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Acts by the Numbers Acts chapter 1

1 Summary Phrase

2 Memory Verses

3 Review Questions

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. — (Acts 1:8) And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same was as you saw Him go into heaven.” — (Acts 1:11)

The Ascension of Jesus and

Appointment of Matthias

1. What question led to Jesus’ teaching that the apostles would be His witnesses throughout the world?

2. Besides the apostles, who

was present in the upper room in Acts 1?

3. What two men were put for-

ward to replace Judas, and which one was chosen?

4 Minute Activity

Talking about a Treasure Parents, hide a small “treasure” (coins, play jew-els, etc.) in the house or yard. If you have a treasure box to use, that’s even better. Go on a hunt with your children to find the treasure. Once it is found, let the child celebrate finding this great treasure. To drive the lesson home, show how we should see the Gospel as a treasure and not be able to keep from telling others about Christ. Use Acts 1:8 and Matthew 13:44 for review verses.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 2

Summary Phrase Memory Verses

Review Questions

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. (Acts 2:36) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

Pentecost:

The Birthday of the Church

1. What miracles got the atten-tion of the people, so they would listen to Peter and the other apostles?

2. What two Old Testament books did Peter quote from in his sermon? 3.How many were baptized on

Pentecost in Acts 2?

Minute Activity

Learning the Facts of Acts 2

Visit http://www.childrensbiblestudy.com/acts/activities/crosswords/acts2/acts2p.html and print out the crossword puzzle from Acts 2. Use it as a way to walk through the lengthy text of this chapter. Parents of small children might also want to emphasize what baptism is, and why little children are never seen being baptized in Scripture.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 3


Review Questions

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6) “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19)

Peter and John heal a lame man, then preach the Gospel.

1. When the lame man was healed, where did he go?

2. Who did Peter give credit for the healing to?

3. Peter told the Jewish listen-ers that they should have known about Jesus. Why?

Minute Activity

Walking, Leaping, and Praising God

The miracle recorded in Acts 3:1-10 is a won-derful Bible account to “act out.” Let a child be both Peter (the one giving the gift of heal-ing) and the lame man. Let them enjoy leap-ing around, because that is how the lame man reacted to this miracle! After acting out the account, review the facts and emphasize that the point of these mira-cles was to point people to Jesus.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 4


Review Questions

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

(Acts 4:12)

For we cannot but speak what we have seen and heard.

(Acts 4:20)

Peter and John’s defense before the Jewish High Council

1. What teaching annoyed the Sadducees?

2. Why did the Jewish leaders do nothing more than threaten Peter and John?

3. What was Barnabas’s real name? Why did the apostles nickname him Barnabas? Minute Activity

The Power of a Nickname

Names mean something. When the apostles nicknamed a man “Barnabas,” they did so for a reason. Find a baby name book (or look this up online) and show your children what their names mean. Then, discuss why we sometimes give people nicknames. Finally, discuss what we can do that would make us like Barnabas.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 5


Review Questions

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

(Acts 5:29)

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus the Christ.

(Acts 5:42)

The Church faces problems from within and without, yet grows.

1. What sin did Ananias and Sapphira commit?

2. How were the apostles freed from prison, and what was the reaction of those who had put them there?

3. Why did Gamaliel say that the apostles should not be killed?

Minute Activity

The Sourness of Lying

You will need something sour (a lemon or sour candy, for example) and something sweet (a sugar cube or sweet candy). Tell your children that you are going to say some things that are true about Acts 5 and some things that are false. Each time you say something true, they take a lick of the sweet candy, but each time you say something false, they take a lick of the sour candy. Further, you can get a clear cup of water and another of clear hand soap and show them how they look the same, but God knows the differ-ence. In just the same way, we may think we are fooling people by telling a lie that looks true, but God knows the difference.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 6


Review Questions

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preach-ing the word of God to serve tables.”

(Acts 6:2)

And the word of God continued to in-crease, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedi-ent to the faith.

