​Read all or parts of Acts 24-25 from your Bible, or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

     While Paul was in prison, God gave Paul many opportunities to share the gospel with people in positions of power. Paul had not done anything to deserve being in prison, but God used Paul’s imprisonment to preach the good news to people who needed to hear. Paul shared the gospel with Felix and his wife, Festus, King Agrippa, and Queen Bernice. Paul was not afraid or ashamed to tell others about Jesus.

     When Paul shared his faith in Jesus with Felix, he told Felix that God was going to judge the world. This made Felix afraid because he did not have right standing with God because he had not placed his faith in Jesus. Felix deserved God’s judgment on his sin because he had not trusted in Jesus to save him from the punishment sin deserves. In that moment, Felix had a chance to turn from sin and trust in Jesus, but instead he sent Paul away.

      Then Paul shared his faith in Jesus with King Agrippa and Queen Bernice. He told them how Jesus had saved him and how all who trust in Jesus will be raised to new life. When Paul mentioned the resurrection, Festus said Paul was crazy! But Paul spoke the truth. He shared that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. Paul wanted everyone to believe in Jesus. Anyone who trusts in Jesus will be raised to new life and live with Him forever.

     All of these events happened just like God said they would. Even before Paul started his missionary journeys, God said that Paul would take the gospel to Jews, Gentiles, and even kings. (Acts 9:15) We can learn from Paul and follow his example by sharing the gospel with whoever God leads us to. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1:   Jesus was falsely accused by unbelieving Jews. We read that Paul was also falsely accused and imprisoned for his faith. Does this sort of thing happen today? Why? How should we respond? 

ANSWER:   Discuss how Christians today may still be falsely accused, imprisoned, and even killed for their faith in Jesus. Tell kids that the world is against Jesus and His followers. Encourage kids to remember that Jesus is with us, understands how it feels when we are persecuted, and is honored when we choose Him over the comforts of the world.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:    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? 

ANSWER:  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. (Optional reading Rom. 8:1-2.) 

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for Jesus. Thank You that He took the punishment we deserve for our sins. Help us trust in Him and praise Him for all He has done for us. Amen.

EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

  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.