The Plan to Stop Paul – Acts 23
This unit we will be talking about God’s plan for Paul, who had devoted his life to preaching the gospel and planting churches, in a frightening and dangerous position. As Paul’s third missionary journey came to an end, a prophet named Agabus warned him that the Jews would seize him in Jerusalem and hand him over to the Gentiles. (See Acts 21:10-11.) But Paul did not hesitate, knowing Jerusalem was exactly where God wanted Paul to go. Paul returned to Jerusalem and was seized by a group of Jews who wanted to kill him because of the gospel.
The Roman soldiers nearby saw the commotion and stepped in, taking Paul into Roman custody. Now Paul was in Gentile hands. Paul remained under Roman protection and was staying in the barracks when the Lord gave him a message: “Have courage! For as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you to testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). What a comforting message for Paul! The sovereign Lord told Paul his future: You’re going to Rome. Paul wasn’t exactly sure how he was going to get to Rome, but he could trust that God was working all things together for that purpose.
The next morning, Paul’s nephew uncovered a plot to kill Paul and reported it to the Roman army commander. The commander arranged for Paul to go to Caesarea, where he would be safe.
In this Bible story, we see God using human means to bring about His end. Even when others threatened his life, Paul trusted that God is faithful. He believed that God, who showed His love for the world by sending Jesus to die on the cross and rise again, would help him through hard times. We too can risk everything to share the gospel with courage because we know that God loves us and will care for us.
As you
talk to your kids this week, remind them that God calls us to be obedient and
faithful as we take part in His greater plan to show His glory to us and
through us for the fame of His name. No matter what obstacles we may face,
God’s plan for us is always for His glory and our good.
Check the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.
FAMILY STARTING POINTS
Preschool
– When should we tell others about Jesus? all the time
– God protected Paul so he could preach about Jesus.
Kids
– When should we tell others about Jesus?
We should always tell others about Jesus even when it is difficult.
– When Paul was arrested, God protected him so he could preach about Jesus.
UNIT KEY PASSAGE
Philippians 1:20-21
(Philippians 1:21 for Preschoolers)
NEXT WEEK (8/25) is a Family service. Worship bulletins for the children will be in the back of the sanctuary.