(Acts 6:7)

The first deacons are

appointed; one, Stephen, is

falsely accused.

1. What was the problem that led to the appointment of the seven men we often call dea-cons?

2. What was the result of han-

dling this problem correctly? 3. What were the false charges

raised against Stephen? Why were they raised?

Minute Activity

Thankful for Deacons

Deacons hold a special place in the work of the church, as they are special servants who help keep various ministries going strong. Take the time to teach your children what dea-cons actually do (the word translated “deacon” means “servant”), then have them write a thank you card to one (or more) of our 21 deacons. It will probably mean more to a younger child if he or she hand-delivers the card or note.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 7


Review Questions

Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says...

(Acts 7:48)

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”

(Acts 7:59)

Stephen gives a defense for

Christ, then is stoned to death for his faith.

1. What major point about the Jewish leaders did Stephen keep bringing out in his de-fense?

2. What do we learn about

Moses that is implied in Exo-dus, but stated specifically by Stephen?

3. What can we learn about fac-

ing death from Stephen? Minute Activity

Learning about Martyrs

One of the hardest things to teach children is that some people die for believing in Jesus. If you use the Internet, you can get a Kindle ver-sion of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs for free. (You can also find many stories of martyrs through a sim-ple Google search.) Select a story or two to read to your children, and then remind them that, in some parts of the world, some people are still suffering and even dying for Jesus. Then, of course, pray that this persecution will cease. Pray also that, should Christians continue to face such awful persecu-tion, that they will be strong like Stephen.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 8


Review Questions

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

(Acts 8:4)

Then Philip opened his mouth, and be-ginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus.

(Acts 8:35)

Simon the Sor-cerer and an Ethiopian no-bleman are converted to

Christ.

1. Why did Philip rebuke Simon, though Simon had just been baptized?

2. From what book was the Ethiopian nobleman reading when Philip met him?

3. What are some personal evangelism “tips” we learn from Philip teaching the eunuch? Minute Activity

Thinking Globally about the Gospel

With the growth of information from around the world through mass media, most of our children realize that not everyone looks like them, or even acts like them. But are we teach-ing them to think about these other people and how to share Christ with them? Phillip had to learn that quickly, as he taught a man from an-other continent! Have your children think of a foreign land or people group. Then do some simple research to see the language and customs of those people. Finally, try to learn if there are missionaries in that part of the world. If you find some, pray for them. If not, spend time praying for a way to communicate with people in that land about the Lord. (Your children might be better at this than you are, utilizing the Internet and social media!)

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 9


Review Questions

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

(Acts 9:15)

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

(Acts 9:31)

Saul of Tarsus is converted to

the Lord and Tabitha is raised from the

dead.

1. Why did Jesus say Saul was persecuting Him? What does this teach us about the Church?

2. How did Saul escape the Jews in the city of Damascus? 3. Why was Dorcas (Tabitha) loved by those in Joppa?

Minute Activity

Being Generous Like Tabitha

In the “wake” of the landmark account of Saul’s conversion, we also have the wonderful account of Tabitha being raised from the dead. This woman’s life has inspired many to just “do what they can” for the Lord. Since Tabitha is most well-remembered for working with clothing, have your children se-lect one or two items of clothing (preferably something nice) to simply give away. These can be taken to a store for donation, or to a family you know who is in need. If you choose a family, have your children write a small note of encouragement, and don’t forget to invite the family to study the Bible! Be a Tabitha!

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 10


Review Questions

And the voice came to him [Peter] again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

(Acts 10:15)

So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that god shows no partiality.”

(Acts 10:34)

The Gospel comes to the

Gentiles at the house of

Cornelius.

1. What lesson was Peter taught in the vision of the animals in the sheet?

2. List as many of the good qualities of Cornelius as you can. 3. What happening proved to the “circumcised” (Jews) that these Gentiles should be bap-tized just as they had been?

