​Read all or parts of Acts 22:30-23:1-22 from your Bible, or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

      Paul trusted God and believed that God, who showed His love for the world by sending His Son to die on the cross and rise again, would use the danger Paul faced to get Paul to Rome. We too can risk everything to share the gospel with courage because we know that God loves us and will care for us.

     Paul brought up the resurrection of the dead, which he knew the Pharisees and Sadducees did not agree on. God used the resulting argument to lead the Roman commander to get Paul to safety. As a Roman citizen, Paul was protected by the Romans. But ultimately, God was faithful to help and protect Paul.

     Later that night, the Lord told Paul to have courage and continue to tell people about Jesus in Rome. God was working out all the details so that Paul could continue the missionary journey God had called him to. God was preparing the way and was in control even when the Jewish leaders made a secret plan to kill Paul. God cared for Paul and helped Paul escape the evil plan of the Jewish leaders. 

     God cares for each of us as well. While we may not end up in the same situation as Paul, we can trust that God loves us. God’s love for us should give us courage to share the gospel, trusting that He will be with us just like he was with Paul.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1:  What are some ways that God has shown you that He cares for you?

ANSWER:   Answers will vary. Encourage kids to consider ways God has provided for their needs in their lives. Point them to the gospel, and remind kids that God shows His greatest care for us by not leaving us to face the eternal consequences for our sins. He wants to be our Father forever by faith in Jesus Christ, and He showed His care by sending Jesus to die on our behalf. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:   Paul trusted that God would help him even when it was scary. Tell me about a time you have trusted God. 

ANSWER:    Answers will vary. Tell kids that the Christian life is all about trusting God all the time. Discuss how we trust in Jesus for salvation and how we trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. Help kids understand that trusting in God means we believe in who He says He is and what He has promised. (If needed, rephrase the question to “Share about an opportunity in the future when you can choose to trust God.”)   

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

     Thank You for always being with us and for the protection we find in You. May we have courage to share about Jesus with those we meet. Amen.

EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

  Thank You, Lord, for Your love and care for us. Thank You for sending Jesus as the sacrifice for our sin. Help us to confidently and courageously trust You, knowing You are in control and care for us. Amen.