Paul had been falsely accused of causing trouble in Jerusalem. Although innocent of these accusations, he was kept prisoner in Caesarea and made to appear before a succession of governors and leaders, including Felix, Festus and even King Agrippa. At each court appearance, Paul spoke freely about his Christian faith. His accusers could never prove him guilty, and Paul eventually used his right as a Roman citizen to ask to be sent to Rome to appear before Caesar's court.

Emphasise using every opportunity to tell others about Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 24-26

Outline:

1. Paul before Governor Felix (includes the Jerusalem Jews and lawyer) Acts 24:1-27
2. Paul Before Governor Festus (includes appearance before King Agrippa) Acts 24:27-26:32

Tips for teaching children:

• Practice words and phrases to use when talking about Jesus
• Have children draw themselves in the centre of a piece of paper. They can add other children around themselves. As you discuss ways to talk about Jesus, have the children draw speech bubbles.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Divide into three groups and read the scriptures below. Aterwards, come back together and report what the main ideas or points were. What did you learn about Paul and his faithfulness to Jesus in these three situations?
  • One group reads and summarises Paul’s trial before Felix in chapter 24.
  • Another group can read Chapter 25 and summarise Paul’s trial before Festus.
  • A 3rd group can read chapter 26 and summarise Paul’s speech before Agrippa.
• Questions:
  • Read Acts 9:15-16 and ask how Paul fulfilled Jesus’ commission.
  • How has Paul demonstrated his faithfulness to Jesus and Jesus’ commission?
  • How are Paul’s words and actions helpful or encouraging to you?
  • Who is Jesus sending you to tell them about him?
  • Who needs to hear the message about Jesus?
• Pray for those people and pray for an opportunity to tell them the message about Jesus
  
  

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul on Trial

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

Paul was under arrest in Jerusalem because of false accusations by the Jews. Paul’s Roman citizenship demanded a fair hearing, so the Roman commander in charge set up a meeting with Jewish priests and the Sanhedrin. This meeting ended in chaos, with Paul back in protective custody.

Paul’s young nephew overheard some of the Jews plotting to kill Paul, so Paul asked him to tell the commander. The commander had no choice but to arrange a large military escort to take Paul to Caesarea, the nearest headquarters of Roman rule.

One night, amidst all these events, Jesus appeared to Paul and told him to have courage because he would be going to Rome to testify about his faith.

Emphasise that young people can do great things for God. Don’t wait until you get “older” to serve God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Acts 22:30-23:35
• 1 Timothy 4:12

Outline:

1. Paul appeared before the angry Jewish council (Acts 22:30-23:10)
2. Jesus visits Paul (Acts 23:11)
3. Paul’s nephew reports a plot (Acts 23:12-22)
4. The Roman commander sends Paul on to Governor Felix (Acts 23:23-35)

Tips for teaching children:

• Talk about the effect Paul’s young nephew had on the situation
• Memorise 1 Timothy 4:12 and have the children list ways they can be an example of faith to others.
• Research online to learn about influential children in history and of our time.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Have a few people in the class google “Ananias, the High Priest” and “Felix, the governor” to learn a few more things about them, including something of their possible character. Share some highlights with the class to know more about these characters in the story.
• Ask the class: “Who was your favourite uncle? Why?”
• The hero of this story is Paul’s unnamed nephew. How have children been brave in your congregation? Find ways to honour the children of your congregation to make them feel special because they are.
• One more question: “Was Paul showing a lack of faith in Jesus’ promise when he sent his nephew to the Roman commander?” Why or why not?”

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul’s Nephew Uncovers a Plot

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

At the conclusion of his third missionary journey, Paul followed the direction of the Holy Spirit in making his way to Jerusalem. As he stopped along the way, many Christians warned him of the dangers awaiting him. In Caesarea, a man named Agabus prophesied that the Jews in Jerusalem would harm Paul if he went there. Despite all of these warnings, Paul was determined to obey the Holy Spirit. In Jerusalem, Paul met with an angry crowd and was arrested. None of this stopped Paul from preaching about Jesus.

Emphasise having the determination to do what is right even when challenges arise.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Acts 20:13 through 22:29
• Galatians 6:9

Outline:

1. On the way to Jerusalem (Acts 20:13-21:14)
   1. Farewell to Ephesian Elders in Miletus (20:17-28)
   2. Other stops and farewells along the way (21:1-6)
   3. In Caesarea with Philip and Agabus (21:7-14)
2. In Jerusalem (Acts 21:15-22:29)
   1. Taking advice from James and others (21:15-25)
   2. An angry mob and an arrest-includes Paul’s sermon (21:26-22:22)
   3. Paul’s treatment as a prisoner (22:23-29)

Tips for teaching children:

• Define “determination”: The feeling we have that makes us keep going even if things get difficult
• Help the children understand that mistakes can help us learn lessons. Sometimes, the bad things that happen to us help us learn to be stronger.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Ask one of the more artistic members of the class to draw a blank map of Paul’s world and write in the places mentioned in the text where Paul and his companions travelled. The names of the places can be written on the map as the story of his journeys from Troas to Jerusalem is read.
• Paul meets with the elders from Ephesus and tells them things that are important. This is is farewell address to them. If you were to give a farewell talk to your church, what would you say to them? What would you want them to know and or do?
• Paul is given the opportunity to speak to a hostile group about how he became a follower of Jesus. What is your story? How did you become a follower of Jesus? How has your understanding of what was expected of you as a follower of Jesus changed since you began this journey?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul Goes to Jerusalem

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org