Minute Activity

Clean vs. Unclean

Make a list (or print out pictures) of animals that the Jews would have considered clean and unclean. If you need help, this website gives a lot of help: http://www.ucg.org/booklet/what-does-bible-teach-about-clean-and-unclean-meats/does-new-testament-abolish-meat-distinc-1/ Have your children separate the animals in some fun way (throw paper balls at the un-clean, etc.). After that, talk about how this is the way Jews lived for centuries, but how they also viewed Gentiles as “unclean” in a religious sense. Fi-nally, explain that this is why Peter and others had so much difficulty in understanding that the Gospel should go to the Gentiles, too.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 11


Review Questions

If then God gave the same gift to them as He gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?

(Acts 11:17)

And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

(Acts 11:21)

Peter reports on converting the Gentiles, and the Church

grows in Antioch.

1. What was the charge against Peter that led him to deliver the report about converting Cornelius’ house?

2. After Peter’s defense, how did the listeners respond and what can we learn from their response? 3. What were the disciples called for the first time in An-tioch?

Minute Activity

Reporting about Cornelius

Peter had to “report” to some church leaders, to convince them that the Gospel was to be taught to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Have your children “report” the story of the conversion of the household of Cornelius. They could do so in several ways. A few ideas: 1. Since Peter had to face some who were

quite upset, you could have your children act this out like a courtroom scene.

2. They could tell the story of the conversion of Cornelius as a news report.

3. They could prepare a short paper, telling the story in their own words, and bring it to your family Bible time to read.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 12


Review Questions

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.

(Acts 12:1)

But the word of God increased and mul-tiplied.

(Acts 12:24)

James is killed, and Peter is imprisoned,

but miraculously

released.

1. How was Peter released from prison?

2. Where were the Christians meeting to pray for Peter? 3. Why was Herod put to death by the Lord?

Minute Activity

Peter’s Release

The account of Peter being released by an angel, then of the Christian’s confusion, is a wonderful account for children to “reenact.” Read the text, then have them act out the different parts of this account. Make sure you focus their atten-tion on the different emotions that are so clearly written about in Acts 12 (Peter’s confu-sion, the Christians questioning Rhoda, etc.). End by speaking about God’s amazing power, as well as the power of prayer.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 13


Review Questions

Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga and Pamphylia. And John left them and re-turned to Jerusalem.

(Acts 13:13)

As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.

(Acts 13:42)

Paul begins his first missionary

journey and preaches to Jews, then Gentiles, in

Antioch.

1. Why did Paul go to teach first at the synagogue upon entering Antioch?

2. For what reason(s) did the Jews despise the teaching of Paul and Barnabas? 3. What was the reaction of Paul and Barnabas from being driven from Antioch by the Jews?

Minute Activity

History Lesson You may find a more interactive way to do this, but Paul’s sermon (verses 16-41) is based upon proving from history that Jesus truly was the promised Messiah. Take this sermon and re-hearse this history with your children. (Read the sermon, or just have them walk through the Old Testament facts found in it.) You might be amazed at how many parts of it they remember! After rehearsing this history, take a moment and write a short “thank you” note to the Bible class teachers who have helped your children learn these important Bible facts.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 14


Review Questions

Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

(Acts 14:15)

And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gen-tiles.

(Acts 14:27)

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey ends after both success and persecution.

1. (Going back to chapter 13), can you name all the places Paul traveled on his first mis-sionary journey?

2. To what Greek gods did the people at Lystra compare Paul and Barnabas, and why? 3. What made it remarkable that Paul and Barnabas re-turned to Lystra on this jour-ney?

Minute Activity

Mapping Paul’s Journey Using posterboard of butcher paper, draw a sketch of the Roman Empire. With that map in place, have your children plot the travels of Paul on this first Missionary Journey. If you wish, have them draw a small picture at each location to remind them of one significant event that happened in each place. To finish, draw a line connecting all these places together to chart out his travels. NOTE: If you need some help finding these places, visit: http://www.biblestudy.org/maps/pauls-first-journey-map.html

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 15


Review Questions

And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and be-lieve.”

