6. Paul Leaves Damascus by a Basket

I love this lesson! This includes directions to make a tri-fold visual and an easy printable to use for review. 

Last week we learned about Saul. He was putting people in prison for telling others about Jesus. As Saul was on his way to Damascus, he was blinded by a light from heaven. Jesus spoke from the light and asked Saul “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” Jesus told Saul to go into Damascus and he would be told what to do. The other men helped take him the rest of the way to Damascus.

He couldn’t see for 3 days. He didn’t eat or drink for 3 days. Then God told Ananias to go find Saul. Ananias went to Saul and when Saul could see, he was baptized.

About three years later, Saul went back to Damascus. He’s returning as a very different person. Before, Saul put the followers of Jesus in prison, and now he is returning to tell everyone he can about Jesus.

Saul immediately started to preach about Jesus in the synagogues. Everyone who heard Saul preach about Jesus was amazed! The people said, “Isn’t he the one that put people in prison for doing the very same thing?” But Saul kept preaching and the Jews that lived in Damascus couldn't believe that Saul kept talking about Jesus. The Jews didn’t like Saul teaching about Jesus, so they planned to kill Saul!

They watched the city gates day and night to try and kill Saul. The disciples heard about their plans, so one night the disciples let Saul down the city wall from a window of Damascus inside a large basket. (Window is in 2 Corinthians 11:33)

Saul left Damascus and spent some time in Arabia. (Galatians 1:17-18) Then he returned to Damascus. He was a very different person. Before he came to put the followers of Jesus in prison, and now he is returning to tell everyone he can about Jesus.

Saul went to Jerusalem next and he wanted to spend time with the Christians, but they were afraid of him. They didn’t believe Saul had really changed so fast and so much! He spent fifteen days with Peter and saw James.

Barnabas took Saul to the apostles and told them about Saul being blinded by the light on the road to Damascus, that Jesus had spoken to Saul and how he had been preaching at Damascus. Saul preached boldly, but more people wanted to kill him. Saul left and went to Tarsus, where he lived as a boy. The churches in Judea, Galilee and Samaria grew and were peaceful.

Our Bible scripture for today is Acts 9:19-31.

 



This is the visual aid I made for this lesson. (Same visual with different style baskets.) I used a science tri-fold, added the top with cardboard, and covered the whole project with bulletin board paper. I added the windows and door. I tried to make a simple version of the photos of the real wall. It's easy storage also! Even though Saul was let down out of a window, I have him from the top because of the weight of him in the basket. I discussed this with the kids so they know. 2 Cor. 11:33

I created a simple and easy to use review printable for this lesson. Damascus is on one page and a stand-up Paul and a basket is included. The basket folds in half. Add glue to the sides, add string, yarn, etc. and Paul can be tucked inside. According to 2 Cor. 11:33, Paul left Damascus through a window, so that can be discussed here also. The students can lift him up and down along the city wall as you review. Color and black & white are both included. I usually print a color for teacher's visual and black & white for the students. Click here to print.

Click here to print the lesson.

Click here to download the updated visuals.
Not all are shown.

Click here to download the pictures to color.
(These are the same as the visuals but are black & white.)
 

Click here (1) or click here (2) to see the early elementary lesson & more.