Acts 9:1-31

Paul's Conversion Bible lesson for kids

A complete Paul's Conversion lesson plan for Sunday school or homeschool — one version for each age band, from preschool to preteen. Pick the section that matches your kids and teach.

Jump to Ages 4–6Jump to Ages 6–9Jump to Ages 9–12

Preschool & Kindergarten

Ages 4–6

Objective

Children will understand that Jesus can change anyone and can use helpers who obey him.

Opening question

Have you ever changed from doing something hurtful to doing something kind?

Tell the story

Read Acts 9:1-31 together. Saul wanted to arrest people who followed Jesus, but a bright light stopped him on the road to Damascus. Saul could not see for three days, and God sent Ananias to pray for him. Saul could see again, was baptized, and began telling people that Jesus is God's Son.

Hands-on activities

Darkness to Light Coloring

Materials: our free printable coloring page, crayons, one sheet of dark paper

  1. Cover part of our free printable coloring page with the dark paper.
  2. Move the paper away to reveal the picture.
  3. Color the bright light and the people.
  4. Say together, Jesus can change anyone.

Helping Hands Walk

Materials: a scarf or clean dish towel, two chairs

  1. Place the chairs several steps apart.
  2. Choose one child to be Saul and loosely hold the cloth near the child's eyes.
  3. Let another child gently lead Saul between the chairs.
  4. Remove the cloth and switch roles.
  5. Explain that Saul's companions helped him when he could not see.

Talk about it

  1. What happened to Saul on the road?
  2. Who obeyed God and prayed for Saul?
  3. Can Jesus help people change?

Closing prayer

Jesus, help us receive your grace and obey you like Ananias.

Early Elementary

Ages 6–9

Objective

Children will explain how Jesus changed Saul and identify one way they can courageously help another person.

Opening question

Would you help someone if you were afraid that person might hurt you?

Tell the story

Read Acts 9:1-31 together. Saul traveled toward Damascus with permission to arrest followers of the Way, but a light from heaven surrounded him and he fell down. After three days of blindness and prayer, Ananias obeyed God, laid hands on Saul, and Saul received his sight and was baptized. Saul began proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God, and Barnabas later helped the frightened Jerusalem disciples welcome him.

Hands-on activities

Changed Direction Road Game

Materials: paper, pencil, tape

  1. Write Damascus on one paper and Jerusalem on another.
  2. Tape the signs on opposite walls.
  3. Walk toward Damascus while recalling Saul's first plan.
  4. Freeze when the teacher says, Light from heaven.
  5. Turn and name one change Jesus made in Saul's life.
  6. Walk toward the other sign while saying, Jesus gives grace.

Transformation Picture Fold

Materials: our free printable coloring page, crayons or colored pencils, pencil

  1. Fold our free printable coloring page gently down the middle.
  2. Color one side with darker colors to show Saul's harmful purpose.
  3. Color the other side brightly to show his changed life.
  4. Write Jesus changes lives across the bottom.
  5. Open the page and retell the change to a partner.

Talk about it

  1. Why was Ananias afraid to visit Saul?
  2. What shows that Saul's change was real?
  3. How could you act like Ananias or Barnabas this week?

Closing prayer

Jesus, thank you for grace that changes us and courage that helps others.

Upper Elementary & Preteen

Ages 9–12

Objective

Students will connect God's grace toward Saul with courageous ways to respond to changed people without ignoring wise caution.

Opening question

What would convince you that a former enemy had truly changed?

Tell the story

Read Acts 9:1-31 together. Saul approached Damascus determined to arrest followers of the Way, but a heavenly light stopped him and Jesus confronted his persecution. Blind and unable to eat or drink for three days, Saul prayed until the hesitant Ananias obeyed God, laid hands on him, and his sight returned. Saul was baptized and boldly proclaimed Jesus, while Barnabas later risked his reputation to tell the Jerusalem apostles that Saul's change was genuine.

Hands-on activities

Evidence of Change Case File

Materials: paper, pens, our free printable coloring page

  1. Divide a paper into the headings Before, Encounter, and After.
  2. Study our free printable coloring page for visual clues from the story.
  3. Read the passage and record evidence under each heading.
  4. Circle the actions that showed Saul's transformation.
  5. Share which evidence might have helped Barnabas trust him.

Courage Choice Scenarios

Materials: small slips of paper, bowl, pencils

  1. Write situations involving an excluded student, a changed bully, or a feared newcomer.
  2. Place the slips in a bowl.
  3. Draw one situation and act out a wise, gracious response.
  4. Name how your response resembles Ananias or Barnabas.
  5. Discuss how to show grace while involving a trusted adult when safety is uncertain.

Talk about it

  1. Why did Jesus describe harm against his followers as persecution against himself?
  2. Was Ananias wrong to express fear before obeying, and why?
  3. How can we leave room for real change without pretending harmful choices never happened?

Closing prayer

Jesus, help us trust your transforming grace and show brave, wise compassion.

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