(Acts 15:7)

That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep your-selves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

(Acts 15:29)

The Jerusalem Council

1. What was the original strug-gle that led to the Jerusalem council?

2. Who were the principle speakers? 3. Later in the chapter, why did Paul not want to take Mark on his missionary tour?

Minute Activity

Good Out of Bad

The Jerusalem council met because of a strug-gle. Later in the chapter, Paul did not want Mark to travel on his missionary journey. How-ever, in both cases, God was able to bring good out of the situation. Talk about how bad things can be used for good. Then, ask for some examples from their own life of when something wasn’t good, but a good thing came from it.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 16


Review Questions

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

(Acts 16:9)

And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his fam-ily.

(Acts 16:33)

Paul goes to

Macedonia and converts Lydia and the jailer in

Philippi.

1. What was the significance of the vision that Paul received from Macedonia?

2. Why were Paul and Silas thrown in prison, and what were they doing while in prison? 3. What question did the jailer ask that we all need to ask in our lives?

Minute Activity

Singing In Difficult Times Select a song that may not be too familiar to you or your children. Try to select a hymn that deals with trust, faith, hope, or another similar topic. (Remember that the back of most song books has a topical index.) Teach your children this song, focusing on the words. Then show them how knowing lyrics like these can help them sing (even if only in their hearts) in difficult times. You may even want to have them pretend like they are Paul and Silas in prison, but still sing-ing this song!

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 17


Review Questions

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

(Acts 17:11)

For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, “To the Un-known God.” What therefore you wor-ship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

(Acts 17:23)

Paul travels to Thessalonica, Berea, then Athens and preaches on Mars Hill.

1. What reason is given for say-ing the Christians in Berea were “noble?”

2. Name some of the groups to whom Paul spoke while in Ath-ens. 3. Why did Paul say that God commands all people every-where to repent?

Minute Activity

The Foolishness of Idolatry Athens was (in)famous for having thousands of idols. Paul saw those idols and noticed that one was even to “the unknown god,” presumably in case they had “forgotten” a god. To illustrate to your children how silly idolatry is, take a Mr. Potato Head (or other similar toy) and make it look as silly as you an (or let them do it). Then proclaim this silly-looking “idol” as the “god of” something. Discuss how this is how foolish idolatry is! Talk to them about how idols are made by people, then worshiped. Then talk about how God is not created, but that He created us. Finally, discuss how we can make things like TV or celebrities a “god” (an “idol”) if we are not careful!

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 18


Review Questions

When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.

(Acts 18:5)

But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

(Acts 18:23)

Paul teaches for a year and a half in Corinth.

1. What husband-wife team were tentmakers along with Paul?

2. What did the Lord say to Paul in a vision that caused him to stay in Corinth for 18 months? 3. What can we learn from the way Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos?

Minute Activity

Tent-Making Missions Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla were all tentmakers, but also continued to preach and teach. They serve as wonderful examples for us of how peo-ple can have a vocation, but continue to be mis-sionaries right where they are. Have your children list some ways they can be missionaries in the places they normally go (school, ball teams, neighborhood, etc.). Talk to them about how you have spoken to people in “normal” settings about the Lord. Bonus idea: you may want to set up a tent in the backyard to do this activity, or at least set up a sheet in the living room made to look like a tent!

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 19


Review Questions

And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the king-dom of God.

(Acts 19:8)

And a number of those who had prac-ticed magic arts brought their books to-gether and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousands pieces of silver.

(Acts 19:19)

The preaching of Christ in

Ephesus leads to a riot.

1. Whose seven sons were spo-ken to by an evil spirit, then the evil spirit was driven out by Paul?

2. Why was Demetrius upset concerning the message of Paul in Ephesus?

3. What did the town clerk say that stopped the riot in Ephesus?

Minute Activity

Settling the Riot The city of Ephesus was in a total uproar over the preaching of Jesus Christ. Because the city had a temple to a goddess and made money on it, they didn’t like anything that would harm their way of life. This led to a riot. However, by the end of the chapter, the town clerk stopped the riot and caused people to think about what they were doing. Each of us will be in situations where we need to be like this clerk. Discuss some ways we can talk to people and settle down a situation, even when it seems as if it is getting out of control.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 20


Review Questions

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread Paul talked with them, intending to de-part on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.

