Paul’s Missionary Journeys Basic 5 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

📚 Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Describe Paul’s continued missionary journeys.
2. Highlight the key events that occurred during his travels.
3. Mention major challenges Paul encountered while spreading the gospel.

🎯 Set Induction (Entry Behaviour)

Ask:

• “Have you ever travelled to another town or state? Why did you go?”
• “Do you think it’s easy to talk about Jesus in a new place?”

Use their answers to link with Paul’s experience as a missionary.

💼 Instructional Materials

• Bible (Acts of the Apostles)
• Map showing Paul’s missionary routes
• Chart with illustrations of Paul’s visits
• Pictures of ancient towns (e.g., Corinth, Ephesus)
• Flashcards with key terms: “Gospel”, “Journey”, “Missionary”

📖 Lesson Content

📘 A. What Is a Missionary Journey?

A missionary journey means travelling from one place to another to preach the good news about Jesus Christ.

🗺️ B. Paul’s Second and Third Missionary Journeys (Acts 16–20)

✈️ Places Paul Visited:

1. Philippi – He met Lydia, a businesswoman, and baptized her. 
2. Thessalonica – He preached, but some people became jealous and started a riot. 
3. Berea – The people were noble and studied the scriptures daily. 
4. Athens – Paul spoke to people who worshipped many gods. 
5. Corinth – Paul stayed for a long time and preached the gospel. 
6. Ephesus – He performed miracles and taught about Jesus boldly. 

⚠️ C. Challenges Paul Faced:

• He was beaten and arrested in some cities.
• Some people rejected his message.
• Paul was chased out of towns by angry crowds.
• He was shipwrecked on his way to Rome.
• False teachers often tried to confuse new believers.

💪 D. Why Paul Continued

Even with many problems, Paul never gave up. He was determined to spread the gospel because he loved God and wanted everyone to know about Jesus.

👥 Teacher–Pupil Activities

📝 Evaluation Questions

1. Mention two cities Paul visited in his missionary journey. Answer: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus (any two)
2. Who did Paul baptize in Philippi? Answer: Lydia, a businesswoman
3. What happened to Paul in Thessalonica? Answer: Some people became jealous and started a riot against him
4. Why was Paul arrested in some cities? Answer: Because some people rejected his message and opposed his preaching about Jesus
5. What lesson can we learn from Paul’s determination? Answer: We should never give up when doing God’s work; We should be determined to share the gospel despite challenges; We should trust God even in difficult times
6. How did the people of Berea respond to Paul’s message? Answer: They were noble and studied the scriptures daily to verify what Paul taught
7. What miracles did Paul perform in Ephesus? Answer: He performed healing miracles and taught about Jesus boldly
8. What does it mean to be a missionary? Answer: Someone who travels to different places to preach the gospel and share the good news about Jesus Christ
9. Why do you think Paul continued despite facing so many challenges? Answer: Because he loved God and wanted everyone to know about Jesus; He was determined to obey God’s calling
10. What can we learn from Paul’s missionary journeys for our own lives? Answer: We should be willing to share our faith with others; We should not give up when facing difficulties; We should trust God to help us in challenging situations

Conclusion

Paul’s missionary journeys show us the importance of persistence in spreading God’s word. Despite facing arrests, beatings, riots, and rejection, Paul remained faithful to his calling. His determination resulted in many people accepting Jesus and churches being established throughout the Roman Empire.

Assignment:

1. Draw a simple map showing three cities Paul visited
2. Write about a time when you had to be brave like Paul
3. Memorize Acts 20:24

Key Memory Verse:

Acts 20:24 – “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

Continuation of Evaluation Questions:

3. Why were Paul and Barnabas chosen for missionary work? Answer: Because they were faithful, obedient, and ready to serve God.
4. Where did Paul and Barnabas begin their mission? Answer: From the church at Antioch.
5. What is the importance of laying hands on someone? Answer: It is a sign of blessing, support, and setting someone apart for God’s work.
6. How did the church support Paul and Barnabas? Answer: Through prayer, fasting, and encouragement.
7. Which city did Paul visit first? Answer: Cyprus.
8. Did Paul face danger during his journey? Answer: Yes, Paul faced many dangers including persecution, imprisonment, beatings, and threats from those who opposed the Gospel message.

Additional Evaluation Questions:

9. What was the main purpose of Paul’s missionary journeys? Answer: To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (non-Jews) and establish churches.
10. Name two companions who traveled with Paul on his missions. Answer: Barnabas and later Silas, Timothy, and Luke.
11. How many missionary journeys did Paul make? Answer: Three major missionary journeys.
12. What happened when Paul preached in some cities? Answer: Some people believed and accepted Jesus, while others rejected the message and persecuted Paul.
13. What can we learn from Paul’s dedication to missionary work? Answer: We should be willing to serve God faithfully, even when facing difficulties; We should share the Gospel with others; We should support missionaries through prayer and encouragement.
14. How did Paul’s conversion experience help him in his missionary work? Answer: His personal encounter with Jesus gave him boldness and passion to preach; His knowledge of both Jewish and Roman culture helped him reach different people.
15. What qualities made Paul an effective missionary? Answer: Faithfulness, courage, perseverance, love for God, willingness to suffer for the Gospel, and strong faith.

Summary Points:

• Paul’s missionary journeys were crucial for spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities
• The church’s support through prayer and encouragement was essential
• Paul faced many challenges but remained faithful to his calling
• His work established many churches that continued to grow
• Paul’s example teaches us the importance of sharing our faith with others

Assignment Extension:

1. Draw a simple map showing Paul’s first missionary journey
2. Write a short prayer for missionaries working around the world today
3. List three ways you can share the Gospel in your community

Key Memory Verse:

Acts 13:2-3 – “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”