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Paul's Missionary Journeys
(Article 533)
Tony Tamberino
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Preparation
Gather the following items:
- pens or pencils
- copies of The Catholic Youth Bible® or another Bible, one for each participant
- maps of Paul's journeys (See maps 7 and 8 from the Study Aids section in the
back of The Catholic Youth Bible or maps provided in other Bibles.)
- newsprint and markers
Create a missionary display for this session by arranging a knapsack, a
pair of sandals, a walking stick, a bottle of water, and a Bible in the center
of the room where everyone can easily see the items.
1. Begin the session by having a volunteer read aloud the following article,
"The Journeys of Paul," which is also on page 27 in chapter 5 of the Scripture Sessions on the New Testament participant's workbook:
According to most interpretations of Acts, Paul made three missionary journeys
over a ten-year period to spread the Gospel message. The details of
his first journey are covered in chapters 13-14. The second journey is reported
in chapters 16-18. The third journey is described in chapters
19-21. Paul himself may have seen these not as three separate journeys
but as one continuous missionary activity. On these journeys, Paul made
converts and started Christian communities. On the second and third journeys,
he also visited established communities to give them guidance and
support. Paul's third journey landed him back in Jerusalem, where some
Jews had him arrested. On the basis of his Roman citizenship, Paul appealed
to the emperor. So he was transported to Rome (this trip is referred
to as his fourth journey). He probably died there as a martyr around AD
65. Some traditions say that Paul wasn't martyred there but went on to
evangelize in Spain. (The Catholic Youth Bible, near Acts, chapters 13-21)
Have the participants form three teams, and assign one of Paul's first three
missionary journeys to each team for study. Tell them that as they read their assigned
chapters, they are to also examine the maps. Instruct the groups to prepare
a presentation that is based on their study and that includes the following
points:
- the various places Paul went on that journey
- about how many miles he traveled
- special events or highlights that happened
2. After the presentations tell the young people they have the opportunity to
plan a missionary trip of their own. Working with their teams, they are to decide
where they would like to travel and give witness to their own faith and relationship
with Jesus Christ. They should choose five cities, towns, or localities from
one particular region. Their plan should include the reason why they chose those
places, what particular purpose or group of people they will address, their mode
of travel, their length of stay, and how they will gain entrance or be welcomed by
the people they will visit. Instruct each group to record the details about their missionary
journey plan on newsprint.
3. Give them about 10 minutes to plan their journey. Then ask the teams to
each present the details of their journey to the whole group. Allow the rest of the
class to ask questions after each presentation to help clarify the plans. Conclude
the session by asking the young people to gather around the missionary display.
Then proclaim Luke 9:1-6. After the reading, invite the participants to pray the
following prayer, "Help Us Evangelize," which is also on page 28 in chapter 5
of the participant's workbook:
O God, how I admire Paul! I too want to share your Good News with my
generation. So let your Holy Spirit bless me with the gift of evangelization.
Help me reach out to other young people no matter what clique or group
they belong to. Help me to bring out the best in our culture and to challenge
that which is wrong or misleading. Give me courage to speak fearlessly
about my faith in Jesus when it is right to do so. And let me be your
instrument in building communities of faith, hope, and love. Amen. (Adapted
from The Catholic Youth Bible, near Acts, chapter 17)
(This activity is taken from the leader's guide for Scripture Sessions on the New Testament. Copyright © 2006 by Saint Mary's Press. Permission is granted for this activity to be used for classroom or campus ministry purposes. This activity may not be republished in any form without written permission from Saint Mary's Press. To order this book, contact Saint Mary's Press at 800-533-8095, or visit our online catalog at www.smp.org/catalog.cfm.)
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