**Lesson Plan: Mission to the Gentiles**
**Grade Level:** Senior Secondary 3
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Lesson Duration:** 80 minutes
**Lesson Topic:** Mission to the Gentiles
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### **Lesson Objectives:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the concept of the mission to the Gentiles.
2. Identify key biblical passages related to the mission to the Gentiles.
3. Analyze the significance of Paul’s missionary journeys in spreading Christianity.
4. Explore the implications of the mission to the Gentiles for contemporary Christian practice.
### **Materials Needed:**
- Bibles (New Testament)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and laptop
- Handouts with key scripture references and discussion questions
- Maps illustrating Paul's missionary journeys
### **Lesson Outline:**
#### **Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Greetings and Roll Call**
2. **Opening Prayer**
3. **Icebreaker Activity**: Quick round-robin question: “What do you understand by the term 'Gentiles'?”
#### **Lesson Body:**
**Step 1: Defining the Terms (10 minutes)**
- **Discuss the term "Gentiles"**: Non-Jews, broader audience beyond the Jewish community.
- **Referencing Key Scriptures**: Romans 1:16, Acts 1:8
**Step 2: Biblical Background (15 minutes)**
- **Paul’s Conversion and Calling** (Acts 9:1-19)
- Discuss Saul’s conversion and how he was called to preach to the Gentiles.
- **The Council at Jerusalem** (Acts 15:1-29)
- Importance of the council in affirming the mission to the Gentiles.
**Step 3: Paul's Missionary Journeys (20 minutes)**
- **Using the Map**: Display maps showing Paul’s missionary routes.
- **Key Passages**: Acts 13-14, Acts 16-18, Acts 19-21.
- **Significant Events**:
- Paul's First Journey: Preaching in synagogues and turning to Gentiles.
- Paul's Second Journey: The vision of the man from Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10).
- Paul's Third Journey: Strengthening existing churches and reaching new ones.
**Step 4: Discussion and Analysis (15 minutes)**
- **Group Discussion**: Divide students into groups to discuss:
- How did Paul adapt his message for Gentile audiences?
- What challenges did Paul face in his mission to the Gentiles? (e.g., Acts 17:1-15)
- How did Paul's mission influence the early church?
**Step 5: Contemporary Application (10 minutes)**
- **Class Discussion**:
- How does the mission to the Gentiles influence contemporary Christian mission work?
- Can Christians today learn from Paul’s strategies and experiences?
#### **Conclusion (10 minutes)**
1. **Summary**: Recap major points discussed.
2. **Questions and Answers**: Open the floor for any final questions or comments.
3. **Assignment**:
- Write a short essay on the impact of Paul's mission to the Gentiles on the growth of Christianity. Include at least three key points derived from today's lesson.
4. **Closing Prayer**
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### **Assessment:**
- Participation in group discussions.
- Quality of responses during the Q&A session.
- Graded essay assignment assessing understanding and analytical skills.
### **Additional Notes:**
- Encourage students to read the relevant chapters in the Acts of the Apostles before the next lesson.
- Be mindful of different learning styles; use visual aids (maps), group activities, and direct teaching to accommodate various preferences.