UNIT 35 | SESSION 3

PAUL WAS SENT TO ROME

ACTS 24–26

KEY PASSAGE:
Isaiah 25:1

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our
salvation and because He will one day make all things right.

CHRIST CONNECTION:
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.

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 PREPARE

PRIOR TO TEACHING THE SESSION

THE WEEK
10-15 25-30 15-20 15-20
PRIOR MINUTES MINUTES MINUTES MINUTES

PREPARE WELCOME LEARN LOVE LIVE

PREPARE YOUR HEART GREET KIDS TEACH KIDS LEAD KIDS TO LEAD KIDS TO
TO TEACH; PLAN AND OPEN THE STORY LOVE THE GOD LIVE OUT THE MISSION
THE SESSION THE SESSION OF THE GOSPEL OF THE GOSPEL OF THE GOSPEL

LEADER Bible Study

The story of Paul’s time in Caesarea presentation. The king asked if he was really
seemed to be long, drawn out, and hopeless. going to present the case of Christ so easily,
Even still, the apostle was not without hope and Paul’s response was that he desired
as God continued to direct his steps, allowing all those individuals present before him to
him to proclaim the good news of Jesus receive the same gift of salvation that applies
before the governor and king—just as Jesus to all—no matter their worldly status.
prophesied of His followers in Matthew 10:18. Paul never wavered in his boasting of
How does Paul establish the credibility of Christ and His resurrection, nor did he
his faith in Jesus here at his tribunal? What allow the terrible circumstances of his
does he declare to be his hope, even now as imprisonment to color his belief in the
a prisoner under the threat of death by his worthiness of his Lord. Consider the faith
own people? this man had in believing Jesus’ promises
Paul spent much of this time laying out his amidst his hardship. How can you shine that
testimony, beginning with his blamelessness same light as you teach of Paul’s courage
through the lens of the Jewish law, as well and perseverance in his eternal hope in
as his continued worship of the same God Jesus? Teach the boys
as his Jewish ancestors. As he stood before and girls in your group
PEOPLE TO
King Agrippa and Queen Bernice, the military about the boldness of KNOW
commanders, and prominent men of the city, Paul in response to the
Festus: the successor
he laid out the hope of God’s people since faithfulness of Jesus. of Felix as procurator
the beginning and how Jesus’ life, death, and of Judea
(Acts 24:27). He
resurrection served as the fulfillment of their
assumed this office
long-awaited grand hope. at Nero’s appointment
It seemed apparent to the king that, in A.D. 60. He held it
until his death in
after years of incarceration, this prisoner
A.D. 62.
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

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 PREPARE

PRIOR TO TEACHING THE SESSION

GATHER Supplies
Keep a regular supply of the following items available at all times: Bibles, pens or pencils,
markers, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, glue or tape, paper.

WELCOME LEARN LOVE LIVE

Activity Page Introduce the Session Review & Bible skills Activity Choice (Option 1)
F  “Search and Find” F  countdown video F  Small Group Timeline F  rubber bouncy balls,
activity page and Map Set 1 per group
Big Picture Question
F  world map F  seashells, rocks, or
Session Starter (Option 1) F  Big Picture Question
jacks; 6 per group
F  index cards, 1 per kid Poster
F  paper bag Activity Choice (Option 2)
Review the Timeline
F  red sticker
F  Giant Timeline
Journal and Prayer
Tell the Bible Story
F  Journal Page
F  “Paul Was Sent to
F  “Who Said It?”
Rome” video
activity page
F  Bible Story Picture
Poster

Questions from Kids

F  “Unit 35, Session 3”
questions from kids
video

Missions Moment
F  “Asia-Pacific Rim:
We Need Jesus”
missions video

Key Passage Activity

F  Key Passage Poster
F  “I Will Exalt You
(Isaiah 25:1)” song
F  worship song of your
choice (optional)
F  index card sets, 1 per
group

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 WELCOME

WELCOME Kids
Greet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance
sheets, build relationships, and help new kids connect to your group.

SAY Have you ever wanted to do something so much that you were willing to do whatever it took
to do it? Why?

ACTIVITY PAGE (5 minutes)

Invite kids to complete “Search and Find” on the activity page.

SAY Today, we will see how Paul was obedient to take the gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and the
Israelites. Paul was willing to do whatever it took for people to hear the good news.

