Mission to the Gentiles SS3 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1 – 19)

After the death of Stephen, many Christians ran to Damascus for their lives. Saul was happy at the death of Stephen. He went to the high priest in Jerusalem and demanded written permission to Damascus and bring down Jerusalem in chains to those who proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On his way near Damascus, he met with Jesus Christ in a transforming vision. A light from heaven shined on him and fell as he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Saul replied who are you, Lord? The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what to do”.

The companions of Paul were silent and afraid because they heard the voice speaking but saw no one. When Saul woke up from the ground he could not see for he had been blended by the light from heaven. His companions led him into the city of Damascus. He remained in the city for three days without food and water.

In Damascus, there was a disciple named Ananias who lived in a street named Straight, whom God had commissioned to restore Saul’s sight. But Ananias told God that he had heard of Saul and how he had caused havoc on those who belonged to the way and that the man, Saul was a dangerous person. 

God assured him that He had made him a chosen instrument to preach and propagate the gospel, death and resurrection of Jesus to the Jews and Gentiles and that since he had persecuted the church of God, he too wouldn’t go without being persecuted by Jesus. Ananias went as commanded by God and laid hands on Saul, something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptised, and took food and was strengthened. He became a Christian. Immediately after Saul had been converted to Christianity, he started preaching to the Jews in Damascus about Jesus Christ, declaring Jesus as the son of God.

Effects of Saul’s Conversion on the Spread of Christianity

1. Saul, a strong persecutor of Christians became a major soul-winner for the church.
2. Saul’s conversion led to the expansion of the church. 
3. Saul, through his missionary activities, was able to bring many people to Christianity. 
4. Saul with others took the gospel to the Gentile cities, many Gentiles were converted to Christianity.
5. His conversion led to the universality of the church.