Teaching

What were some of Saul’s traits or characteristics before he met Jesus? Persecutor, zealous, proud, determined, stubborn, feared, serious, religious, mean, unfriendly, uncaring, driven, deceived, blinded, etc.

Saul was sincere about doing God’s work, but he was sincerely wrong. He did not know the truth about Jesus—until Jesus appeared to him.

For the next question write the traits on the board as children name them and briefly discuss what they mean.

Now, what are some godly characteristics? Courageous, selfless, humble, obedient, faithful, brave, patient, loving, caring, gentle, honest, bold, friendly, generous, trustworthy, diligent, wise, respectful, joyful, kind, etc.

Saul became known as Paul soon after God saved him. In Bible times, names had specific meanings. For instance, Paul’s partner in ministry, Barnabas, played a crucial role in Paul’s ministry. Barnabas means “son of encouragement”—and Barnabas helped get Paul started in ministry!

Read Acts 9:26-27:

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

Saul had such a bad reputation that the believers in Jerusalem were afraid to meet with him. After all, Saul had just been trying to put them in jail! But Barnabas defended Saul to them. He explained how Saul was saved when he met Jesus and had begun boldly preaching the Gospel! After that, the believers in Jerusalem accepted Paul.

Read Acts 9:28:

So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Barnabas really lived up to his name, didn’t he? He encouraged Paul and helped him begin his ministry.

Saul was Paul’s Hebrew name. After he became a Christian, he became known by the Roman version of his name, Paul. This helped him minister more effectively to those who were not Jewish. His name change may also represent his spiritual transformation from persecuting Jesus’ followers to actually becoming a follower of Jesus! When we introduce Jesus to others, they can be transformed, too! Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “No matter what I have done, Jesus can save me.”

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Pair up the children, boys with boys and girls with girls. If there is an extra child, he or she may be added to a pair of children. Point to the characteristics you wrote on the board. Tell the children to choose one characteristic each that they would like to have evident or working in their life. Have the partners discuss these characteristics and explain why they chose them.

Hand out a New Name Tag Pattern and optional magnet to each child. Display your own nametag that you made before class. Each child should write his or her real name on the front of the tag, which can be pulled aside to reveal his or her chosen characteristic on the inside, above “Child of God.” Assist children as necessary to follow the directions written on the pattern to complete the nametag.

As they work, have them discuss how they might display this characteristic throughout the week. The pairs can come up with ideas to act out these characteristics or explain a personal practical application in their life. For example, if they chose patience, they could listen to their siblings more and respond to them in love. Or, if they chose generosity, they could choose to share their things with their siblings and friends. Bring the pairs back together as a group. If time allows, ask each pair to share at least one characteristic they chose.

Next week, we’ll share how we displayed or lived out the characteristics we chose for our New Name Tags. For example, if you chose the name “Bold,” you might share how you prayed for your lunch at school in front of your classmates. Display the New Name Tag on a mirror or your refrigerator at home as a reminder to pray about the characteristic you chose!