Acts 24 teaches children that Paul stayed calm, honest and brave when people told lies about him, because he trusted God to take care of him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
We can tell the truth and stay brave, even when people say untrue things about us, because God sees everything and always takes care of His people.
Memory Verse
Acts 24:16
Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and say the verse slowly. Then tap your heart twice for “clean” and lift both hands up for “toward God and men,” as if you are reaching out to people on both sides.
The Story: Acts 24 for Kids
Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem, and now he was standing in front of a governor named Felix. The high priest Ananias had come with some leaders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They wanted Felix to punish Paul, so they told a list of big, untrue stories about him.
Tertullus said Paul was a troublemaker who stirred up fights all over the world. He said Paul even tried to make the temple unclean. The other Jewish leaders nodded and agreed with everything he said.
Then it was Paul’s turn to speak. He was calm and friendly. He told Felix that he had only been in Jerusalem for about twelve days, and that he had been worshiping God, not making trouble. He said, “I serve the God of our fathers,” and he told them he believed everything written in the law and the prophets.
Paul did not hide anything. He told Felix that he hoped God would raise the dead, and that he tried every day to keep his heart clear before God and other people. Felix was a little afraid of what Paul said, so he sent Paul away for now and said he would talk again later.
Felix kept Paul in prison for two years. Paul stayed patient the whole time, and God was still with him in that prison.
Read It Together
Acts 24:10-13
10 When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. 12 In the temple they didn’t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul did not yell or argue. He calmly explained that he had not been causing trouble, and he trusted that the truth would be seen. Ask children how they feel when someone says something untrue about them.
Acts 24:14-15
14 But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 15 having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
(WEB)
Show children that Paul was not ashamed of his faith. He said plainly that he served God and hoped in God. Help them see that being honest about what we believe is a good thing to do.
Acts 24:25
As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
(WEB)
Explain that Felix felt scared when he heard about God’s goodness and the judgment to come. Point out that God’s words can make people think hard about how they are living, and that is a good reason to pray for people who do not know Jesus yet.
Talk About It
- What did the people say that was not true about Paul?
- How do you think Paul stayed calm when people were being unkind to him?
- What is one way you can tell the truth when someone says something untrue about you?
- Why do you think it is important to keep your heart clean before God and other people?
- How can God help you feel brave when you are scared, like Paul was?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Courtroom Scene
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw Paul standing in front of Governor Felix, with the other leaders nearby. Encourage them to draw Paul with a calm, peaceful face. Let them tell you about their picture, and ask them what they think Paul was feeling inside.
Truth Freeze Game
You will need a small open space and a timer or a clock with a second hand. Call out simple true statements, like “I have two hands,” and simple untrue ones, like “I can fly to the moon.” Children stand tall and say the true ones, and freeze like statues when they hear an untrue one. Talk about how Paul kept telling the truth even when others did not.
Heart Clean Card
You will need a sheet of cardstock or a paper plate, a pencil, scissors, and crayons. Have children trace a heart shape and decorate it with bright colors. Write the memory verse on the back for them to copy or read with you. Encourage them to keep the card on their nightstand or in their backpack as a reminder to keep their hearts clean before God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that faithful people can face false accusations and unjust treatment without losing their integrity. Paul spoke honestly about his faith and hope in the resurrection, and he kept a clear conscience before God and people. The chapter also shows that God’s purposes continue even when a faithful servant is kept in prison for a long time.
With children, avoid suggesting that everyone who tells the truth will be rescued from trouble right away. Paul stayed in prison for two years, so be honest that doing right does not always bring quick results. Focus instead on the fact that God was with Paul, and that He remains faithful to us in hard seasons.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, help us to tell the truth and to stay brave like Paul. When people say things that are not true, help us stay calm and trust You. Keep our hearts clean before You and kind to others. Amen.
