This lesson teaches children that God is with us even when we are in trouble, and that we can always tell the truth and do what is right. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is with us even when people treat us unfairly, so we can always tell the truth and do what is right. Paul kept trusting God while he waited in prison.
Memory Verse
Acts 24:16
Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
(WEB)
Teach the children to place one hand on their heart and then stretch both arms out wide. Say the verse slowly together, moving your hands with each phrase, so the motion reminds them to keep their hearts clean before God and before others.
The Story: Acts 24 for Kids
Paul had been in trouble for a long time. Some Jewish leaders were very angry at him. They came to the governor, whose name was Felix, and they hired a lawyer named Tertullus to speak against Paul. Tertullus used fancy words to flatter Felix and then said that Paul was causing trouble everywhere he went.
When it was Paul’s turn to speak, he did not use fancy words. He told Felix the truth. He said he had gone to Jerusalem to worship God, and that no one had found him arguing with people or stirring up a crowd. He said he believed everything written in God’s Word, and he believed that God would raise the dead.
Felix knew a lot about the way of Jesus, but he did not decide Paul’s case. He said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” Then he told the soldiers to keep Paul in prison, but to let his friends visit him and take care of him.
Felix later called Paul to talk with him and his wife, Drusilla. Paul talked about trusting Jesus, about doing what is right, about controlling our actions, and about how God will judge everyone one day. Felix became scared and said, “You may go for now. I will call for you later.” Felix hoped Paul would pay him money, so he kept talking with Paul many times, but he never set him free.
Two years passed. Then a new governor named Festus took Felix’s place. Felix wanted the Jewish leaders to like him, so he left Paul in prison. Paul had to wait, but God was still with him.
Read It Together
Acts 24:10-11
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.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul did not start by insulting anyone. He calmly said he would answer the charges and then explained what had really happened. Ask the children how they can speak kindly and calmly when someone accuses them of something.
Acts 24:12-13
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)
Show the children that Paul simply told the truth about where he had been and what he had been doing. Explain that being honest means saying what really happened, even when others try to make us look bad.
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)
Point out that Felix was scared when he heard about God’s judgment and righteousness. Remind the children that feeling scared about doing wrong can be a gift from God that helps us turn toward Him.
Talk About It
- What did the Jewish leaders say about Paul, and what did Paul say about himself?
- How do you think Paul felt sitting in prison for two whole years?
- Why is it important to tell the truth even when someone says things that are not true about you?
- What do you think Felix was thinking about when he said, “You may go for now”?
- How can you trust God when things seem unfair or when you have to wait for a long time?
Activity Ideas
Heart and Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big heart on the paper and write or draw one true thing they want to say to God. Inside the heart, they can draw a small picture of themselves telling the truth. Talk together about how God sees our hearts and loves us even when we feel scared or misunderstood.
Prison Wait Game
You will need a chair or small table and a timer or clock. Have one child sit quietly in the chair while the others take turns walking slowly around the room saying one thing they can do while they wait, like praying, singing, or helping someone. When the timer rings, switch roles. Explain that Paul waited a long time but kept trusting God and encouraging others.
Truth Telling Card
You will need an index card or scrap paper, a pen, and a sticker if you have one. Ask each child to write the words “I can tell the truth” on the card and decorate it. Encourage them to take it home and place it somewhere they will see it each morning. Ask them to think about one time that week when telling the truth would help someone.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s purposes can continue even when a faithful person is unjustly held in custody for years. Paul’s defense is calm, honest, and centered on his hope in God, and his conscience stays clear before both God and people. The chapter also shows how power and self-interest can delay justice, as Felix hoped for a bribe and then left Paul bound to please others.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will always get us out of hard situations right away. Paul stayed in prison for two years, and the text does not promise a quick rescue. Focus instead on God’s presence and on telling the truth and doing what is right, even when the outcome is not what we hope for.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for being with us when things feel hard or unfair. Help us tell the truth and do what is right, even when it is difficult. Help us trust you while we wait, just like Paul did. Please keep our hearts clean and our words kind. Amen.
