Aim

To appreciate Paul's unique qualifications for the role of a Christian missionary.

Preparation

Before the lesson photocopy one resource sheet for each pair of children.

Activity

Begin by informing children that this half term they will be finding out about a famous Christian called Paul. Paul believed that he had been appointed by God to travel outside Israel telling non-Jews about Jesus.

But why did God choose Paul?

Invite the children, in pairs, to imagine they are God. What sort of a person would they appoint to do this job? The resource sheet should help them decide.

Following a discussion of their choices, explain to them the process of a job interview. If possible, interview a volunteer for the post, encouraging the interviewee to talk about such matters as his/her possible encounters with Jesus, previous jobs, etc.

Invite selected pairs to interview an individual from another group on their suitability for the post.

Rerun two of these interviews in front of the whole class. Invite comments.

What would disqualify someone from getting this job? Discuss.

Why then did God choose Paul?

Using the answer sheet explain why Paul was the ideal man for the job.

There was, however, one big problem which disqualified him from the job. He hated Christians.

God helped Paul overcome his hatred for Christians during his interview for the job.

Invite volunteers to read the story of Paul's job interview on the road to Damascus and that of his subsequent first few days in his new job. (Note that when he is first introduced in the Bible, Paul is called by the Hebrew version of his name, Saul.)

Do the children believe that God made the right choice?

Notes

Most historians are agreed that without Paul, Christianity would not have emerged as a distinct religion, but would have remained as a sect of Judaism.