Mission to the Gentiles and Opposition to the Gospel Message for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Mission to the Gentiles and Opposition to the Gospel Message
Previous Lesson: Holy Spirit and the Mission to the Gentiles
Topic: Mission to the Gentiles and Opposition to the Gospel Message.
Subject Matter: Saul’s conversion; Acts 9:1-19; Damascus and Jerusalem. Acts; 9:20-30; Peter’s ministry in Lydda and Joppa; Acts 10:44-48, 11:1-18; Arrest and imprisonment of the Apostles. Acts; 4:1-31, 5:17-42; Opposition against; Stephen. Acts; 6:8, 7:10; Saul’s opposition to the gospel. Acts; 12:1-24

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Describe the conversion of Saul as recorded in Acts 9:1-19.
• Explain Peter’s ministry in Lydda and Joppa, highlighting key events.
• Outline the charges brought against Stephen and the circumstances of his death.
• Identify the reasons for the arrest and imprisonment of the apostles.
• Discuss the nature of opposition faced by the early church from both Saul (before conversion) and Herod.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the divine intervention in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
• Value the perseverance and faith of the early apostles despite severe opposition.
• Demonstrate tolerance and understanding towards those with differing beliefs.

Psychomotor Domain

• Relate the biblical accounts of persecution to contemporary challenges faced by Christians.
• Locate the places mentioned in the lesson (Damascus, Jerusalem, Lydda, Joppa) on a Bible map.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The Holy Bible (Acts of the Apostles)
• A suitable Christian Religious Studies textbook for SS 3
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A copy of the Holy Bible
• Bible map showing Damascus, Jerusalem, Lydda, and Joppa
• Charts illustrating key events of Saul’s conversion and Peter’s ministry
• Pictures depicting the arrest and persecution of the apostles

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for understanding how Christianity expanded beyond its Jewish roots to include Gentiles, a crucial development for the global church. It also highlights the significant challenges and persecutions faced by early believers, offering insights into the resilience of faith in the face of adversity. Students will learn about the transformative power of God and the courage required to spread the Gospel.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have prior knowledge of the early church’s beginnings, the events of Pentecost, and the initial spread of the Gospel within Jerusalem and Judea.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Mission to the Gentiles and Opposition to the Gospel Message

Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-19)

Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians, was on his way to Damascus with letters from the High Priest to arrest believers. On the way, a bright light from heaven shone around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” When Saul asked who it was, the voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Saul was struck blind and was led by his companions to Damascus. For three days, he neither ate nor drank.

In Damascus, a disciple named Ananias had a vision instructing him to find Saul. Ananias was initially hesitant due to Saul’s reputation but obeyed God’s command. Ananias found Saul, laid hands on him, and Saul’s sight was restored. He was then baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Saul’s Ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem (Acts 9:20-30)

After his conversion, Saul immediately began preaching in the synagogues in Damascus, proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. His sudden transformation and powerful preaching astonished everyone. The Jews in Damascus plotted to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan and escaped by being lowered in a basket through an opening in the city wall.

Saul then went to Jerusalem, but the disciples were afraid of him, not believing he was truly a disciple. Barnabas, however, took him to the apostles and explained his conversion and courageous preaching in Damascus. Saul then preached boldly in Jerusalem, debating with Hellenistic Jews, who also sought to kill him. The brethren, learning of this threat, sent him to Tarsus.

Peter’s Ministry in Lydda and Joppa (Acts 10:44-48, 11:1-18)

Peter traveled through various regions, including Lydda and Joppa. In Lydda, he healed Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years, saying, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you.” This miracle led many in Lydda and Sharon to turn to the Lord.

In Joppa, a devout disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), known for her good works, died. The disciples sent for Peter, who came and, after praying, raised her from the dead. This miracle caused many in Joppa to believe in the Lord.

Peter later had a vision of a sheet descending from heaven, containing all kinds of unclean animals, and a voice telling him to “kill and eat.” Peter refused, but the voice declared, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This vision prepared Peter to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. Peter went to Cornelius’s house, preached the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his household, leading to their baptism. This event marked a significant step in the mission to the Gentiles.

Opposition Against Stephen (Acts 6:8, 7:10)

Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen to serve the early church, was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He performed great wonders and signs among the people. Members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others from Cilicia and Asia) rose up and disputed with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

They secretly instigated men to say that Stephen had spoken blasphemous words against Moses and God. They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, seizing Stephen and bringing him before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses accused him of speaking against the holy place and the law, claiming he said Jesus would destroy the temple and change the customs Moses delivered. Stephen, however, gave a powerful defense, recounting Israel’s history and their rejection of God’s prophets, including Jesus. He was eventually stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.

Arrest and Imprisonment of the Apostles (Acts 4:1-31, 5:17-42)

After Peter and John healed a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, they preached about Jesus’ resurrection. The priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees were annoyed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They arrested Peter and John and put them in jail overnight.

The next day, they were brought before the Sanhedrin, who questioned them about the source of their power. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declared that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified but God raised from the dead. The council, seeing their boldness and recognizing them as uneducated men who had been with Jesus, commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John responded that they must obey God rather than men.

Later, the high priest and those with him (the Sadducees) were filled with jealousy because the apostles were performing many signs and wonders among the people and adding many believers to the Lord. They arrested the apostles and put them in public prison. However, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors at night and led them out, telling them to go and stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life. The next morning, when the council sent for the apostles, they found the prison empty. They were later informed that the apostles were teaching in the temple. The apostles were brought back, questioned, and beaten, but they continued to preach the Gospel.

