Paul on Trial

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