For the two years Paul was in Rome, he was allowed to live in his own rented house with Roman guards keeping an eye on him. While there, he often invited the Jews to come to his house and hear about Jesus. Some of them became Christians. From later writing we know Paul also spent time writing epistles (letters) to the churches he had visited. Many of these letters are the books we find in our New Testaments today.

We can tell others about Jesus using various media, including books, letters, websites, podcasts, videos and more.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Acts 28:16-31

Verses where Paul mentions prison:

• Ephesians 3:1
• Ephesians 4:1
• Philippians 1:17
• Philippians 1:13
• Colossians 4:3
• Colossians 4:18
• 2 Timothy 2:9
• Philemon 9-10

Outline:

1. Paul speaks to people about Jesus while under arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16-31)
2. Paul writes letters (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, Philemon)

Tips for teaching children:

• Help the children find the table of contents in their Bibles and point out all of Paul's epistles.
• Write notes or send pictures to someone to explain something from God’s word.
• Older children could brainstorm various media that could be used to teach about Jesus. After brainstorming, guide the children in designing their own versions. This could include cards and letters, bookmarks, website articles, podcast episodes, videos and more.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Questions to ask the class:
  • What is Paul hoping to accomplish by meeting with the Jewish leaders right after he gets to Rome?
  • What does the ending of the Book of Acts mean to you?
  • How would you write Acts 29 if you were carrying on with the thought of 28:31?
  • How is the message about Jesus ‘unhindered’ in your community?
• Imagine that you are Paul. Write a brief letter from Paul to your congregation and say what you believe Paul would want to say. Be prepared to read your brief letter to the class and discuss it.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul's Last Days and Letters from Prison

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

Having been falsely accused and imprisoned, Paul was transported by ship to Rome under military escort. During the storms, an angel told Paul that he and every man on board would be saved. Heavy storms blew the ship off course and caused it to break up near the island of Malta. God's protection meant Paul finally arrived in Rome after surviving a storm, a shipwreck, and even a snake bite.

When we are in danger, we can ask God to protect us.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 27:1 through 28:16

Outline:

1. Paul and a Roman guard set sail for Rome (Acts 27:1-12)
2. A Storm and a Shipwreck (Acts 27:13-440
3. Paul on the island of Malta (Acts 28:1-11)
4. Paul travels from Malta to Rome (Acts 28:11-16)

Tips for teaching children:

• Trace Paul’s trip on a map
• Spread a blue cloth or bedsheet and have children hold it along the outside edges. Place a toy boat inside. Children can have fun moving the cloth around and watching the boat toss around like a storm.
• Provide a printed copy of the scripture for each child. Older children can follow your instructions and examine the scripture. Instruct them to:
  • circle the place names
  • underline the names of people
  • highlight stated emotions
  • draw pictures in the margins

Tips for teaching adults:

• Check out the VizBibleMaps website for an excellent map of Paul’s mission journeys, including his journey to Rome. Be sure to note the copyright information on the More Info tab at the bottom of the page.
• Read these two chapters but with a twist. When you get to Acts 27:24, have someone play the link to the sounds of a storm at sea while the text is read all the way down to the end of chapter 27.
  • Storm at Sea 1
  • Storm at Sea 2 (StormAtSea.mp3 – Pixabay)
• Here are some questions you can ask the class:
  • Who has experienced a storm at sea?
  • What emotions did you experience?
  • What did you do?
  • How does God reveal himself in this story?
  • How does Paul demonstrate his faith on this voyage?
  • How would you want to demonstrate your faith?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul Survives a Shipwreck

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 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

In the last stages of his third missionary journey, Paul stopped in Troas and met with the church in an upstairs room. During Paul’s very long preaching, a young man named Eutychus went to sleep and fell out of a window and onto the ground below. Paul miraculously brought the boy back to life.

For a practical lesson, help students understand how to pay attention and participate with the church in listening when God’s Word is being preached.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 20:7-12

Outline:

1. Paul preaches until midnight (Acts 20:7-8)
2. The young man, Eutychus (Acts 20:9-10)
3. Paul continues to preach until morning (Acts 20:11-12)

Tips for teaching children:

• Discuss how to pay attention when God’s Word is being preached.
  • Use paper or a notebook to write or draw what is being said.
  • Participate in the worship service (Sing and pray).
  • Look up verses in your own Bible.
  • Before worship begins, ask the preacher what words he plans to discuss most. Keep a tally of those words during his sermon. If the word is Jesus, mark every time he says “Jesus.” At the conclusion of worship, the preacher might be interested in seeing your list and might like to know how often you heard him say the word or words.

