Adult
• 3 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 3 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• Handouts
1. Acts 13:1-5, 13-16, 49-52
2. Acts 16:6-15
3. Acts 16:16-34
Biblical faith is a faith constantly on the move. From Abraham’s journey from Ur, to the Exodus story of Moses and the Israelites, to the disciples’ response to Jesus’ command that they “Follow me,” the story of the Bible is characterized as a traveling faith. In fact, this is no less true than in the story of Paul. Paul’s journey with Jesus begins on the Damascus Road and will literally carry him throughout much of the known world.
Biblical faith journeys are more than just physical ones. There is always an inner dimension of personal growth along the way. The first mention of young Saul (later Paul) comes during the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58), when he tends to the coats of those stoning the first Christian martyr. As with many of the faithful, Paul’s story is extreme. Before becoming a follower of Christ, Paul is a religious zealot in Judaism, groomed as a leader among the Pharisees. He willingly seeks to persecute followers of Jesus until he becomes captivated by Christ’s grace on the Damascus Road.
Paul’s fervor to follow Christ is, if anything, even more dramatic than his conversion experience itself. He endures much persecution and suffering, yet considers this a good thing, for he is honored to suffer as did Christ. Paul describes on a number of occasions his metamorphosis from persecutor of Christians to Apostle who suffers for the sake of Jesus (Gal 1:13-24; 2 Tim 1:12; 1 Cor 15:9).
Paul’s commitment becomes clear as he willingly launches into unknown territory for the cause of Christ. The Apostle crosses every conceivable barrier—geographical, racial, cultural, social, political, and religious—in order to share the good news of Jesus. Inevitably, his extraordinary mission brings him into conflict with both Jews and Gentiles who reject the gospel. But no matter what, Paul endures the persecution and responds consistently by continuing his mission, determined that nothing will stop the spread of the gospel.
As believers today, we face a world that is increasingly complex and multicultural. In this regard, our world is much like Paul’s own. The three sessions in this unit focus on challenges Paul faced as he sought to carry the gospel to the world. We can draw on Paul as an example of a faithful witness who saw countless barriers as opportunities for sharing the good news.
by William V. Johnson
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