SESSION STARTER (10 minutes)

OPTION 1: YOU BE THE JUDGE OPTION 2: EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Before the session, write different Form kids into groups of three or four and
statements on individual index cards such invite them to brainstorm some ways they
as the earth is the largest planet, Moses delivered can make the most of every opportunity
Israel from Egypt, cows produce milk, bananas are to glorify of God. Provide each group with
pink, and so on. Create a card for each kid. one of the following scenarios: being assigned
Then place all the cards in a paper bag. clean up duty in the school cafeteria, meeting
Form kids into two teams. Invite kids one a new kid who moved from a different country,
at a time to draw a card from the bag. Tell forgetting to turn in their homework, dealing with
kids they will be the “judge” and will need to an aggravating younger sibling, losing their ticket to
determine if what is on the card is true or see their favorite sports team play, getting in trouble
false. Tell kids that if they guess correctly, for something they didn’t do.
they earn a point for their team. Repeat After a few minutes, invite each group to
until all kids from both teams have had an share its ideas. For example, when dealing
opportunity to be the “judge.” The team with with an aggravating younger sibling they
the most points wins. could use the opportunity to show grace
and forgiveness.
SAY People don’t always make very good
judges. In fact, our story today teaches us SAY Life comes with frustrating,
that certain rulers, kings, and Jewish leaders disappointing, and difficult times. But we
didn’t always judge Paul rightly as he shared don’t have to let our circumstances determine
about Jesus. Thankfully, we do have a good how we respond. The apostle Paul had many
and righteous Judge. Let’s get ready to hear unfair challenges, yet he sought to use every
how Paul taught about the one true Judge and opportunity as a means to tell others about
how He saves all who trust in Him. Jesus. Let’s get ready to hear how he shared
the gospel while he was in jail.

Transition from WELCOME to LEARN

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 LEARN

THE STORY OF THE GOSPEL

INTRODUCE the Bible Story

INTRODUCE THE SESSION (3 minutes)
Show the countdown video as you transition to introduce the Bible story. Set it to end as the
session begins.

SAY Hello! My name is [your name], and I am so excited to be here with you! Did you bring your
Bible with you? If you did, hold it up high. [Distribute Bibles to kids who need one.] We’ll be hearing
more about Paul today from the book of Acts.
Throughout the Bible we read about God’s plan to save people from their sins. Paul knew the
importance of sharing this good news with the world. He wanted everyone to know what Jesus had
done, and he was willing to do whatever it took so that people could hear.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION (1 minute)

SAY What is the big picture question we’ve been learning? [Allow responses.] Why should we
praise Jesus? Do you remember the answer? [Allow responses.] We should praise Jesus for what
He has done to provide our salvation and because He will one day make all things right.
Today, we will see that Paul continued to share the gospel even while in prison. Paul’s faithfulness
to preach the gospel gives praise to Jesus. Paul showed that Jesus is most valuable to him. Even
when our own circumstances are challenging, we can still praise Jesus too. He is worthy.   

REVIEW THE TIMELINE (1 minute)

Show the giant timeline. Point to individual Bible stories as you review.

SAY A couple of weeks ago, we learned that Paul was arrested in Jerusalem because the Jewish
leaders lied about him. But God was with Paul and protected him. Even when the Jewish leaders
planned to kill Paul, God helped Paul safely get to Caesarea through the Roman commander’s orders.
Paul was in dangerous situations, yet he continued to share the good news. Today, we will learn that
while Paul was in prison, he shared the gospel with as many people as he could.   

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 LEARN

THE STORY OF THE GOSPEL

LEARN the Bible Story

TELL THE BIBLE STORY: VIDEO OR STORYTELLER (10 minutes)
Open your Bible to Acts 24–26. Use the Bible storytelling tips to help you tell
the story, or show the Bible story video “Paul Was Sent to Rome.” Use the bold
text to retell or review the story.
STORYTELLING TIPS
PAUL WAS SENT TO ROME Pound it: When Paul
speaks to Felix about
Paul had narrowly escaped death in Jerusalem. The Jews planned to kill Paul, God as Judge, invite
but the Roman soldiers took him to Caesarea (cess uh REE uh), where he would kids to pound their
be safe. However, Paul was still a prisoner. The Roman leaders wanted to figure fist on their lap or a
table. Remind kids that
out why the Jews hated Paul so much. So Paul met with rulers to try to explain
all who trust in Jesus
what was going on. are freed from God’s
First, Paul met with Felix the governor. Felix ordered the Roman guard to watch judgment of sin.