Tips for teaching adults:

• One of the insights from our story today is that part of what Paul was doing in speaking at the gathering was using dialogue instead of monologue. An effective teacher will include the class in the discussion, will ask questions that drive the class back to the text, will ask other questions that challenge the class to reflect on the text and reflect on their lives, and will ask questions that challenge them to do something with what they have learned.
• As a teacher, ask the class: “What can help you be a better listener when the word is being preached? I think the class will come up with some good responses. You may want to keep these good listening skills in mind:
  1. look at the teacher/preacher
  2. work to concentrate and minimise distractions
  3. open your Bible and follow along
  4. take notes
  5. have a water bottle to keep hydrated.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Eutychus Falls from a Window

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

During his third missionary journey, Paul returned to Ephesus and spent three years there. He taught about Jesus in the synagogue and a city school. Some of the most unusual miracles in the Book of Acts occurred during Paul’s stay in Ephesus. They were so convincing that magicians and sorcerers burned their expensive sorcery books and turned to God. So many people stopped worshipping idols (and buying idol statues) that a silversmith named Demetrius led a riot against Paul.

Jesus is more powerful than any power in heaven or earth. Tusting in practices such as sorcery, magic, witchcraft, or horoscopes is trusting in another power above Jesus.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Acts 19:1-41
• Ephesians 6:10-18
• Romans 8:37-39
• Ephesians 1:18-23

Outline:

1. Paul teaches in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-10)
2. The power of Jesus over the spiritual realm (Acts 19:11-20)
3. Anger in the city of Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41)

Tips for teaching children:

• Be respectful of the varying “rules” among families concerning exposure to negative spiritual influences. Some children are not allowed to watch certain movies or read particular books, while the parents of others consider the same books safe “fantasy” reading.
• Collect horoscopes and predictions from magazines and coffee shop papers. You could also print these out from online articles. Guide children in cutting these out. Write the scripture Ecclesiastes 8:7 in the centre of a poster and glue the clippings around the border.
• Sing songs about the power of God over satan.
  • My God is So Big Song
  • Shake the Devil Off
  • Roll the Gospel Chariot
  • This Little Light of Mine

Tips for teaching adults:

• Online maps, photos, illustrations and articles (check copyright conditions in each)
  • Map of Paul's 3rd journey.
  • Temple of Artemis (Wikipedia)
  • The Day Dream Tourist blog.
• Questions:
  • In what ways did the spiritual forces of darkness manifest themselves in this story?
  • How was Jesus’ power manifested in the several stories in this chapter?
  • How can we, as followers of Jesus, guard ourselves against the spiritual forces of darkness? I want to suggest 1) reading the Scripture, 2) prayer, and 3)

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Paul and the Dark Powers of Ephesus

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

In Corinth, Paul met a couple named Priscilla and Aquila. The three of them built tents together to earn a living. Whenever he was not making tents, Paul taught people about Jesus. After a year and a half, Paul, Priscilla and Aquila travelled to the city of Ephesus together. Priscilla and Aquila stayed in Ephesus to make tents and tell people about Jesus, while Paul went on to Antioch. A while later, when a great teacher named Apollos came to Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila invited him to their house and explained baptism’s real meaning. Apollos was grateful and went on to Corinth, where he continued to share the good news of Jesus.

In whatever career or job we choose, we can play our part in helping others know about God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 18:1-28

Outline:

1. Priscilla and Aquila meet Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-4)
2. Paul teaches and troubles in Corinth (Acts 18:5-17)
3. Priscilla and Aquila travel with Paul and stay in Ephesus (Acts 18:18-23)
4. Priscilla and Aquila teach Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)

Tips for teaching children:

• Have the children make a tent using sheets and blankets
• Talk to the children about what they would like to do for a job when they grow up. In that job, how can they be a Christian, and how can they help others know about Jesus?
• Collect items relating to various jobs or careers (stethoscope, fireman’s hat, hammer, chef’s hat, etc.) Children can guess the job or career as you show each item. Next, ask the children to think about ways a person in that career might help others know about Jesus. A carpenter might fix something at the church that is broken. A doctor might pray with his patients. A chef might cook food for a teacher so he or she can have the energy to teach more people about Jesus. The children will help you think of more ideas.

Tips for teaching adults:

• As the teacher, it will be helpful to Google “Epicureanism” and “Stoicism” or find material in a Bible encyclopaedia/dictionary and write down summaries of their philosophies, especially as Paul touches on aspects of them in the speech on the Areopagus. Bring this info to class and share it with the class as a background to the story. Wikipedia links:
  • Epicureanism
  • Stoicism
• Ask the class these kinds of questions: What does Paul affirm about this ‘unknown God’ that he is now making known to them? What are the attributes of God? What does he want them to know about the true and living God?
• Ask the follow-up questions: In what ways does this speech challenge us about who the true and living God is?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Priscilla and Aquila

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