Paul's Last Days and Letters

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