Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 3 - Paul before Agrippa

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 3

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: Paul before Agrippa

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Give an account of the trial of Paul before Agrippa

2.) Outline the moral lesson from the story

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Christian Religious Knowledge textbooks for Junior Secondary School 3

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

NOTE

PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA

After Paul had appealed to Caesar in the Roman courts, he was presented before King Agrippa II, the ruler of the region, and his sister Bernice. Festus, the Roman governor, had no clear charges to bring against Paul but sought Agrippa’s opinion on the matter. Agrippa, familiar with Jewish customs and laws, agreed to hear Paul’s case.

In his defense, Paul was given the opportunity to speak and begin by thanking Agrippa for allowing him to testify. Paul then recounted his life before his conversion, his zealousness as a Pharisee, and his persecution of Christians. He explained the dramatic event of his conversion on the road to Damascus, where he encountered Jesus Christ. Paul emphasized how Jesus had appeared to him, calling him to be a witness of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, and how he had obeyed this calling by preaching repentance and faith in Christ.

Paul spoke of his ministry and the miracles God had done through him, explaining that his message had always been consistent with the Jewish scriptures and prophecies, which foretold the suffering and resurrection of the Messiah. He also defended his actions by clarifying that he was not guilty of any offense against Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar.

Agrippa was intrigued by Paul’s speech and responded, saying, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied that he wished not only Agrippa but all who heard him would come to know Christ, whether quickly or slowly. Agrippa acknowledged that Paul’s defense was compelling, but he did not make a decision. Festus, who had not understood the full context of Paul’s defense, remarked that Paul’s case appeared to be based on “a matter of words and names” rather than anything criminal.

Ultimately, Agrippa acknowledged that Paul had done nothing deserving of death or imprisonment. He mentioned that if Paul had not appealed to Caesar, he could have been set free. However, because Paul had made the appeal, he was bound for Rome to face trial before Caesar.

Moral Lessons from the Story

• Boldness in Faith: Paul’s defense before Agrippa shows the importance of boldly standing for the truth of the gospel, regardless of the audience or circumstances. Paul remained faithful to his calling, preaching Christ even in the face of powerful rulers and opposition.
• The Power of Personal Testimony: Paul’s recounting of his personal conversion story is a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing how God has worked in one’s life. Personal testimony can be a compelling and persuasive tool in sharing the gospel.
• Perseverance in Adversity: Despite facing false accusations, imprisonment, and the potential for execution, Paul never wavered in his commitment to his mission. His unwavering dedication serves as an example of how to endure hardship for the sake of Christ’s work.
• The Responsibility to Share the Gospel: Paul’s desire for King Agrippa and all his listeners to become Christians shows that sharing the message of salvation is not only about defending oneself but about desiring others to experience the grace of God.
• God’s Sovereignty in Justice: Despite the unjust circumstances and false accusations, the trial of Paul ultimately shows that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Paul’s defense before Agrippa paved the way for him to appeal to Caesar, which would later lead him to Rome, where he continued his ministry.

EVALUATION:

1. What motivated Paul to share his personal testimony before King Agrippa, and how did it help in his defense?
2. How did Paul respond to Festus' accusation that he was out of his mind, and what does this reveal about his attitude toward his calling?
3. In what ways did Paul demonstrate his boldness in proclaiming the gospel, even in the presence of political and religious leaders?
4. What was King Agrippa’s reaction to Paul’s testimony, and what does his response reveal about the challenges of responding to the gospel?
5. What lessons can be learned from Paul’s ability to remain faithful to his mission despite facing false accusations and unjust treatment?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively