headquarters via E-mail for this information. Another option is to look at recent issues of your missionary magazine. And don t overlook any missionaries your church may be supporting financially or in other ways. In class, explain to preteens that since this unit is about missionaries as well as other Christian witnesses, you will be doing some things to support and encourage missionaries. Ask whether the preteens know any missionaries by name. Then share the information you have gathered about missionary families. Close the class with prayer. Thank God for calling people to take the gospel to those in other countries and cultures, and pray for your chosen missionaries and their families. Encourage preteens to continue to pray for these missionaries during the week. As students leave, give them their copies of Passport. 11 MISSIONARY: A person who is called by God and sent out by the Church to witness to people of another country or culture. EVANGELIST: A person who preaches about Jesus to other people and tries to help them become Chris - tians. In one sense, every Chris - tian witness is an evangelist. However, God calls some people to full-time work as evangelists. WITNESS: A person who shares with others what he or she has seen, heard, or experienced. A Chris - tian witness tells others what he or she knows about Jesus and salvation.