(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)
Download the “Jesus Is God and Savior” PDF. Print a copy for each student. Or, if you have purchased the Becoming Student Books, use pages 5 and 7. Provide a pen for each student. Make sure they have their Bibles.

Explain that this lesson introduces Saul, who became Paul. Explain that Saul did not believe Jesus was the Son of God. And Saul persecuted those who did. Say: Stephen, a Church leader, was accused of blasphemy for believing Jesus was the Messiah. Explain that the Jewish High Council asked Stephen to defend himself. Stephen testified that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.

Ask a student to read aloud Acts 7:51–8:3. Say: This passage mentions Saul, Paul’s original name, three times. Instruct students to identify these three instances and describe what Paul was doing. (7:58—Watching coats; 8:1—Giving approval; 8:3—Destroying the Church) Then, say: Is this a flattering picture of Paul? (No) Ask: If you had to define Paul’s identity based on this passage, what would you say? Let students share. (Possible Answers: Zealous; hateful; vengeful) Explain that students’ perception of Paul is about to change dramatically.

Option 1 (Book Only): If you have purchased the Becoming Student Book, instruct students to turn to page 5. Say: A defining moment profoundly changes the world. Direct students to the “Defining Moments” activity. Lead them to match each moment with its description. When they finish, share the answers. (1—C; 2—E; 3—D; 4—A; 5—B.)

UPDATED Option 2 (PDF Only): Say: A defining moment profoundly changes the world. Direct students to the “Defining Moments” activity PDF. Lead them to match each moment with its description. When they finish, share the answers. (1—C; 2—D; 3—B; 4—E; 5—A.)

Say: We’re about to see a defining moment in Paul’s life. Explain that the Church had spread outside Jerusalem, just as Jesus predicted (Acts 1:8–9). Choose volunteers to read Acts 9:1–9. When they finish, say: As Paul sought out Christians, he experienced a defining moment. Walk students through these questions:

• Instruct students to record words or phrases that stand out in verses 3–6. Let them share answers. (Possible answers: Suddenly; light from heaven; fell to the ground; heard a voice; “Saul, why do you persecute me,” etc.)
• Then, instruct them to look at verses 7–8. Tell them to write the results of Paul’s encounter with Jesus. Allow them to share. (Possible answers: Men were speechless; didn’t see anyone; Saul was blinded; went into the city to fast and pray)
• Next, instruct students to look at verses 9–14. Instruct students to write why Ananias was afraid. Let them share. (Ananias knew who Paul was and what Paul had done.)
• Finally, instruct students to look at verses 15–16. Instruct students to write words or phrases that seem important or significant. (Possible answers: My chosen instrument; how much he will suffer for my name)

Then, ask: Was Paul’s encounter with Christ a defining moment? Ananias and others had doubts. But we know Paul was changed. How? God’s Word tells his story. Remind students that Saul would become one of the most important people in the spread of the gospel. Say: The next few lessons highlight Paul’s transformation. As we close this activity, look at a summary of Jesus’ identity. Distribute the “Jesus Is God and Savior” PDF (or instruct students to turn to page 7 of the Becoming Student Book). As a group, read aloud the description of Jesus. Tell students to circle “He is Christ, the Son of God.” Say: Paul doubted Jesus’ identity. Jesus made it radiantly clear, changing Paul forever. (Instruct your students to hold on to this sheet for the next lesson.)