Paul but to also give him some freedom by letting Paul’s friends come and serve him. Act it out: Choose
volunteers to play the
A few days later, Felix and his wife came for a meeting with Paul. Paul talked about
parts of Paul, Felix,
faith in Jesus. He talked about righteousness and self-control, and he explained Festus, King Agrippa,
that one day God is going to judge the world. Felix was afraid of what Paul and Queen Bernice as
said. He sent Paul away, but he met with him many times for the next two years. you tell the story.
When a new governor came into power, Felix did not release Paul from prison.
The new governor was named Festus. He traveled to Jerusalem to meet with the
Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders asked Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem. They
were still planning to attack Paul and kill him. But Festus wanted Paul to stay in
Caesarea. He invited some of the Jewish leaders to go with him to see Paul.
Paul stood before Festus. “I haven’t done anything wrong,” Paul explained
again. “I want to see Caesar!” Caesar was the emperor of Rome, and as a Roman
citizen, Paul had the right to take his case to him. Festus agreed.
While Paul was waiting to go to Rome, King Agrippa and Queen Bernice
visited Festus and Paul. Paul told the king how he became a believer.
He explained that Jesus died and rose again to bring salvation to Jews
and Gentiles. “You are out of your mind!” Festus said.
Paul said, “I am speaking the truth. I wish you—and everyone who is listening—
might believe in Jesus.”
King Agrippa, Festus, and the others with them got up. They agreed that Paul
had done nothing wrong. The king was ready to free Paul, but Paul had already
asked to go to Rome.
Christ Connection: 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.

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 LEARN

THE STORY OF THE GOSPEL

REVIEW THE BIBLE STORY

SAY While Paul was in prison, God gave Paul many opportunities to share the gospel with people
in positions of power. And Paul took advantage of those opportunities. Paul didn’t waste his time
complaining or moping about. Instead, he trusted God and shared the good news with all who
would listen.
How did Felix respond to Paul telling him God would judge the world? Look at Acts 24:24-25.
[Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 24:24-25.] Felix became afraid. Like all people, Felix was a
sinner and deserved judgment on his sin. He had heard about “the Way” or the good news of Jesus,
but had not trusted in Jesus. Paul was bold and used the opportunity to share how Felix could be
saved from his sin.
Later, Paul had opportunities to share the gospel with Festus, King Agrippa, and Queen Bernice.
While he shared with King Agrippa, who did Paul say helped him? Look at Acts 26:22-23. [Choose
a volunteer to read aloud Acts 26:22-23.] Paul knew that his help came from the Lord. He was
confident in his calling to share the gospel with those who had not heard and continued to share
even while under arrest. Paul trusted God to take care of him, and God was faithful to do so.
Paul was innocent of any crime. He was passed from one ruler to the next without finding
freedom. Festus even mocked Paul and said he was out of his mind. Yet, Paul never stopped telling
people about the life-saving and life-changing truth of the gospel.

CHRIST CONNECTION
SAY 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.   
(Tip: Use Scripture and the Gospel Plan Poster to explain how to become a Christian. Make
sure kids know when and where they can ask questions.)

QUESTIONS FROM KIDS (3 minutes)

Show the “Unit 35, Session 3” questions from kids video. Prompt kids to discuss:
1. Why doesn’t everyone believe in Jesus?
2. Do you believe in Jesus? How are you sharing your faith so others might believe too?  

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 LEARN

THE STORY OF THE GOSPEL

MISSIONS MOMENT (3 minutes)

Play the missions video.

SAY Do you remember from the video how many people live in the Asia-Pacific Rim? [Allow
responses.] Roughly 2.3 billion people live in the Asia-Pacific Rim. The area has over 3,355 people
groups living in 16 different countries. Ninety-five of every 100 people living in the area do not know
about Jesus.
Missionaries and believers are working hard to tell people about Jesus in the area. Recently in
2022, around 157,00 people in the Asia-Pacific Rim had the opportunity to hear about Jesus and over
14,000 of them believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Through the faithful sharing of the gospel,
1,521 new churches were started.
Pray that missionaries will follow the example of Paul and be willing to do whatever it takes
for more people in the Asia-Pacific Rim to hear about Jesus.

KEY PASSAGE ACTIVITY (5 minutes)

Show the key passage poster. Lead kids in reading aloud Isaiah 25:1 together.

SAY Our key passage reminds us that God is worthy of our praise. One of the ways we can
praise Him is by remembering all that He has done and thanking Him.   
Form kids into groups and give each group a set of index cards. Lead groups to work together
to write a word from the key passage on individual cards. Direct groups to mix up the cards
and then switch their set with the other group. Challenge kids to place the cards in the
correct order of the key passage.
Lead kids to sing “I Will Exalt You (Isaiah 25:1).” You may also choose to sing a worship
song of your choice.

PRAY (2 minutes)
Invite kids to pray before transitioning to Love.

SAY Thank You, Lord, that through Jesus, people can have their sins forgiven and live with You
forever. Help us make the most of every opportunity to share this good news with others so that they
can be saved. Amen.   

