ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND ST PAUL

 

Going where God sends you

Hello boys and girls!

Today, we will go on an exciting adventure of ship journeys, and new disciples. Brave speeches were made during this adventure. This is the story found in the "Acts of the Apostles" written by Saint Luke. Luke tells us how the followers of Jesus shared the Saviour's Love with the whole world.

What is the Acts of the Apostles?

The "Acts of the Apostles" is 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.

The "Acts of the Apostles" is the fifth book of the New Testament. This book explains the founding of the church and the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ. In this book, Saint Luke shows us how the Holy Spirit gave the apostles the courage and wisdom to spread the gospel.

Who was Saint Paul?

Saint Paul was not always a follower of Jesus. In fact, at first Paul did not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He was upset that Christians were speaking about Jesus, and he tried to stop them. 

This changed when Jesus appeared to St Paul. At that time, Paul was called by the name Saul. One day, Saul was travelling to a city named Damascus, when Jesus appeared in a bright light. Jesus asked,  “Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 

That moment changed Saul's heart forever. He was baptized and took the name of Paul. Paul began to travel everywhere he could, to tell people that Jesus is the Son of God, was resurrected and is alive. St Paul also witnessed that Jesus' Love can change every heart.

St Paul the missionary

St Paul did not stay in one place. He went on long journeys by foot and boat. Paul travelled through deserts, mountains and seas. He did this because he wanted to tell everyone about Jesus. St Paul brought the gospel to new towns and cities.

St Paul also started communities and founded churches. Paul wrote letters to help people in the churches grow strong in their faith.

St Paul started small Christian communities in cities such as Corinth, Philippi, Ephesus and Rome.

Everywhere he went, St Paul:

• Taught people about Jesus
• Encouraged believers to stay strong in their faith
• Helped people to love and forgive each other
• Showed that God's Love is for everyone, not just one group of people. That is why we must love everyone, as all are God's beloved children.

St Paul never gave up preaching the gospel, even when he was tired, imprisoned or shipwrecked. Paul said, "Nothing can separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39)

That is the heart of a missionary; someone who always shares about the Love of Jesus.

St Paul went on three major missionary journeys. He was shipwrecked during one voyage. Despite difficulties and suffering, Paul stayed faithful to the gospel message. He knew that Jesus was with him.

• First journey: St Paul travelled with St Barnabas. They went to cities such as Antioch and Lystra, preaching to everyone they met. Some people listened and some did not. This did not worry Paul, who just kept preaching the good news
• Second journey: On the first journey, Barnabas had been St Paul's main companion. On this second missionary journey, Paul chose St Silas for that role. Paul and Barnabas had intended to go together, but they disagreed about taking John Mark with them. John had left the first missionary journey early (acts 13:13), apparently to Paul's displeasure. To resolve the matter, Barnabas took John Mark with him, and they sailed to Cyprus, while Paul took Silas with him. 
• St Paul and St Silas visited places like Philippi, where they were thrown into prison. St Paul did not lose courage while he was in jail. He sang songs to God. An earthquake occurred which shook the prison to the foundations. All the prison doors opened, and bands holding the prisoners were loosed. This set Paul and Silas free.
• Third journey: St Paul taught in places such as Ephesus. He taught people to love Jesus and to live holy lives. Crowds gathered to hear Paul speak.

What we learn from St Paul:

• We learn to be brave: St Paul faced danger with trust in God 
• We learn to share the good news: Paul talked about Jesus to everyone he met
• We learn to be faithful: when times were hard, St Paul steadfastly continued ministry.

How can we be missionaries too?

We might not travel across the sea or preach in faraway lands, but we are called to be missionaries too. Christians are missionaries when they bring faith, kindness and love to others. You can share the Love of Jesus in your home, with your friends, at school.

We can be missionaries by:

• Being kind when others are unkind
• Helping someone who feels left out
• Talking about God with joy and confidence
• Praying for people who are suffering
• Living in a way that shows Jesus' Love through our actions
• Inviting someone to church.

Paul reminds us that every word and action can become a message of God's Love.

Words of encouragement:

The "Acts of the Apostles" is not just a book, it is an invitation. Jesus is calling you to be part of His story. Let us say "yes" to Jesus as Saint Paul did. Let us go wherever Christ sends us. Let us journey with courage and joy.

Reflection activity - "My mission map":

Take a blank sheet of paper and draw your own mission map, not of faraway countries, but of your daily world.

Write or draw:

• Who you can share God's Love with (family, friends, classmates)
• Where you can share God's Love (home, school, church, playground)
• How you can share God's Love (kind words, prayer, helping others).

Write at the end of your mission map:

"Like St Paul, I want to be a missionary for Jesus."

Reflection

St Paul shows us that one person - with courage and faith - can change the world. We become part of Christ's great mission, when we let Jesus guide us. We help to being hope, light and peace to others.

We do not need to be perfect or travel far. We just need hearts that say:

"Yes, Lord, I am ready to share Your Love." 

Closing prayer

"Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for calling St Paul to be a missionary of Your Love. Help us to be brave and joyful like him. Show us how to share Your good news in our home, friendships and school. May our words and actions help others to know and love You.

Amen."  

Image designed by Chatgpt