CHILDREN STS LESSON 37 THE CONVERSION OF SAUL

Acts 9:1–43

Saul of Tarsus was a member of a popular group called The Pharisees. He followed his own ways and made life difficult for Christians in his day. He arrested, imprisoned and supported the killing of many Christians. Saul was an enemy of Jesus and a persecutor. He thought he was doing God’s service. Satan was using him and his friends to stop believers from preaching the love of God as commanded by our Lord Jesus.

His last assignment came when he applied to the high priest for permission to go to a city known as Damascus to arrest Christians as usual and bring them to the capital city of Jerusalem. On his way, Saul had a supernatural encounter with Christ that changed his life. Jesus spoke to him from heaven through a shining light. He heard the voice of Christ and surrendered his life and ambition to Him. He turned away from his wicked ways and became a true and committed disciple of Jesus.

If you are still a sinner or backslider, the voice of Jesus has come to you through His word. Do not neglect His call. Like Saul, humble yourself before the Lord, repent and ask for forgiveness and cleansing of your sins now.

1. PROFILE OF SAUL’S EARLY LIFE

Acts 9:1,2; 26:4,5; Philippians 3:3–6

The name Saul means “asked for.” It was the Hebrew name of the apostle Paul. After his conversion, his name was changed to Paul. Paul was born to a Jewish family who lived in a place called Tarsus in Cilicia. According to the history, Paul was taken to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel to be trained. He got the highest form of Jewish education under a great teacher known as Gamaliel. He grew up to become a great teacher and defender of the law. As a result of his zeal for God, he became a Pharisee and a member of the highest authority in Israel. This group of people were the ones who opposed Jesus and His teachings. They arrested and crucified Jesus on the cross. After the resurrection and ascension of Christ, these religious rulers also transferred their aggression towards friends of Jesus by persecuting them.

When Stephen was being stoned to death, Saul was the person who kept the clothes of his murderers and also consented to their evil deeds (Acts 7:58; 8:1). As Stephen was about to die, he prayed that God would forgive his killers (Acts 7:60). This prayer was soon answered when the Lord Jesus appeared to Saul on the way to Damascus. He was struck down and humbled. God is powerful and great, He can save anybody no matter how wicked and bad he may be. Are you a wicked child? God will save you now if you surrender your heart to him.

2. POWERFUL CONVERSION OF A ZEALOUS PERSECUTOR

Acts 9:1–7

Paul hated the friends of Jesus and was willing to do anything to stop people from preaching the word of God. In his anger to arrest and punish friends of Jesus, Saul got letters of authority from the rulers. With those letters, he took some people with him and was on his way to Damascus. This was a city of about 150 miles from Jerusalem. In those days, it took about a week to walk from Jerusalem to Damascus because there was no car or buses as we have now. As Saul got close to the city a light hit him. Saul fell to the ground blinded. He heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Saul, having identified Christ as the one calling him, surrendered completely and was saved. He was thereafter baptized and commissioned to preach the gospel.

Jesus is still asking sinners today the same question He asked Saul, “sinner, sinner, why are you persecuting me?” If you are one of them, do like Saul, repent of all your wickedness. Humbly ask for forgiveness and cleansing in the blood of Jesus. Surrender your life to Christ and your name will be changed from a sinner to a saint.

3. PURPOSE OF SAUL’S CONVERSION

Acts 9:8–31

Jerry, [02/01/2026 12:14]
The conversion of Saul was one of the wonders of the gospel of salvation. It is amazing how an “injurious man” was transformed from a sinner to a saint. You too can become a saint. After the encounter with Jesus, Saul was led into the city of Damascus. There he prayed for three days and three nights. Ananias was then sent to pray for him and he regained his sight and was filled with the Holy Ghost.

Afterward, Jesus gave Saul a commission to preach the gospel of repentance to all. This was the main purpose why God saved him. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Paul became a great preacher and wrote many letters to other Christians for encouragement, rebuke and exhortation. Towards the end of his life, he testified that he had run the race well and finished his course. As a saved child, you are called to preach the gospel to sinners. You are to preach with zeal, compassion and with result like Paul did.

While the Lord was dealing with Saul on the way to Damascus, He continued to show His presence and power through the apostles. Peter went from place to place in fulfilling the great commission. God backed up his work through the healing of a lame man and the raising of Dorcas from death. Through these miracles, many souls believed in the Lord and were saved. As you surrender your life to Jesus, you must consecrate yourself to serve the Lord like Paul and Peter. Many blessings await you.

QUESTIONS

1. What was Paul’s name before he was converted?

2. Mention four things he did to Christians.

3. What happened to him on his way to Damascus?

4. Explain the purpose of Paul’s conversion.

5. How can a sinner be converted?

MEMORY VERSE

“And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.”
(Acts 9:19)

LESSON

Jesus is willing to save all sinners who will repent.

THOUGHT

I surrender all to Jesus.

ACTIVITY

Search the Scriptures and find out the following:

1. How many New Testament letters were written by Paul?

2. How many missionary journeys did he undertake?

HOMEWORK

Tell others about the love of Jesus.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG

GHS 129 – GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN

CHORUSES

1. I wandered far away, lost in the wilderness.

2. Are you in that number

3. Jesus sets me free, I shall not be bound.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:

1. Persecutor

2. Terrify

3. Blasphemer

4. Amazing

5. Injurious