Transition from LEARN to LOVE

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 LOVE

THE GOD OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE God by Applying the Story

REVIEW & BIBLE SKILLS (5 minutes)
Distribute Bibles and display the New Testament Mediterranean Map. Guide kids to open their
Bibles to Acts 26. Explain that while Paul didn’t write Acts (Luke did), much of Acts focuses
on Paul’s life as a missionary. Remind kids that Paul was called by God to preach the gospel to
Jews, Gentiles, and even kings. (Acts 9:15)
Consider comparing the New Testament Mediterranean Map to a modern-day map to help
kids understand where these stories took place. (Tip: Locate the areas in and around modern-
day Caesarea [F9].) Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 26:28-29.

SAY While defending himself before King Agrippa, Paul shared his testimony of how Jesus saved
him. He desired that everyone, even King Agrippa, hear the good news of Jesus and experience the
forgiveness only Jesus can give. This is a reflection of God’s heart for people. When we share the
good news, we are showing people the love of Jesus and displaying our love for God.

GROUP DISCUSSION (10 minutes)

Ask the following questions. Lead the group to discuss.

SAY Paul shared the gospel with his enemies and even those in authority over him. Would this
be difficult for you? Why?
Remind kids that Paul’s boldness and love for others came from the Holy Spirit within him.
Tell kids that the grace of God had changed Paul and allowed him to see that anyone, even
our enemies, can be saved. Remind kids that Paul was once an enemy of the church, but now
risked his life for Jesus.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 2 Tim. 1:7-9.)

SAY Felix was afraid when he heard God was going to judge the world. Do we need to fear God’s
judgment if we are in Christ?
Discuss how there is no condemnation or punishment for those who are in Christ. Remind
kids that Jesus took our punishment on Himself when He died on the cross. Tell kids that we
are set free from the law of sin and death.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 8:1-2.)

SAY Paul met with Felix over and over again and shared the gospel. Should we ever give up
sharing Jesus with others? Why?
Prompt kids to think about how we continue to share the good news because it is the only
way for people to be saved. Discuss how we cannot make people believe, but we can trust God
to work in people’s hearts as they hear the truth about Jesus.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 2 Cor. 3:12.)

Transition from LOVE to LIVE

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 LIVE

THE MISSION OF THE GOSPEL

LIVE the Mission

ACTIVITY CHOICE (10 minutes)

OPTION 1: BOLA BEKEL OPTION 2: SEEK THE LOST

Share that kids in Indonesia play a game Invite kids to take off one of their shoes
called Bola Bekel. Explain that this game is and toss it in a pile. Tell kids to close their
similar to jacks and is traditionally played eyes. While the kids’ eyes are closed, choose
with a bekel ball and six small seashells. one shoe and place a red sticker on its sole.
Form kids into groups of three to six kids. Bury the shoe back in the pile. Then lead
Provide each group with a rubber bouncy kids to open their eyes and on your start,
ball and six seashells. If seashells are direct them to search for the shoe with the
unavailable, consider using jacks or rocks. red sticker. Award a point to whoever find
Explain that kids will take turns putting the shoe. Repeat as time allows, challenging
all the seashells and the ball in the palm kids to be the first to find the shoe.
of one hand. Then kids will throw the ball Then read Matthew 9:35-38 and
up and drop the seashells on the floor. Tell Luke 15:4-6. Discuss how Jesus is the
kids that while the ball is in the air, they will Shepherd who has compassion on those
pick up one seashell and then catch the ball. who are lost. Point out that in Acts 26:28-29,
Explain that the ball can only bounce once Paul displayed the heart of Jesus for those
while picking up the shell. Continue until who are not saved.
a player picks up all of the seashells while
successfully catching the ball each time. SAY You all searched for the shoe with the
red sticker and were excited when you found
SAY Indonesia is a country in Southeast it. Jesus came to seek and save those who are
Asia. It has roughly 240 people groups and lost in their sin. When we follow His example,
about 1.9 million people who have not been like Paul did, we display a heart that has been
reached with the gospel. Let’s pray that God changed by God’s grace.
will send missionaries to share about Jesus.

JOURNAL AND PRAYER (5 minutes)

Distribute journal pages and pencils. Guide kids to think about and answer the questions
listed on the page. As kids journal, invite them to share their ideas.
• What does this story teach me about God or the gospel?
• What does the story teach me about myself?
• Are there any commands in this story to obey? How are they for God’s glory and my good?
• Are there promises in this story to remember? How do they help me trust and love God?
• How does this story help me to live on mission better?
Review the gospel and encourage kids to speak with you or another teacher if they have
questions. Then pray, praising God that Jesus seeks out the lost and uses us to share the
good news. As time allows, lead kids to complete “Who Said It?” on the activity page.

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