Class: Primary 6
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Age: 12 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson: Paul’s Early Life, Place Of Birth
Topic: Paul’s Early Life: Education
Content/Learning Area: Paul studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), Persecuted the Church (Acts 8:1-3)

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain: Describe Paul’s education under Gamaliel and his persecution of the early Church.
Affective Domain: Show respect for Christian teachings and the journey of Christian leaders.
Psychomotor Domain: Dramatize the story of Paul’s early life and actions.
Social Domain: Share lessons learned from Paul’s transformation with classmates.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
Online information from: bible hub – Paul’s Persecution of Christians
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Bible
Chart showing Paul’s journey
Picture of ancient scrolls and Jewish teachers
Flashcards with Paul’s names and roles
Audio storytelling device or speaker

Rationale for the Lesson

To help pupils understand how Paul’s early life, education, and actions shaped his future ministry.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about people who served God and understand the importance of obedience and learning.

Lesson Content

Paul’s Early Life: Education

Paul was an important man in the Bible. He was a Jew and came from a town called Tarsus. Before becoming a Christian, he studied the laws of God and later fought against the early Christians.

Memory Verse: I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel. – Acts 22:3

Bible Readings

Acts 22:3
Acts 8:1-3

Paul’s Education Under Gamaliel

Paul was a very intelligent boy. His parents were Jews, and he followed the Jewish laws. When he was young, he went to study in Jerusalem. There, he was taught by a famous teacher named Gamaliel.

Gamaliel was a respected teacher of the law, and Paul became very knowledgeable about the Jewish religion. He was known for his strong defense of the Jewish traditions.

Paul Persecuted the Church

At first, Paul did not believe in Jesus. He thought Christians were wrong and should be punished. Paul was present when Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was killed. He agreed to the killing and even helped to arrest many Christians.

He wanted to stop Christianity from spreading. He got permission from leaders to go to other cities to arrest followers of Jesus.

Lessons from Paul’s Early Life

Paul’s early life teaches us many things. He was serious about his religion and studies. But he also made mistakes when he persecuted Christians. Later, he changed and followed Jesus.

Teaching Methods

Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher tells a short story about a student who changed from being stubborn to becoming the best in class, then links it to Paul’s story.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and share similar experiences.
Learning Point: Pupils connect life change with lesson focus.

Step 2: Paul’s Education Under Gamaliel

Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains Paul’s Jewish background and his studies under Gamaliel, showing a picture of scrolls.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and observe the picture.
Learning Point: Pupils understand Paul’s early education.

Step 3: Paul Persecuted the Church

Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Storytelling
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher narrates how Paul attacked Christians, referring to Bible passages, and shows flashcards of key events.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow the story, read verses and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Paul’s actions before conversion.

Step 4: Lessons from Paul’s Early Life

Time: 6 mins
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher asks pupils what they learned from Paul’s life and leads a discussion.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share lessons learned.
Learning Point: Pupils reflect on life choices and growth.

Step 5: Note Taking

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Writing
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher guides pupils to copy notes from the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes into their books.
Learning Point: Pupils document the lesson.

Step 6: Evaluation

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher asks pupils questions based on the lesson content.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the topic.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Instructional & Cognitive Closure
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to think about how they can change their behavior like Paul.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and respond.
Learning Point: Pupils internalize the lesson’s moral value.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about Paul’s Early Life: Education and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

Persecution – Harming or attacking someone for their belief
Education – Learning in school or from a teacher
Gamaliel – A great Jewish teacher who taught Paul
Tarsus – The town where Paul was born
Transformation – A big change in someone’s life

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

Who was Paul’s teacher in Jerusalem?
Where was Paul born?
What did Paul do to the early Church?
Mention one lesson from Paul’s early life.
Recite the memory verse.
Dramatize Paul arresting Christians.

Differentiation

Pupils with difficulties will be paired with stronger pupils during group work. Visual aids and storytelling will support pupils with reading challenges.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure you emphasize that Paul’s knowledge and passion were redirected for good after his conversion. Use relatable stories to help pupils connect with the lesson.