(10 minutes, easy set-up)
Download the “Hello! My Name Is” PDF. For each student, provide a pen and a copy of the PDF. Or, if you have purchased the Becoming Student Book, turn to page 9. Make sure students have Bibles.

Distribute the PDF, or, if you have purchased the Student Books, instruct students to locate the activity “Hello! My Name Is” on page 9. Ask: Why do people use nametags? (So people know their names) Say: Names are important, right? People hear your name and then think of what makes you who you are, for better or worse. Ask: Do any of you have a story about how you received your name? Allow students to share. Ask: Does anyone have a nickname that has stuck with them? Allow students to share. Say: Our names have a lot to do with our identities. Let’s examine this further.

Divide students up into small groups. Instruct them to write the name Saul on the nametag on the left of their PDF or Student Book page. Say: Before Paul encountered Jesus, he was known as Saul. Read aloud 1 Timothy 1:12–13. Ask: List a few of Paul’s negative characteristics. (Blasphemer; persecutor; violent man) Then, go through the same steps with Acts 22:4–5. (A murderer) Finally, do the same for Acts 22:19–20 (Imprisoned Christians; approved of Stephen’s murder)

Say: Acts 13 first mentions Saul’s other name: Paul. From then on, he was called Paul. Tell students to write the name Paul in the second nametag. Then, read Acts 14:21–22 aloud. Ask: List a few of Paul’s positive characteristics. (Won a large number of disciples; strengthened and encouraged Christians) Then, go through the same steps for Acts 28:7–9. (Healer) Finally, do the same for 2 Timothy 4:7. (Faithful)

Then, say: Paul became known for faith and service. Think of some of your positive characteristics that people would be quick to identify. Write them next to the question, “What about you?” Instruct students to answer and share. Say: Before Paul was known as Paul, he was Saul. We listed negative characteristics from Paul’s life. If someone asked your friends and classmates about negative characteristics in your life, what would they say? Be honest. Instruct students to write their answer next to the question, “What about you?” under the Saul nametag.

Remind students that Paul had a lot to overcome. But he understood that his identity was somehow found in Jesus Christ. Say: What if you were known for living a life defined by Jesus Christ, not your good or bad qualities? You’ll be faced with this challenge over the next few lessons.