(Acts 20:7)

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with His own blood.

(Acts 20:28)

Paul’s Meeting with the elders of Ephesus

1. What man fell asleep during Paul’s sermon and died, but then was raised?

2. What warning did Paul give to the elders of Ephesus for after he left?

3. Finish this statement from Jesus: “It is more blessed to give…”

Minute Activity

Strong in God’s Word Paul obviously loved the elders of the church in Ephesus. As he met with them in the latter part of Acts 20, he reminded them of his work while he was there. Have your children go through verses 18-36 and list as many of the good traits of Paul as they can find. They may even want to underline them in their own Bible. Once you have a good list, talk about how these are traits that we all should have if we are going to be strong and faithful in teaching others about God, and in being an example to those around us. Finally, let them choose one or two of these traits and talk about how they can live them out in a practical way.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 21


Review Questions

Then Paul answered, “What are you do-ing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be impris-oned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

(Acts 21:13)

And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

(Acts 21:31)

Paul returns to Jerusalem and is arrested in the temple.

1. When Paul arrived in Jerusa-lem, what problem was the church facing?

2. What was the reason given for Paul being arrested?

3. Why was Paul given permis-sion to speak to the people as he was being brought to the barracks?

Minute Activity

The Importance of Order One of the more humorous accounts in Acts is how the Roman leaders could not control the crowd as they were all shouting different things about Paul. Let your children all talk at the same time, then see if they remember much of what was said. Next, show them how the crowd had to be set-tled in order to hear Paul. This is not only a good lesson to learn for man-ners’ sake, but also it is a way to teach them to be considering when someone is preaching or teaching the Bible. Our silence may allow some-one to hear the Truth who has never heard or understood it before, while our noise may dis-tract someone from hearing.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 22


Review Questions

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, call-ing on His name.

(Acts 22:16)

But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citi-zen and uncondemned?”

(Acts 22:25)

Paul’s defense before a hostile Jewish crowd.

1. What caused the Jewish crowd to become totally si-lent and listen to Paul?

2. What “word” led the crowd to stop Paul’s speech and call for him to die?

3. How did Paul keep from be-ing flogged by the Roman centurion?

Minute Activity

Paul’s Life in Three Paragraphs The defense Paul makes in Acts 22 is a quick rehearsal of his religious life up to this point. This short speech provides a great 3-point out-line of the life of Paul that children can memo-rize and quote. Verses 3-5: Paul as a devout Jew Verses 6-16: Paul meets Jesus and becomes a Christian Verses 17-21: Paul’s mission

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 23


Review Questions

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”

(Acts 23:1)

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

(Acts 23:11)

After escape, Paul is sent to the governor

Felix.

1. What subject mentioned by Paul brought about a division between the Pharisees and Sadducees?

2. Who delivered a message to the Roman authorities that helped Paul escape?

3. What simple fact prompted Felix to grant Paul a hearing?

Minute Activity

Paul’s Suffering and Jesus’ Suffering As Paul begins to be moved about the Roman Empire for various trials and hearings, his suf-fering begins to sound much like what Jesus Himself went through near the time of His cru-cifixion. Have your children write down some of the things Jesus went through, and then compare that with some of the suffering we see Paul en-during so far in the book of Acts. Of course, the lists will not be identical, but there will be many similar items.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 24


Review Questions

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believ-ing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.

(Acts 24:14)

And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judg-ment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an op-portunity I will summon you.”

(Acts 24:25)

Paul’s

Interaction with Felix the Governor.

