Paul’s Conversion Basic 6 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

MEANING OF CONVERSION

Conversion means turning away from sin and turning to God. It is a complete change of heart, mind, and direction in life.

What Happens in Conversion:

• Change from darkness to light
• Change from sin to righteousness
• Change from death to life
• Change of heart and character
• Becoming a new person in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”

REASON FOR PAUL’S PROPOSED MISSION TO DAMASCUS

Why Damascus?

1. Many Christians were there – They had fled from Jerusalem
2. To expand persecution – Paul wanted to stop Christianity everywhere
3. Official mission – He had letters from the High Priest
4. Authority to arrest – The letters gave him power to bind Christians
5. Bring them to Jerusalem – For trial and punishment

His Mindset:

• Thought he was serving God
• Believed he was protecting Judaism
• Was zealous and determined
• Had no mercy for Christians
• Was completely committed to his mission

WHAT HAPPENED TO PAUL ON THE WAY TO DAMASCUS (Acts 9:1-19)

The Journey Begins:

• Paul left Jerusalem with companions
• Traveling to Damascus (about 135 miles)
• Had letters from High Priest
• Full of threats and plans to arrest Christians
• Confident and determined

The Encounter (Acts 9:3-4):

1. The Light

• Suddenly, a BRIGHT LIGHT from heaven shone around him
• Brighter than the sun at noon
• It happened near Damascus
• The light was so bright it knocked him down

2. The Voice

• Paul fell to the ground
• He heard a VOICE speaking to him
• The voice said: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
• The voice was from heaven

3. The Question (Acts 9:5)

• Paul asked: “Who are You, Lord?”
• The answer came: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting”
• Jesus identified Himself as the one Paul was fighting against
• This was shocking – Jesus was alive!

4. The Command

• Jesus said: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Goads = sharp sticks used to drive animals – resisting God hurts you)
• Jesus told him: “Arise and go into the city”
• “And you will be told what you must do”

The Immediate Effects:

1. Paul Was Blinded (Acts 9:8)

• When he opened his eyes, he couldn’t see
• The bright light had blinded him
• His companions had to lead him by the hand
• He was helpless – the persecutor was now weak

2. Paul Fasted (Acts 9:9)

• He didn’t eat for THREE DAYS
• He didn’t drink for three days
• He was in shock and praying
• Thinking about what happened

3. Paul Prayed

• He spent the time in prayer
• God showed him in a vision that Ananias would come
• He was seeking God’s will

God Sends Ananias (Acts 9:10-16):

Ananias’ Vision:

• God spoke to a Christian named Ananias in Damascus
• Told him to go to Straight Street
• Look for Saul of Tarsus in Judas’ house
• Pray for him to receive his sight

Ananias’ Fear:

• Ananias was afraid – he knew Paul’s reputation
• He said: “Lord, I have heard about this man”
• “How much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem”
• “He has authority to bind all who call on Your name”

God’s Response:

• God said: “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine”
• “To bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and Israel”
• “I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake”

The Healing (Acts 9:17-19):

• Ananias obeyed God
• He went and found Paul
• Laid hands on him
• Said: “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus…has sent me”
• “That you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit”
• Immediately, something like scales fell from Paul’s eyes
• He could see again!
• He was baptized
• He ate food and regained strength

The Complete Change:

• Paul who persecuted Christians became a Christian
• Paul who arrested believers now joined them
• Paul who hated Jesus now loved Him
• Paul who wanted to destroy the church now built it
• The greatest enemy became the greatest apostle

Lessons from Paul’s Conversion:

1. No one is too bad to be saved – If Paul could change, anyone can
2. God can use anyone – Even His enemies
3. Conversion is God’s work – Only Jesus could change Paul
4. True conversion brings complete change – Paul became totally different
5. God has plans for everyone – Paul had a special mission
6. Obedience to God is important – Ananias had to obey despite fear
7. We should not judge – Paul seemed impossible to save, but God saved him

Paul’s Later Testimony:

• 1 Timothy 1:13 – “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy”
• 1 Timothy 1:15 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief”

Homework: Write the story of Paul’s conversion in your own words.