Christian Religious Studies - Senior Secondary 3 - Mission to the Gentiles and Opposition to the Gospel Message

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 9

CLASS: Senior Secondary School 2
AGE: 16 years
DURATION: 40 minutes (2 periods)
DATE:
SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge
TOPIC: Mission to the Gentiles and Opposition to the Gospel Message

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

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

Explain the conversion of Saul.
Identify the key points in Peter’s ministry in Lydda and Joppa.
Outline the charges against Stephen.
Discuss Saul’s and Herod’s opposition to the early church.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES:

Explanation, discussion, Bible reading, questions and answers, comparison, class participation

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:

Bible (Acts 9:1-19, 9:20-30, 10:44-48, 11:1-18, 4:1-31, 5:17-42, 6:8, 7:10, 12:1-24), Christian Religious Knowledge textbook for Senior Secondary School 2, map of the missionary journeys

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

PERIOD 1:

STEP	TEACHER'S ACTIVITY	STUDENT'S ACTIVITY
STEP 1	Review: The teacher asks students questions based on the previous topic on "Communal Living in the Early Church."	Learners respond actively to review questions.
STEP 2	Introduction: The teacher introduces the new topic and asks the class what they understand by "opposition to the Gospel."	Learners share their understanding and listen attentively.
STEP 3	Explanation (Conversion of Saul): The teacher explains Saul's conversion (Acts 9:1-19). Emphasize Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, the blindness, and Ananias’ role.	Learners listen, ask questions, and discuss the transformation of Saul.
STEP 4	Bible Reading: The teacher leads students in reading Acts 9:1-19 aloud and discusses key points of Saul's conversion.	Learners read and participate in the discussion.

PERIOD 2:

STEP	TEACHER'S ACTIVITY	STUDENT'S ACTIVITY
STEP 1	Explanation (Peter’s Ministry in Lydda and Joppa): The teacher explains Peter’s ministry and the miracles in Lydda and Joppa (Acts 10:44-48, 11:1-18).	Learners follow along, asking questions on key points in Peter's ministry.
STEP 2	Discussion (Opposition to the Gospel): Teacher explains the opposition from Stephen (Acts 6:8, 7:10) and Saul (Acts 12:1-24). Focus on the charges against Stephen and Saul’s persecution of Christians.	Learners participate in discussions, sharing their insights on opposition to the Gospel.
STEP 3	Note Taking: Teacher writes a summary note on the board, highlighting Saul’s conversion, Peter’s ministry, and the opposition to the Gospel.	Learners copy the note into their notebooks.

NOTE:

Mission to the Gentiles and Opposition to the Gospel Message

A. Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-19):

Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, was struck blind on the road to Damascus.
Ananias, a disciple, was sent to restore Saul’s sight, and Saul was baptized, becoming Paul, the great Apostle.

B. Peter’s Ministry in Lydda and Joppa (Acts 10:44-48, 11:1-18):

Peter preached in Lydda and Joppa, healing the sick and raising Tabitha from the dead.
Peter also witnessed the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Gentiles, affirming God’s plan for their salvation.

C. Opposition to the Gospel:

Stephen (Acts 6:8, 7:10): Stephen was charged with blasphemy and stoned to death. His speech before the Sanhedrin is the longest in Acts.
Saul (Acts 12:1-24): King Herod persecuted Christians, and Saul was involved in arresting and executing them. Eventually, Saul encountered opposition from the Roman authorities.

EVALUATION:

Explain the conversion of Saul and its significance.
What was the key event in Peter's ministry in Lydda and Joppa?
What were the charges against Stephen?
Discuss how Saul’s and Herod’s opposition impacted the early church.

CLASSWORK:

Answer the evaluation questions.
Write a summary of the conversion of Saul.

CONCLUSION:

The teacher marks the learners’ books, gives positive feedback, and encourages students to reflect on how opposition to the Gospel message shaped the early church and continues to challenge believers today.