GOING WHERE GOD SENDS YOU - THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND THE MISSION OF ST PAUL

 

Going Where God Sends You – the life of Saint Paul

Hello boys and girls!

Today, I want to take you on an exciting adventure—one that’s full of ship journeys, new friends, brave speeches, and even a few surprises! This is the story found in the Acts of the Apostles, written by Saint Luke, and it tells us how the followers of Jesus shared His Love with the whole world.

1. What Is the Acts of the Apostles?

The Acts of the Apostles is like the sequel to the story of Jesus. After Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven, His friends—the apostles—did not just sit around. They went out to tell everyone the good news: that Jesus is alive and that He loves each one of us.

Saint Luke wrote this book to show us how the Holy Spirit gave the apostles courage, power and wisdom to spread the Gospel.

2. Meet Saint Paul – from persecutor to preacher!

Saint Paul wasn’t always a follower of Jesus. In fact, he used to hurt Christians. But one day, while traveling to a place called Damascus, St Paul saw a bright light and heard Jesus asking, “Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” From that moment on, everything changed. Paul became one of the greatest missionaries in history! 

In the days of Saint Paul, it was common to have two names (also known as dual names). Saint Paul had two names - Saul and Paul. From the moment that Saint Paul converted to Christianity, he was called Paul in the New Testament of the Holy Bible.

3. The missionary journeys – spreading the good news everywhere

St Paul went on three major missionary journeys. He walked, sailed, and even got shipwrecked! But he never gave up. Why? Because he knew Jesus was with him.

• First journey: St Paul travelled with St Barnabas. They went to cities like Antioch and Lystra, preaching to both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). Some listened, some did not—but Paul kept going
• Second journey: This time, St Paul had a new friend—St Silas! They visited places like Philippi, where they were thrown in prison. But even in jail, St Paul did not lose courage. He sang songs to God. And guess what? God sent an earthquake that set them free!
• Third journey: St Paul kept teaching in places like Ephesus. He taught people how to love Jesus and live holy lives. Crowds gathered to hear him speak!

4. What Can We Learn from St Paul?

• Be brave: St Paul faced danger, but he trusted God
• Share the good news of Jesus: St Paul talked about Jesus everywhere he went
• Never give up: Even when things got hard, St Paul kept going.

5. We are missionaries too!

You do not need to sail across the sea to be a missionary. You can share Jesus’ Love in your home, at school, and with your friends. When you are kind, when you forgive, when you invite someone to church—that’s being a missionary like St Paul!

Words of encouragement:

So remember, the Acts of the Apostles is not just a book—it’s an invitation! Jesus is calling you to be part of His story. Like S. Paul, let us say “yes” to Jesus and go wherever He sends us—with joy, with courage, and with love!

Image inspiration Chatgpt and CN Whittle