Teaching Saint Paul can be a drawn-out process. Yet there are pedagogical methods which allow learning about St Paul’s Mission in Christianity, to become interesting and engaging.
Firstly, its vital for you to explain the importance of Salvation History in Christianity. This explanation can be started with a simple quote, and then a reasonable but short introductory overview, about civilizational history, prior to Jesus. My favourite quote is taken from Cardinal Wyszynski of Poland illustrating salvation history:
Teacher: Why was Jesus Christ born and killed in the 1st century? Why did God select this period in history? Why then? Ever thought about that?
Let’s consider this quote by Cardinal Wyszynski, mentor to Saint Pope John Paul II
“Certain historical developments are willed by the Lord of History, and they shall take place. About many other – mostly minor – developments, that same Lord is willing. He allows men the free will to choose between various options, and he will go along with those choices; for, in the end, all human choices will be co-opted as grist into God’s mill, which grinds slowly, but always grinds exceedingly fine”
Teaching Salvation History
After discussion of this quote, highlight the three key civilizational influences at work in Palestine at the time of Jesus Christ. These being Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilisations. Note that these were the three languages used on the Crucifix title board, written by Pontius Pilate which said: “This is the King of the Jews”.
Afterwards, briefly explain the Jewish Diaspora in the Middle East, after the 1st Temple destruction, and how the 2nd Temple had been rebuilt after Cyrus the Great released the Jews, and allowed them back to Israel, yet most Jewish Diaspora communities still remained abroad in Jesus’ time. Alexander the Great and Greek culture dominated, and later Roman culture. A good timeline helps. This overview sets the stage. Explaining the Diadochi and Ptolemaic Egyptian basic foundations can also assist context as well.
Biography of Saint Paul
Using this overview, you can then quickly connect St Paul, who spoke all three of these languages, on the Crucifix title board and who was a noted Pharisee scholar, who learnt under Gamaliel. It’s possible Jesus even spoke to Gamaliel during His lifetime. Perhaps as a young lost boy, when being found in the temple by his parents.
You can then discuss pivotal moments in Salvation History with respect to Diaspora Jews, such as scripture text just before Jesus’ Passion, to that of Pentecost, and during St Paul’s mission when he is prevented by the Holy Spirit from going to Asia. This leads straight into details of St Paul’s life, his conversion, and then missionary journeys with various associates. Be sure to note the “one tough hombre” nature of St Paul. Paul had extraordinary courage and resilience. Students love that.
Mapping Activities
You can also have students do hand mapping of St Paul’s journeys. This works really well in younger high school grades for boys. Provide them with empty map/s of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Permit mapping of all his four major journeys.
Alternatively, you can create group research work on his key missionary regions and cities. I find this effective as a practise task for the assessment item, if combined with a multimodal report from the group, on their selected region/city topic.
If you structure your lessons, by incorporating these elements, combined with extra Kahoot Quizzes on St Paul you can create some very “meaty” lessons with a lot of variety and revision.
Assessment Options
Students then create short videos for their assessment piece, by incorporating software tools such as online mapping tools, and by analysing the theological and moral messages of one of Saint Paul’s Letters.
This is a solid foundation to teaching Saint Paul.
If you looking for a related PowerPoint, subscribe and download our free gift to you!