Church School SumUp
Theme: “From Persecutor to Proclaimer!”

This week’s Church School SumUp explores the extraordinary transformation of Saul of Tarsus—a highly educated and deeply religious Pharisee who went from persecuting followers of Jesus to proclaiming Jesus throughout the world.

The lesson invites viewers to consider how a genuine encounter with Christ can completely redirect a person’s life and turn their testimony into a powerful instrument for ministry.

Weekly Lesson: Saul of Tarsus: How a Pharisee Became a Christian

Saul was not searching for Jesus when he began traveling toward Damascus. He was searching for Christians. Convinced that he was defending God’s law, Saul was determined to arrest those who followed Christ and stop the growing Christian movement.

Although Saul possessed religious education, social influence, and passionate convictions, he had not yet encountered the Savior for himself.

Everything changed when a brilliant light interrupted his journey and Jesus confronted him personally:

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

In that moment, Saul discovered that he was not merely opposing a group of believers. He was opposing Christ Himself.

Instead of defending his actions or relying upon his religious credentials, Saul responded with a life-changing question:

“Lord, what shall I do?”

That question marked the beginning of Saul’s transformation from persecutor to proclaimer. God interrupted Saul’s plans, redirected his passion, and revealed a purpose far greater than the one Saul had chosen for himself.

God then sent Ananias, an ordinary believer with an extraordinary assignment. Through Ananias, Saul regained his physical sight and began understanding the spiritual purpose God had prepared for his life.

Scripture Focus: Acts 22:6–16

The Scripture focus allows us to hear Saul recount his own transformation. Rather than presenting a complicated theological argument, Saul simply tells what happened to him.

He explains who he was, how Jesus confronted him, and how his life changed because of that encounter.

Acts 22:14–15 declares:

“Then he said, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard.’”

Saul was chosen to know God’s will, see the Righteous One, hear His voice, and become His witness.

The order is important. God did not send Saul to speak before first allowing Saul to know Him personally. Saul’s witness grew out of his relationship and experience with Christ.

The lesson’s declaration, “When God transforms our lives, our testimony becomes one of His greatest tools for changing the lives of others,” reminds us that every believer has a story worth sharing.

Some testimonies involve dramatic transformations. Others reveal the power of quiet faithfulness, daily provision, spiritual healing, restored relationships, or strength during difficult seasons. Although our experiences may differ, every Christian testimony should point people toward the same Savior.

The adult topic, “Tell Me What You Know,” challenges us to recognize that witnessing does not require us to have every answer. We do not have to be biblical scholars or stand behind pulpits to tell someone what Jesus has done for us.

Our testimony is simply the truthful account of what we have seen, heard, and experienced through Christ.

This week’s affirmation declares:

We will develop ways of witnessing for Christ that encourage others to serve.

Saul’s experience teaches us three important truths:

First, God can transform anyone. No person is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Second, every encounter with Christ has a purpose. God saved Saul not only for Saul’s benefit but also so that he could become a witness to others.

Third, our testimonies have Kingdom power. People may question our conclusions or debate our beliefs, but they cannot erase the truth of what God has done in our lives.

Hymnology: “Amazing Grace!

This week’s celebration hymn, “Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound,” connects powerfully with Saul’s transformation.

John Newton, the hymn’s writer, was once involved in the transatlantic slave trade. After experiencing God’s mercy and undergoing a profound spiritual transformation, Newton eventually became a minister, abolitionist supporter, and hymn writer.

Like Saul, Newton carried a past that demonstrated the seriousness of sin. Yet both men also became witnesses to the extraordinary reach of God’s redeeming grace.

Their lives remind us that God’s grace does not merely excuse our past. His grace transforms our hearts, redirects our lives, and calls us into a new purpose.

Every time we sing “Amazing Grace,” we celebrate the power of God to redeem, restore, and use anyone who surrenders to Him.

Key Takeaway

God does not simply save us from something. He saves us for something.

When Christ transforms our lives, our testimony becomes a powerful witness that can encourage others, strengthen their faith, and point them toward Jesus.

Application Prompt

Take a moment to consider these questions:

What has Jesus brought you through?

How has your relationship with Christ changed your life?

Who may need to hear your testimony this week?

Write your testimony in three simple parts:

Who I was before encountering Christ.

How I encountered Christ.

How my life is different today.

Then prayerfully look for one opportunity to share your story with love, courage, and humility.

Your testimony does not have to be dramatic. It simply has to be genuine.

What God has done in your life may be exactly what He uses to encourage someone else to trust Him, follow Christ, and begin serving.

Remember the promise of Acts 22:15:

“You will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard.”