Saul Becomes Paul — A Life Transformed
Scripture: Acts 9:1-31
Theme: No one is too far from God’s grace
Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
This Sunday school lesson explores how God can change a person’s life completely, even someone like Saul, who was once very angry and mean. In Acts 9, Saul (who later became Paul) was riding in a chariot to destroy Christians when Jesus stopped him with a bright light! The Bible tells us that God appeared to Saul, asked him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4), and gave him a new mission: to help people learn about Jesus. Saul fell to the ground, couldn’t see, and was taken to Jerusalem, where he was healed and taught by the apostles. This lesson teaches little ones that no matter what someone does or how far away they might feel from God, He loves them and wants to help them. The key verse, *”This man is My chosen instrument to proclaim My name to the Gentiles and their ki Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
One day, Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem heard loud voices. A man named Saul was coming, angry and very sad. Saul was a very important Jewish man. He was wearing fine clothes and rode a white horse. He had a group of soldiers with him to guard him. Saul was so upset that he wanted to find Jesus and punish His followers.
As Saul was riding, he saw Jesus standing there, shining like the sun. Jesus said to Saul, ‘Saul! Saul, why are you hurting others so much?’ Saul was scared and fell to the ground. Jesus asked, ‘Why do you persecute me?’ Saul replied, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Jesus said, ‘I am Jesus, the One you are trying to kill. It is time for you to be my friend!
Saul was very confused. He didn’t understand what Jesus meant. Jesus told Saul to go to the city of Damascus and find a man named Ananias. Saul followed Jesus’ instructions, even though he didn’t know why. When Saul got to Damascus, Ananias was praying and saw a bright light. The Lord spoke to Ananias in a dream and said, ‘Saul is on his way here. He will tell you what you must do.’ Ananias was scared but did what God told him.
Activities
Colorful Saul Story Cards
Supplies: Cardstock or construction paper, Markers/crayons, Scissors, Glue sticks, Saul’s road map (draw a simple path from Jerusalem to Damascus), Paper plates (for Jesus’ glowing appearance), Fabric scraps (optional: for Saul’s robe after conversion)
- 1. Fold cardstock into 3 equal parts (for Saul’s journey, Jesus’ appearance, and transformation). Draw Saul running, Jesus standing on a plate, and Saul falling down in amazement.
- 2. Cut out each section. Let kids decorate Saul’s robe with fabric scraps (if using) and add details to Jesus’ appearance (e.g., halo, light rays).
Grace Graffiti Wall
Supplies: Large poster paper or chalkboard, Crayons, markers, or chalk, Tape (to secure paper/chalkboard)
- 1. Write ‘GRACE’ at the top of the paper/chalkboard. Explain: ‘God’s grace is like a big hug for everyone!’
- 2. Let kids trace over each letter with their hands or crayons. Talk about how Saul was far from God but still found grace.
Saul’s Road to Damascus Walk
Supplies: Tape or string (to create a path), Recording of Acts 9 (or a simplified story read aloud), Blanket or mat (for kids to ‘fall down’)
- 1. Lay out the tape/string as the road. Play the Saul story while kids walk.
- 2. When Jesus appears, pause and ask: ‘Who was Saul before he met Jesus?’ Let kids fall down dramatically (on a blanket).
Discussion Questions
- Who was Saul before he met Jesus? (Hint: He was doing bad things.)
- How did Jesus stop Saul on the road? (Hint: He showed him His light.)
- What does it mean that God’s grace is for everyone, no matter what?
- If God can save Saul, can He save YOU? Why or why not?
- How can we show others that God’s grace is for everyone?
Prayer Focus
Ask God to help us trust Him when we feel far from Him, like Saul did. Pray for children who are new believers, help them know they’re never too far from God’s love!
Missions Spotlight
Pray for secret believers in Saudi Arabia who are facing danger for following Jesus. Like Saul, they’re discovering God’s grace in unexpected ways through dreams, technology, and courage.
To the Cross
God’s grace isn’t just for kind or good people, it’s for anyone who needs it! Saul was the worst sinner, but Jesus stopped him. If God can save Saul, He can save YOU, no matter what you’ve done.
Family Take-Home
Saul was once a bad person who did terrible things, but God showed him His love on the road to Damascus. Even if you feel far from God, His grace is always there to save you!