1. Who was chosen by the Jews to make the case against Paul?

2. Why did Paul say he was ac-tually on trial?

3. What was Felix’s response to the defense given by Paul before himself and his wife, Drusilla?

Minute Activity

Paul’s Good Conscience

In both Acts 23:1 and 24:16, Paul made mention that he wanted to have a clear conscience be-fore God. One way to explain to children what con-science is, is to print out a STOP sign (on card-stock if you can) and then have them role play different scenarios. For example, what about taking a candy bar from a store without paying? When the child is considering the action, hold up the sign and tell them that their conscience is like their God-given “stop” sign to help us know when some-thing just “feels” wrong. Close by emphasizing the importance of training our conscience by prayer and learning Scripture (read Psalm 119:11).

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 25


Review Questions

Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.”

(Acts 25:8)

But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself ap-pealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.

(Acts 25:25)

Paul Appeals to Caesar and

Appears before Festus.

1. Why did Festus send Paul to Caesar?

2. What caused Festus to tell Agrippa about Paul’s situa-tion?

3. Make a list of those before whom Paul has appeared in trials thus far in the book of Acts.

Minute Activity

Paul Teaches Us about Waiting The trials Paul was in just kept dragging on. Sometimes, we must wait for the Lord’s timing, but doing so is very difficult. Select some items that show us the need for waiting in life. You might use seeds (waiting to grow to plants), or a baby doll (waiting for a child to be born or to mature). Then talk about how God will use that waiting time if we will let him. End by reading Isaiah 40:31 and Psalm 37:7.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 26


Review Questions

And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers.

(Acts 26:6)

And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

(Acts 26:29)

Paul’s Defense before King

Agrippa

1. As Paul rehearsed the words of Jesus on the road to Da-mascus, what was the pur-pose Jesus had given Paul for the rest of his life?

2. Why did Paul appeal to the Old Testament Scriptures before Agrippa?

3. What was Festus’s response to Paul’s defense?

Minute Activity

Respect for Authority As Paul has gone through his trials, he has stood before several leaders who were crude and sinful. However, in each case, Paul has been respectful of these leaders. While Paul never condoned their behavior, he followed the laws of the land and common courtesy in these set-tings. Reviewing these interactions is a good way to teach your children how to respect those who may not follow the ways of God, but who are in positions of authority. Let them list some posi-tions of authority they need to respect (teachers, police officers, coaches, etc.) and let them practice how to speak kindly to them de-spite disagreeing with them.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 27


Review Questions

When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

(Acts 27:20)

And he said, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.”

(Acts 27:24)

Paul is ship-

wrecked on his journey to Rome.

1. How many people were on the ship with Paul?

2. What leadership traits do we see from Paul in this chapter, even though he was a pris-oner?

3. How did God comfort Paul in the face of this terrible storm?

Minute Activity

Calm in the Storm

Storms will come in life, but in Acts 27, Paul faced a literal, physical storm at sea. Still, he was calm and trusted in God. This activity is simple, but requires true conver-sation. Ask your children how they can grow in their trust for God in times when things are easier, so that they can face difficult times in life and still trust God. You need to be willing to share some struggles from your own life, and how you saw God at work and remained trusting in Him.

Acts by the Numbers

Acts chapter 28


Review Questions

And when we came to Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the sol-dier that guarded him.

(Acts 28:16)

When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till eve-ning he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Proph-ets.

(Acts 28:23)

Paul arrives in Rome.

1. What amazing event on Malta caused the people to think that Paul was a god?

2. What prophecy from the Old Testament did Paul say ap-plied to his hearers in Rome?

3. How can we say that the book of Acts ends with Jesus’ mission for the First Century church being fulfilled?

Minute Activity

Seeing God’s Promises Come True Children need to know that people can be trusted, but they also need to know that God can be trusted. Paul’s life, even with all its twists and turns, proves that our Lord can be trusted. As Paul arrives in Rome, he is seeing a great promise come true, but it has taken a long time and he has had to overcome nearly countless obstacles. To drive this home, review with your family some of what Paul had to go through, but how that, in the end, God was true to His word. Re-view some time in your life when you overcame something to see God’s promises come true, too. End with prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness.

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