Purpose: Learn how Jesus changed Saul's life and gave him a new mission while practicing English through reading, vocabulary, speaking, reflection, and writing.
Recommended Level: A2–B1
1) Before You Begin
Saul was a zealous Jewish man who believed he was serving God. He persecuted Christians and tried to stop people who followed Jesus. But on the road to Damascus, a great light from heaven shone around him, and he heard the voice of Jesus. Saul's life changed because he met the risen Jesus and obeyed Him.
In this lesson, you will follow four steps in Paul's journey.
- Zealous Saul — Saul was sincere, but he was wrong about Jesus and His followers.
- Confronted Saul — Jesus spoke to Saul from the light and asked why Saul was persecuting Him.
- Obedient Saul — Saul asked, “What shall I do, Lord?” and went into Damascus.
- Chosen Paul — God appointed Saul to know His will and become a witness for Jesus.
Think about these questions before you read.
- How can sincere people sometimes be wrong?
- Why is it important to ask, “Who are You, Lord?”
- Why is it important to ask, “What shall I do, Lord?”
2) Part One — Zealous Saul
Read Acts 22:3–5. Saul said he was born in Tarsus, educated in Jerusalem, and zealous for God. He persecuted the Way, binding men and women and taking them to prison.
- Where was Saul born?
- Where was Saul educated?
- How did Saul describe his attitude toward God?
- What did Saul do to Christians?
- Why can zeal be dangerous if a person does not know the truth?
Speaking Practice: In simple English, explain why Saul thought he was serving God.
3) Part Two — Confronted Saul
Read Acts 22:6–9. About noon, a great light from heaven suddenly shone around Saul. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Jesus said, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.”
- Where was Saul going?
- What suddenly shone around Saul?
- What question did Jesus ask Saul?
- How did Jesus identify Himself?
- What did the people with Saul see?
- What did they not understand?
Speaking Practice: Explain why Jesus' question, “Why are you persecuting me?” is important.
4) Part Three — Obedient Saul
Read Acts 22:10–11. Saul asked, “What shall I do, Lord?” The Lord told him to rise and go into Damascus. Saul could not see because of the brightness of the light, so others led him by the hand.
- What was Saul's next question after he learned Jesus was speaking?
- Where did the Lord tell Saul to go?
- Why could Saul not see?
- How did Saul get to Damascus?
- What does Saul's question show about his heart?
Speaking Practice: In simple English, explain why faith should lead to obedience.
5) Part Four — Chosen Paul
Read Acts 22:12–15. Ananias came to Saul and said, “Brother Saul, receive your sight.” Then Ananias told Saul that God had appointed him to know His will, see the Righteous One, hear His voice, and be a witness for Him.
- Who came to Saul in Damascus?
- What did Ananias tell Saul to receive?
- What happened at that very hour?
- What had God appointed Saul to know?
- What would Saul become for Jesus?
Speaking Practice: Explain what it means to be a witness for Jesus today.
6) Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Your Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| zealous | Very eager and committed to something. | |
| persecute | To treat people badly because of their faith or beliefs. | |
| the Way | An early name for followers of Jesus. | |
| light | Brightness; in this lesson, also a sign of God's truth and glory. | |
| Lord | A title of authority, honor, and worship. | |
| obey | To do what someone with rightful authority tells you to do. | |
| appointed | Chosen or assigned for a purpose. | |
| witness | A person who tells what he or she has seen, heard, or knows to be true. |
7) Put Paul's Journey in Order
Write one or two sentences for each step in Paul's journey.
| Step | What happened? | My sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Zealous Saul | Saul persecuted Christians because he thought he was serving God. | |
| 2. Confronted Saul | A great light from heaven shone around Saul, and Jesus spoke to him. | |
| 3. Obedient Saul | Saul asked what he should do and went into Damascus. | |
| 4. Chosen Paul | God appointed Saul to become a witness for Jesus. |
8) Reflection Questions
- Why did Saul believe he was serving God while he was persecuting Christians?
- How can sincere people sometimes be mistaken about what God wants?
- Why do you think Jesus asked Saul a question instead of simply condemning him?
- Why are the questions “Who are You, Lord?” and “What shall I do, Lord?” important?
- What part of Paul's journey speaks to you the most: his zeal, his encounter with Jesus, his obedience, or his new purpose? Why?
9) Speaking Practice
- Retell Saul's journey to Damascus in your own words.
- Use these four words in your answer: zealous, light, obey, witness.
- Speak for 30–60 seconds: How did Jesus change Saul's direction?
- Speak for 30–60 seconds: Why does meeting Jesus lead to peace with God?
- Explain why Saul needed help after he saw the bright light.
- Tell one way a person can be a witness for Jesus today.
10) Writing Practice
- Option A: Write 6–8 sentences summarizing Saul's encounter with Jesus.
- Option B: Write a paragraph explaining why Saul asked, “What shall I do, Lord?”
- Option C: Write about a time when you learned you were wrong and needed to change direction.
- Option D: Write four sentences using these words: zealous, persecute, obey, witness.
11) Final Thought
Saul was sincere and zealous, but he was wrong about Jesus. On the road to Damascus, the risen Jesus confronted him with light and truth. Saul asked who Jesus was, and then he asked what he should do. Jesus did not leave Saul in darkness. He sent Ananias to help him, and God gave Saul a new mission. Saul, later called Paul, became a witness for Jesus to many people. Jesus brings peace with God, peace within us, and sometimes peace with others.