Paul The Apostle

Paul was not one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus. His first encounter with Jesus came after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. In fact, before his conversion, Paul was persecuting the early church and considered himself an enemy of this person named Jesus. But all that changed after Jesus confronted Paul on the Road to Damascus, as we read about in Acts chapter 9. Jesus called Paul to be “an apostle to the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13) and used Paul the Apostle to expand the church and write many of the New Testament books. Sunday School Zone has a number of activities and resources that will help a child learn about this important servant of the Lord.

Paul, The Persecutor, Acts 8:1-3

At the end of Acts 7, Stephen is stoned as “a young man named Saul” stood by watching. “Saul” was Paul’s Hebrew name while “Paul” was his Greek name. Paul was a Pharisee (Phil. 3:5) and very zealous (Gal. 1:14) for his Jewish faith. This zeal drove him to attack the young church. In fact, Acts 8:3 tells us, “Saul… was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.” Paul was a vehement enemy of the church, but he had no idea how his life was going to change because of Jesus!

Paul on the Road to Damascus, Acts 9:1-9

Paul’s zeal for persecuting the church led him to travel to Damascus. While on his way, Paul was blinded by a bright light and confronted by the voice of Jesus. Paul obeyed Jesus’ instructions to go to Damascus and wait. This arrogant and zealous young man had met his match in the risen Christ! He was soon baptized and became a zealous follower of Jesus.

Paul, the Missionary, Acts 13—28

In Acts 13:1-3, God called and the church set apart Saul (Paul) and Barnabas “for the work I have called them to.” Much of the remainder of the Book of Acts is about Paul’s missionary journeys and the expansion of the church into the Roman world and beyond the Jewish race.

Paul, the Pastor and Writer

Paul established many churches during his life and ministry. He continued to travel, however, and that made it necessary for Paul to stay in touch with his beloved churches through the ministry of friends and letters he would write to specific congregations and individuals. We have 13 of these letters in existence today. In the New Testament these 13 letters are grouped together and begin with the Book of Romans and conclude with Philemon. So much of what we know about the early church and New Testament theology was shaped by and comes out of the ministry and writings of Paul, The Apostle. We can be thankful for the way God used this significant biblical figure.

Note: This article can be downloaded as a PDF here.

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