Herod’s Opposition to the Gospel (Acts 12:1-24)

King Herod Agrippa I began to persecute some members of the church. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. Seeing that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He imprisoned Peter, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each, intending to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

While Peter was in prison, the church prayed earnestly for him. On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Quick, get up!” The chains fell off Peter’s wrists. The angel then led Peter out of the prison, past the guards, and through the iron gate, which opened by itself. Peter realized it was real and went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered and praying.

Herod, furious at Peter’s escape, interrogated the guards and ordered their execution. He then went to Caesarea. While there, he delivered a public address. The people shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Memory Verse

Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Bible Reading

Acts 9:1-30, 10:44-48, 11:1-18, 4:1-31, 5:17-42, 6:8, 7:10, 12:1-24

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Storytelling, Group Work, Bible Reading.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Recap

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they learned about the early church’s activities after Pentecost. The teacher then introduces the topic, explaining that the lesson will cover how the Gospel spread to non-Jews and the challenges faced by the apostles.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about previous lessons and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Early church expansion challenges

Step 2: Saul’s Conversion

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Storytelling/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the story of Saul’s conversion from Acts 9:1-19, emphasizing his zeal as a persecutor and the dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. The teacher explains the significance of this event for the spread of the Gospel.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the narration and ask questions for clarification, discussing the impact of Saul’s conversion.

Learning Point: Saul’s dramatic conversion

Step 3: Saul’s Ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Saul’s immediate preaching in Damascus and his subsequent journey to Jerusalem, highlighting the initial skepticism of the disciples and Barnabas’s role in his acceptance. The teacher also mentions the plots against Saul’s life.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the challenges Saul faced after his conversion and discuss the importance of Barnabas’s support.

Learning Point: Saul’s early ministry

Step 4: Peter’s Ministry in Lydda and Joppa

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Bible Reading

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses Peter’s miracles in Lydda (healing Aeneas) and Joppa (raising Tabitha), and the vision of the sheet with unclean animals, leading to his ministry to Cornelius. The teacher explains how this opened the door for Gentiles to receive the Gospel.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read Acts 10:44-48 and 11:1-18, discussing the significance of Peter’s vision and ministry to the Gentiles.

Learning Point: Peter’s Gentile mission

Step 5: Opposition Against Stephen

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Outline

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the charges brought against Stephen (blasphemy, speaking against the temple and law) and describes his powerful defense and subsequent martyrdom. The teacher emphasizes Saul’s presence and approval of Stephen’s death.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils outline the accusations against Stephen and discuss the injustice of his trial and death.

Learning Point: Stephen’s martyrdom, charges

Step 6: Arrest of Apostles and Herod’s Opposition

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the various instances of the apostles’ arrest and imprisonment (Acts 4 & 5) and Peter’s miraculous escape from Herod’s prison (Acts 12). The teacher also explains Herod Agrippa I’s persecution, including the execution of James and Herod’s subsequent death.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss the reasons for the opposition and the divine intervention that protected the apostles, contrasting Saul’s (pre-conversion) and Herod’s opposition.

Learning Point: Persecution, divine intervention

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Describe Saul’s experience on the road to Damascus.
2. Who was Ananias and what was his role in Saul’s conversion?
3. Mention two miracles performed by Peter in Lydda and Joppa.
4. What were the main charges against Stephen?
5. How did Herod Agrippa I persecute the church, and what was his fate?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding mission and opposition

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes into their notebooks, ensuring they capture the key events and figures discussed.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson summaries

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the lesson, emphasizing that despite severe opposition, God’s plan for the Gospel to reach the Gentiles was fulfilled through transformed lives and divine intervention.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Gospel’s unstoppable spread

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Discuss the significance of Saul’s conversion for the spread of Christianity.
2. Explain how Peter’s vision and ministry to Cornelius paved the way for Gentile inclusion in the church.
3. Compare and contrast the opposition faced by Stephen with the persecution initiated by King Herod.
4. Identify a modern-day challenge faced by Christians in Nigeria and suggest how lessons from the early church can help them overcome it.

Lesson Keywords

• Saul – A persecutor of Christians who became the Apostle Paul after his conversion.
• Gentiles – Non-Jewish people.
• Damascus – City where Saul was converted.
• Lydda – Town where Peter healed Aeneas.
• Joppa – Town where Peter raised Tabitha from the dead.
• Stephen – First Christian martyr, stoned to death.
• Herod Agrippa I – King who persecuted the early church and executed James.
• Persecution – Hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs.

Differentiation

For slower learners, the teacher will provide simplified summaries of the Bible passages and use visual aids more extensively. Faster learners will be encouraged to research and present on the theological implications of the Gospel spreading to the Gentiles or the different forms of opposition faced by the early church.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search on YouTube for:

• “Saul’s Conversion Acts 9”
• “Peter’s Ministry in Lydda and Joppa”
• “Persecution of the Early Church Acts”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a Bible, a Bible map, and any charts or pictures ready. Review the Acts of the Apostles chapters cited to be familiar with the narratives. Begin by engaging students with questions about the growth of the early church to activate prior knowledge. Guide them through the key events of Saul’s conversion and Peter’s ministry, highlighting the shift towards the Gentiles. When discussing opposition, encourage students to identify the different sources and motivations behind the persecution. Allow for discussion and questions throughout the lesson. Students should copy the Board Summary notes during Step 8. Check for understanding through the evaluation questions and provide constructive feedback. Support weaker learners by simplifying complex ideas and offering additional explanations, while challenging faster learners with deeper analytical tasks related to the lesson content.