Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Allow several class members to comment. Then point out that in looking back at his experiences after the First Vision, the Prophet Joseph Smith felt that his experiences were similar to the Apostle Paul’s. Have class members read Joseph Smith—History 1:23–25 to discover why.

Explain that the Apostle Paul’s appearance before King Agrippa is one of the events that will be discussed in this lesson. In this situation and throughout his missionary journeys, despite rejection and persecution, Paul stood firm in the faith and courageously bore testimony of Jesus Christ.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how we can develop courage and faith as strong as Paul’s. Encourage class members to tell about times when they have courageously borne testimony through their words or actions.

1. Paul reports on his journeys and faces an angry mob in Jerusalem.

If you are using the video presentation “Paul—A Chosen Vessel,” show the first part now. Stop the video after the narrator says, “He fulfilled the Lord’s words that he would bear His name before kings and rulers” (during these words, Paul is being escorted down a hallway by several soldiers).

Discuss Acts 21:1–22:21. Invite class members to read selected verses. Explain that after three successful missionary journeys that took him throughout the Roman empire, Paul returned to Jerusalem, though he knew it was dangerous to do so.

You may want to begin a list on the chalkboard of all the times in Acts 21–28 that Paul showed great courage in being a witness of Jesus Christ. Add to the list as appropriate during the lesson.

2. Paul is taken before the Sanhedrin.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 22:22–23:35.

3. Paul testifies to Agrippa, but his testimony is rejected.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 26. You may want to summarize the following information from Acts 24–25: Paul was sent to Felix, the governor, and testified boldly before him. Paul remained a prisoner for two years while Felix hoped to receive money to free him. When Felix was succeeded as governor by Festus, the Jews asked Festus to send Paul to Jerusalem for trial. Paul refused to go, knowing he would not get a fair trial there. Instead, Paul appealed to Caesar, as was his right as a Roman citizen. Festus agreed to send Paul to Rome, but Paul first had to appear before Herod Agrippa, a Roman-appointed ruler.

If you are using the video presentation, show the second part now. Stop the video after Paul’s statement, “I would to God that not only thou, but also all who hear me this day, were such as I am, except these bonds” (just before Paul is escorted from the court of King Agrippa).

4. Paul is shipwrecked on his way to Rome.

Read and discuss selected verses from Acts 27–28. Explain that Agrippa had been willing to release Paul (Acts 26:32), but Paul had appealed to Caesar and so was sent to Rome. As you discuss Paul’s journey to Rome, display the map and point out relevant sites, such as Fair Havens, where Paul counseled the men to remain for the winter, and Malta (Melita), where the shipwrecked passengers swam ashore.

If you are using the video presentation, show the remainder now.

Conclusion

Explain that historians assume that Paul died a martyr’s death in Rome about a.d. 65. Throughout his life, he fulfilled his responsibility as an Apostle to “go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). He also fulfilled the Lord’s prophecy that he would preach the gospel “before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). He was a faithful witness of Christ despite verbal and physical attacks, unjust imprisonment, and natural disasters.

Testify that when we follow Paul’s example by being faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ in all situations, He will give us the strength to endure our trials.