The Story of how Saul became Paul

What do we know about Saul? Check out the following using a Bible to build up a picture of Saul Where was he from and what religion was he? Acts of the Apostles 21:39) Where was he educated? Acts 22:3 Did he have family? Acts 23:16 What was his occupation? Acts 18: 3 How did he feel about Christians? Acts 26: 9-11 Why Might he feel this way? Acts 26: 5

The Killing of Stephen One of the events described in the New Testament is the killing of St Stephen - Saul was there.

Saul was there at the stoning. To understand this story you need to know that the early followers of Jesus still regarded themselves as Jewish, they went to the synagogue and preached there about Jesus. Many Jews were frightened by this. They thought the followers of Jesus were out to destroy their religion or change it completely. Because they were afraid they began to hate the followers of Jesus and wanted to destroy them.

Now Read the Story of St Stephen in Acts: 6: 8-14 this sets the scene Now Read the Story of St Stephen in Acts: 6: 8-14 this sets the scene. Stephen is then put on trail for his life and gives a powerful speech now read what happened next. Acts 7: 54- 8:1 Where is Saul in this picture ? How do you know? Try to explain why you think Saul did the things he did. What kind of person was he?

The Conversion Saul travels many places in search of Christians trying to imprison or kill them. One of these journeys is on the road to Damascus Watch the story of Saul on this journey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ZJxb4uW-E His companions took him to the city. This is what happened next. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FD2Ke7wR_I Now read the account in Acts 9:1-22 and also Acts 22: 1-21

Thinking about the Story In the story Saul became blind. What do you think the writer is trying to say about Saul’s understanding before he encounters Jesus? How do you think Saul felt when he hears the voice? Saul was responsible for causing the deaths or imprisonment of many yet Jesus called out to him. What do you think that tells us about Jesus? Can anyone change?

When Paul regains his sight (sees the light) how do his attitudes change? Do you think everyone changes after meeting Jesus? What does he promise to do? Why will this be difficult for him? Something happened to Saul that changed his life. (After he changed Saul changed his name to Paul (the Roman version) because he was to preach to the Gentiles and Paul is the more gentile sounding version of his name) Research why Paul is really important in the history of the Church.

These two images both show the conversion of Saul Which do you like and why?