Paul Was Sent to Rome (Acts 24-26)
Dear families,
The story of Paul’s time in Caesarea seemed to be long, drawn out, and hopeless. Even still, the apostle was not without hope, which he proclaimed the good news of Jesus before the governor and king—just as Jesus prophesied of His followers in Matthew 10:18.
How does Paul establish the credibility of his faith in Jesus here at his tribunal? What does he declare to be his hope, even now as a prison under the threat of death by his own people?
Paul spent much of this time laying out his testimony, beginning with his blamelessness through the lens of the Jewish law, as well as his continued worship of the same God as his Jewish ancestors. As he stood before King Agrippa and Queen Bernice, the military commanders, and prominent men of the city, he laid out the hope of God’s people since the beginning and how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection served as the fulfillment of their long-awaited grand hope.
It seemed apparent to the king that, after years of incarceration, this prisoner had finally received an opportunity to defend his freedom before these great men of power. However, rather than deflecting from his intended message for the sake of his freedom, Paul chose to extend a gospel presentation. The king asked if he were really going to present the case of Christ so easily, and Paul’s response was that he desired all those individuals present before him to receive the same gift of salvation that applies to all—no matter their worldly status.
Paul never wavered in his boasting of Christ and His resurrection, nor did he allow the terrible circumstances of his imprisonment to color his belief in the worthiness of his Lord. Consider the faith this man had in believing Jesus’ promises amidst his hardship. How can you shine that same light as you teach of Paul’s courage and perseverance in his eternal hope in Jesus? Teach the boys and girls in your group about the boldness of Paul in response to the faithfulness of Jesus.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: God wants all people to know and love Jesus.
Younger Preschool: God chose Paul to tell all kinds of people—even kings!—about Jesus. Paul wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is Lord. Jesus has the power to save people from sin.
Older Preschool: God chose Paul to tell all kinds of people—even kings!—about Jesus. Even when people were against him, Paul did not stop. He wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is Lord. Paul believed Jesus has the power to save people from sin, and he was willing to do anything to share this good news.
Kids: God chose Paul to take the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. Paul met with people again and again to tell the good news about Jesus. He wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is Lord. Because Jesus has the power to save people from sin, Paul was willing to do whatever it took to share the gospel.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us.
Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us.
Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1
Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1
Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1
Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1
** Next week: Paul Went to Rome (Acts 27–28)